Top 5 Books for Duck Hunting (That Every Hunter Should Read)
Becoming better at duck hunting requires not only practice but also education. And what better way to learn more about duck hunting than reading the books written by the very best in the sport?
This article will explore the 5 best books for duck hunting - ranging from classics such as The Duck Hunter’s Bible by Erwin A. Bauer from the 1960s to lighter and more poetic reads such as Worth Mathewson’s Big December Canvasbacks.
So, if you’re looking to pick up great reads on the topic of duck hunting, make sure to read this article until the very end to find the titles that best suit your needs. At the end of this read, we’re also going to reveal a bonus book title that every hunter should read.
The Duck Hunter´s Bible
First on this list is The Duck Hunter’s Bible - a classic guide to duck hunting written by Erwin A. Bauer in the far 1965. The book begins with all the fundamental aspects of duck hunting, such as:
● Understanding the behaviors and habits of waterfowl
● Picking out the right hunting gear
● Learning, practicing, and mastering essential techniques
In the later chapters of The Duck Hunter’s Bible, Bauer also provides the reader with practical advice based on his extensive duck-hunting experience on scouting, calling, and decoy placement.
What’s unique about this comprehensive guide to duck hunting is that Bauer has done a very fine job of providing invaluable information without making it boring. He managed to enrich the narrative by adding personal anecdotes and stories, which made for a very relatable and informative read. Overall, The Hunter’s Bible is a fantastic choice for duck hunters from all levels looking to learn something new or refine their skills.
Bury Me in My Waders: An Old Duck Hunter Recalls His Fowl Past
Written and published by Don E. Webster in 2012, Bury Me in My Waders is a title that reflects on a lifetime (60+ years to be precise) of waterfowling. From when Webster was a young boy heading out on his first hunt in the rain with his father, to the suffering he went through due to the loss of his lifelong hunting buddies, the author of this book does an incredible job of sharing his best (and worst) duck-hunting memories.
The book is filled with sly humor, salty wit, and poignant reflection. The storytelling is charming and captivating at the same time. It’s a fun read and perfect for hunters who want to escape their day-to-day troubles and be reminded of their own duck-hunting adventures.
Though Bury Me in My Waders is a light and fun read, there are touching tributes to old friends, great dogs, and even what awaits every single one of us once our days are over. Bury Me in My Waders is widely regarded as one of the best books on duck hunting in history, making it a worthwhile read.
Don't Shoot the Decoys: Original Stories of Waterfowling Obsession
Written and published by Doug Larsen, this 2002 book is the perfect read for waterfowl hunters seeking a fine blend between classic storytelling and a more fresh, modern perspective on the obstacles and humor inherent in duck hunting.
Throughout this read, readers will uncover 20 of Doug Larson’s best waterfowl stories, which are told in a way that celebrates the sport but can also tickle the reader’s funny bone. What readers will conclude from reading Don’t Shoot the Decoys is that Larson is in many ways a traditionalist when it comes to waterfowling.
Throughout the book, Larson touches upon the modern hunter's struggle to come to terms with the past while living fully in the present. One great example is when he expressed his love for the hardy duck chasers in canvas coats who humped dozens of cork decoys through mud and mire to secret blinds. Later, he would also admit that he did eventually “adapt” to modern-day hunting practices by opting for the convenience of a four-wheel ATV, hollow-body plastic decoys, and portable blind heaters.
At times, Doug would also poke at modern-day hunters and how they tend to overcomplicate the sport. In one of the book’s chapters, he asked “Whatever happened to throwing rocks?”
Even though the book finds humor in the “small” and seemingly insignificant moments associated with waterfowl hunting, occasionally, it delivers a real zinger that can bring tears to the reader’s eyes.
Dream it
Dream it
The Language of Wings: Essays on Waterfowl
Published in 1999 by Mitchael Furtman, The Language of Wings offers readers an escape from traditional duck-hunting literature. This title focuses on exploring the ecological significance and natural history of waterfowl.
As readers go through the pages of this book, they’ll start to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of duck behavior, migration patterns, and their role in the ecosystem. Those who pay attention while reading will learn information which will have a direct impact on their success when hunting waterfowl, as they get one step closer to understanding ducks and how they behave in the wild.
Big December Canvasbacks
In 1999, James R. Babb wrote and published the Big December Canvasbacks, an almost poetic celebration of canvasback ducks and the art of waterfowl hunting in the Northwest United States. In the book, Babb shares his personal stories that revolve around the allure of canvasbacks, creating a narrative that is both humorous and adventurous.
The Big December Canvasbacks combines elements of natural history, hunting tales, and genuine passions for waterfowl, which readers will struggle to find in any other title. Through his impeccable storytelling skills, Babb brings the reader into the blind to experience the thrill and challenges of duck hunting from the comfort of their own home.
This book is a fantastic read for waterfowl hunters who have an appreciation for waterfowl hunting and need a little inspiration to get out of their homes and check out what the Northwest of the U.S. has to offer.
Bonus Book: The Rule Book for Your State or Country
If there is one book or piece of literature that every duck hunter should read, it would be the one that outlines the duck hunting laws and regulations within their state or country. Practicing this sport in the most ethical manner is key to becoming not only a better hunter, but feeling great after each hunting session knowing you did the right thing.
There are plenty of great reads on best practices when it comes to duck hunting. However, when it comes to the laws and regulations, experts widely recommend each hunter to do their own research as each state or country may have slightly different rules around duck hunting.
Conclusion
Though practice is essential in becoming a better duck hunter, learning from the experience of others is also a must. And what better way to do that than reading the very books written by duck hunters who have dedicated their lives to the sport?
Many of the titles explored in this article share not only personal stories and experiences with waterfowl, but insightful tips and strategies, which may not be immediately apparent in the field. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ve managed to find a title that you find interesting enough to pick up and read.
