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From
the Book --
Unlike other hunting
books, this one does not cater to the masses and specialize in subjects
such as how to set decoys, build a duck blind or use a duck call. This
book caters to a special niche – waterfowl hunting in North Alabama.
Alabama is a deer and turkey state and typically is not regarded as a
waterfowl hunting Mecca. Even though duck hunters in Alabama are in the
minority, it makes this tight-knit group even more special. If these
guys are not hunting ducks … they are thinking about hunting ducks.
Other states in the South Mississippi flyway offer more habitat and
provide more opportunities than North Alabama, but area duck hunters
have just as much desire and can hold their own with any other states.
The wide array and sheer volume of information I compiled over 17 years
was overwhelming. Much of the information in this book is cited from
technical and semi-technical publications, while
other is based on regional and popular belief. There was an extreme
abundance of some information on subjects such as management techniques,
while “gray” or historical information and photos were incredibly hard
to find. I cannot convey how satisfying it was to compile this book. I
have seemingly spent an endless number of seasons hunting without
shooting a box of shells, yet at the opposite end of the spectrum I have
experienced incredible hunts at the premier duck hunting places in North
Alabama. I only wish everyone could have walked in my waders and met the
hunters and experienced the sights that I did while working on this
project. By no means was everything covered about this great outdoor
sport we all enjoy. As you read this book, you will realize a lot of
circles have been closed, but even more have been opened. Volumes could
be written about the stories and experiences at waterfowl management
areas and duck clubs. Not all duck call makers or duck clubs are listed,
but a noble attempt was made to compile this information. I hope all the
readers of this book will come forward and help with any voids left and
help me complete a second edition of this book.
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