It’s 7 a.m. on a cold December morning near Obion River.
“Let’s get ‘em boys.”
A shot rings out as a group of hopeful duck hunters watch their newest trophy hit the water.
Grant Roberts, an experienced duck hunter and UT Martin Plant and Soil Science major, began hunting at age 8 with a bit of encouragement from his older brother. It is a shared hobby among Roberts, his brother and their friends.
His proudest moment to this day was when he first met the daily bag limit for ducks in Tennessee, which is four mallards and two wood ducks.
However, Roberts says that hunting isn’t always easy.
“If you have the passion for it, go in all the way, but you have to have a level head because it is stressful at times with the early wake-ups and the long walk-ins. You just gotta persevere and do it if you truly love it,” Roberts says.
However, the difficulty is also a part of what Roberts likes best about the sport. When hunting ducks, the set-up of the area is just as important as the accuracy of the hunter, which adds another layer of complexity to the activity.
Finding the correct area is just the first step. Hunters also must set out numerous stationary and motion decoys. In addition to the preparation of the area, there are many items that hunters must have before they are ready to embark on a full-fledged hunt.
“[I bring a] gun, shells, hot hands, a jerk cord, decoys, motion decoys, waders, extra clothes (if needed), duck calls, face paint, some drinks/snacks and a knife,” Roberts says.
Duck hunting is also an expensive hobby, often costing at least $800 for just basic supplies. Not only that, but each mounted duck costs about $300, and the wait list for many taxidermists is often lengthy. Nevertheless, to those who enjoy the hobby, it is more than worth the money and time required.
On the bright side, West Tennessee has many well-suited areas to hunt, with numerous species of ducks, such as mallards, wood ducks, green-winged teal, spoonbill, American black duck, pintail, ring-necked, redheads, canvasback, wigeon, gadwall and more. Roberts recommends duck hunting in timber holes, but says that hunting in flooded fields is also a good option. This makes the hobby geographically accessible for many West Tennessee residents.
With duck season starting on Dec. 4, both new and experienced hunters still have enough time to get supplies together and try their hand at this interesting hobby.
Roberts has many favorite parts of hunting, but one unique aspect of it is being able to experience a religious connection while doing something he loves.
“I love duck hunting because you get to go out in the outdoors and see God’s creation … we always say a quick prayer. Then we start the fun,” Roberts says.
