Win a Waterfowl Hunt for Two in Saskatchewan’s Premier Flyway
If waterfowl hunting is on your bucket list—or if you’re ready to experience it like never before—this is the giveaway you don’t want to miss.
North American Outdoorsman, in partnership with NSSF — The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is giving one lucky hunter and a guest the opportunity to experience a fully guided, world-class Saskatchewan waterfowl hunt from October 1–4, 2025 with Aurora Skies Outfitting. The total prize value is $4,990 USD, plus bonus hunting gear from top industry sponsors.
Located in one of the most productive flyways on the continent, Aurora Skies Outfitting delivers unforgettable waterfowl action, comfortable lodging and exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter or someone looking to take their first trip north, this is the perfect opportunity to chase ducks and geese in a setting known for its sky-darkening flocks and scenic prairie landscapes.
Don’t miss your chance to win! This contest ends July 30th, 2025.
Mentorship in the Duck Blind: Living the +ONE Promise
Hunt Like a Girl and Beretta USA: Champions of the +ONE Movement.
By Daphane Cassidy, NSSF Content Manager
There are moments in life that stay with you, not because of grand spectacle, but because of stillness, presence and a kind of quiet reverence that settles deep in your bones. For me, one of those moments didn't come during the shot or the celebration, but in the still blue hour before it all began, standing in a sunken pond blind, surrounded by reeds and mist, with a shotgun in hand and half a dozen women breathing deeply beside me.
Sharing our experience of the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt: Sponsored by Beretta. (Videography by: Sara Liberte)
Hunt Like A Girl +ONE® Waterfowl Hunt
There's something uniquely powerful about watching someone experience their first hunt. As a long-time advocate of the shooting sports and a proud representative of NSSF's +ONE Movement, I've mentored many newcomers over the years but every hunt feels new again when you're guiding someone who's never stepped afield before. That's exactly what happened during the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt, held in partnership with Shoot Like a Girl, Beretta USA and NSSF, at Rocky Creek Retrievers in El Campo, Texas.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric, an eager blend of nervous anticipation and pure excitement. This wasn't just another event. It was a culmination of passion, mentorship and legacy-building. Four women, ranging from seasoned professionals to industry newcomers, had each invited a guest who had never duck hunted before. Some of these first-timers had never held a firearm. Some had been around hunting their whole lives, but just never had the opportunity to go. One of our newbies was here at the request of her sister, two were brought by colleagues and one was a friend chosen by our passionate +ONE contest winner. While coming from different backgrounds and comfort levels, what united them all was an openness to try something new and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.
The whole +ONE group together in the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
As part of NSSF's +ONE Movement, the goal was simple but transformational: bring someone new afield. The idea that if every hunter took just one person with them, we could change the trajectory of America's hunting heritage. And on this trip, we didn't just talk about it, we lived it.
The +ONE Vision in Action
The +ONE Movement is built on a simple truth: When we invite others to hunt or shoot for the first time, we pass down something deeper than skill; we pass down a way of life. It's not just a campaign, it's a cultural shift. And this hunt was a living, breathing embodiment of that vision.
(Photography by: Alexis Greene)
For me, mentoring is more than just a responsibility; it's a gift. You get to share in the adrenaline of a first shot, the quiet reverence of a morning sunrise over decoys and the genuine pride that comes from helping someone do something they never imagined themselves capable of. You see, the moment fear dissolves into confidence, when a woman who was hesitant to pick up a shotgun now smiles after folding her first bird over open water. You see self-doubt replaced with laughter and stories, shared around the fire or while walking through the field.
I had the honor of mentoring a few of the first-time hunters, guiding them through safety basics, shotgun handling and what to expect in a duck blind. Their nerves were real and completely understandable. But what never fails to inspire me is how fast that anxiety turns to exhilaration with the right encouragement and support.
The magic wasn't in instruction alone; it was in companionship. We laughed, learned, whispered advice and encouragement across the decoys. I watched one guest who was hesitant to even pick up her shotgun on day one light up when she successfully harvested a bird on day two. Another guest cried, not out of sorrow, but from the emotional weight of doing something she never thought she could do. She was joyful, overwhelmed, respectful of the life taken and empowered all at once. And honestly? So were we.
As mentors, we got to witness the +ONE movement from both sides: as seasoned hunters and as students once more, reminded of the awe and responsibility that comes with every shot.
The Morning Grounding: Becoming Present in the Blind
Each day began with what I can only describe as a grounding ritual, from the guidance of Karen Butler, Shoot Like a Girl founder, I was encouraged to create this moment for our hunters and step strongly into my role as a "Hunt Like a Girl" Mentor. Before any shots were fired, before any birds came into sight, we paused. We sat in that sunken blind, dew still clinging to the grass around us, fog curling low over the water and the horizon just starting to burn with the blush of sunrise.
Mornings from the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
We took a breath together.
We felt the wind on our faces and the earth beneath our boots. We noticed the weight of our shotguns in our hands. We listened to the reeds rustling, to the wings above, to each other. And we reminded ourselves to be here. Fully present. We were not just having an experience but creating this peaceful memory in nature, which we could always return to in our minds. It wasn't just about what happened, but how deeply we felt it.
I watched women with no prior hunting experience close their eyes and take it in. Later, several people came to me and said they felt goosebumps during that moment, as if something within them had shifted. They were completely present.
As a mentor, it was powerful beyond words. We weren't just preparing for a hunt; we were stepping into a moment that could anchor us for years to come.
Processing the Harvest: Turning Experience into Ownership
For many, the idea of cleaning and processing a harvested duck is intimidating. But that, too, is where empowerment lives, in the doing. Duck hunting, especially for first-timers, offers a uniquely approachable transition into game processing. With a small knife, a clear technique and a little guidance, anyone can go from uncertainty to capability in a single afternoon.
Learning the full process from hunt to harvest. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
I watched it happen over and over. Women who hesitated at first now worked with focused hands and growing confidence, processing their ducks with care and purpose. You could see it on their faces: I did this. Not just the shot, but the follow-through. They were now providers in the most primitive sense.
That evening, we ate what we had harvested. It wasn't just dinner, it was a culmination. A celebration. The connection from blind to table made it real in a way no words or photos could. One participant turned to me and said, "I didn't know I could feel this way, so full, so proud, so connected."
The Power of Partnership
It's important to say that this hunt wouldn't have been possible without the deep collaboration between Beretta USA, Hunt Like A Girl and NSSF. Beretta didn't just provide equipment; they brought legacy. Their 500-year tradition in firearms was woven into everything we touched, from the smooth action of their 20-gauge shotguns to the warmth and functionality of the women's tactical and hunting gear. The women didn't just use Beretta gear; we lived in it.
And Hunt Like A Girl, what a force. Their team of women brought experience, mentorship and soul to every corner of the field. Their approach to safety, empowerment and connection reshaped how many of our first-time hunters viewed themselves, not just as students, but as emerging participants in something powerful.
Bringing Women In: Changing the Invitation
For generations, women were often excluded from hunts. Fathers and brothers hunted, but the girls stayed home. That's changing and Hunt Like A Girl is at the front of that shift.
One participant told me she'd always been curious about hunting, but no one had ever invited her. Another said, "My dad hunted my whole life, but he never thought to bring me."
That's what +ONE is here to fix. We don't need to talk people into loving the outdoors. We need to invite them in.
Your Invitation
If you've ever wondered whether inviting someone afield makes a difference, let me assure you - it does, because I've seen it. I've seen it in the eyes of women who once said, "I could never do that," and now say, "When can I go again?"
So, I'll leave you with this: Take the pledge. Invite someone. Be the +ONE that changes everything.
Want to experience this hunt from a Newbie's Perspective? Check out this article:
By Robert Sadowski
The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots at LPVOs remain in the mix this year.
Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.
Apex Optics
Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10×24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10×24.
Check these out on: apexoptics.co
Barska
The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient night-vision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024×768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Check these out on: barska.com
Burris
The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a long-range shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance.
The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot.
Check these out on: burrisoptics.com
C&H Precision
The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun.
Check these out on: chpws.com
C-More
The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty.
Check these out on: cmore.com
Crimson Trace
Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping.
The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206.
Check these out on: crimsontrace.com
Eotech
The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9×32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets.
Check these out on: eotechinc.com
GPO
It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes.
Check these out on: gpo-usa.com
Hawke Optics
The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification.
Check these out on: us.hawkeoptics.com
Hi-Lux Optics
The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles.
Check these out on: hi-luxoptics.com
Pulsar
Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560×2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target.
Check these out on: pulsarnv.com
Riton
The new 5 Primal 3-18×50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree style set-up. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package.
Check these out on: ritonoptics.com
Umarex
The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other air-powered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More.
Check these out on: umarexusa.com
U.S. Optics
The new RISE Red Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications.
Check these out on: usoptics.com
Winchester Supreme Optics
The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lens multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces.
Check these out on: worldofwinchester.com
XS Sights
The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for self-defense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light.
The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153.
XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions.
While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight.
Check these out on: xssights.com
X-Vision Optics
The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount.
You may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/firearms/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2025/
Into the Blind with a +ONE: A Newbie’s First Duck Hunt
Experience the thrill of Niki Morrison’s first-ever duck hunting experience in the rice fields of El Campo, Texas.
By: Niki Morrison
Head to the Rice Fields of El Campo, Texas, with Hook & Barrel’s Director of Marketing
It was 5:56 am and 49 degrees. The navy-blue sky was lit by an enormous yellow full moon, stunningly reflected in the water below. The only sound was that of the wind, intermittently rippling the water’s surface. The air smelled like autumn, with a sweet scent of wet grass from the wetlands and rice fields surrounding me. The beauty of it all was overwhelming. Sunrise wouldn’t be until 6:48 am, but the action was allowed to begin, legally, a half hour before.
A First-Ever Duck Hunt
I was in a duck blind in El Campo, Texas, for my first-ever duck hunt. Hook & Barrel’s COO Natalie Radzwilla (aka my boss) and I were invited by Shoot Like A Girl, an organization that empowers women to participate in shooting sports. Shoot Like A Girl had teamed up for this hunt with Beretta and the NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) to implement NSSF’s concept called the +ONE Movement. With the mission to broaden the hunting community and secure the future of hunting, this initiative is simple: take someone who’s never hunted on a hunt—hence the “plus one” (I was technically Natalie’s “plus one” for this event).
I had wanted to hunt waterfowl for a very long time but never had an opportunity. I was extremely excited as I arrived at Rocky Creek Retriever Hunting Club Lodge to meet Karen, our host and the founder of Shoot Like A Girl, as well as the rest of the 10 women I’d be hunting with.
Gearing Up
After introductions, we headed to the shotgun range (a convenient 100-yard stroll from the lodge) to check out and practice with the guns we’d be using for the following two days of hunting. Waiting there for us was a stunning array of Beretta 20-gauge shotguns: A400 Xtreme Plus True Timber DRT (26-inch barrel), A400 Xtreme Plus OD Green (28-inch barrel) and A300 Ultima Solid Marsh (28-inch barrel). We spent the next couple of hours at the two stands shooting clays with the various models. I shot best with the A300 Ultima, so that’s the one I chose for the hunt.
Since at least half of us had never been duck hunting before, we got to do a mock duck hunt on the shotgun range, practicing the choreography that was to ensue after the guides gave us the go-ahead: stand, shoulder, safety off, shoot. I’m glad we got it nailed down before the actual hunt; the fewer unknowns, the better.
Besides providing top-of-the-line shotguns for each of us, Beretta and Shoot Like a Girl provided all the gear we needed, including a set of SHE waders, the Beretta Tri-Active EVO Jacket, leggings, vests, shirts, jackets, hats, and a killer backpack from Beretta’s tactical clothing line, and some cool Shoot Like A Girl swag. We were ready to rock.
Ready For The Blind
Rise and shine time was 3:45 am, which came on rather quickly. Natalie and I suited up in our waders in the cabin, clomped out to grab some coffee in the lodge, and loaded up in the trucks under a colossal full moon. It was quite the convoy—two SUVs hauling us gals, two guides’ pickup trucks hauling trailers with side-by-sides, two dogs in kennels, and a vast assortment of decoys. The location wasn’t far from the lodge, maybe 20 minutes, and once there we abandoned the vehicles, loaded up with our guns and gear, and piled into two side-by-sides. Five of us went with one guide and dog and six with the other. We were hunting the same property—flooded rice fields—but at two different blinds far enough away to not disturb the other group’s action.
It was pin-drop silent as we shuffled down into the blind, save for the anticipatory whining of our duck dog, an adorable black Labrador named Steel. We sat on the bench, a canopy of bamboo overhead, as our guide, Pete, put out the decoys. In Texas, the legal shooting time for ducks is 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset, so we had a good amount of time to enjoy the moonlit view.
Rice fields are considered a prime location for duck hunting because they provide a rich food source for ducks, making flooded rice fields particularly attractive to large waterfowl populations. Waste grain, weed seeds, and aquatic invertebrates bring tens of thousands of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes to this area of Texas, approximately 85 miles southwest of Houston. Many rice farmers lease their fields to hunters or hunting outfitters during the hunting season to generate additional income; Rocky Creek Retrievers and the fourth-generation rice farmers had been in partnership here for many years.
Incoming Waterfowl!
It didn’t take long before the first flock of ducks could be seen heading our way. Pete, in stage whispers, alerted us to flocks coming in, and before we knew it, he gave the command: “SHOOT!” That first round of shots was a success, and Steel ecstatically retrieved the ducks like a pro. Throughout the morning the flocks were consistent, and there were only a couple of times we missed and ducks flew off unscathed.
The most common duck species migrating through this part of Texas are wood ducks, northern pintail, northern shoveler, gadwall, American wigeon, canvasback, redhead, ring-necked ducks, lesser scaup, bufflehead, common merganser, ruddy ducks, and, of course, mallards, as well as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and cinnamon teal. While we did see quite a few flocks of pintail flying high overhead, the three species our group ended up getting were blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and gadwall.
The hours flew by quickly, the action never stopping for long. We’d celebrate our successful shots and cheer for the other group whenever we heard their shots faintly in the distance. One aspect of duck hunting I truly enjoyed was the fact that it was quite social—the times when ducks weren’t flying, we all chatted and laughed and ate snacks and had an absolute blast.
As the morning warmed up and the sun blazed high in the sky, it was eventually time to collect the decoys, load up, and head out. Into the waist-deep water we all went, making fast progress as we scooped up the slew of plastic ducks.
Trigger Time
Back at the lodge, we changed, inhaled some lunch, and headed out to a beautiful outdoor shooting range nearby so we could get some trigger time with some of Beretta’s most popular pistols, including the 80X Cheetah, APX A1 Compact, PX4 Storm Compact Carry 2, and the 92XI Squalo. While I was convinced the 92XI would be my favorite of the group (I have—and love—my 92FS), it was the PX4 that surprised me—I loved the way it shot, its overall size, and the fact that it is available in four caliber options. The gals and I had a blast the rest of the afternoon, shooting tight groups on paper and ringing steel. Team Beretta competitive shooter Jess Mauro even showed us some drills, impressing us all.
At dinner that night, I asked Karen Butler what her inspiration was in getting this group of dynamic women together for the hunt. “I started Shoot Like A Girl because I wanted every woman to feel the confidence that comes from shooting sports, and I’ve proved that if we can just introduce people to shooting in a safe and controlled environment, they become participants,” she said. “The NSSF does so much for our industry; their +ONE initiative aligns perfectly with our mission. Beretta asked us four years ago to organize an all-female hunt to take new hunters afield; each year these hunts have evolved. When we create content that highlights this great program, it is a win for Beretta, Shoot Like A Girl, and the shooting sports industry, as we must encourage new enthusiasts to guarantee our traditions for future generations.”
Duck Hunt Day #2
The next morning we were old pros. Load up, convoy, new location, different blind, and this time our groups were randomly shuffled. My guide was Marcus, and our beautiful and very talented retriever was Mandy, also a black Lab who just couldn’t wait to jump in and do her job. The morning went very much the same as the previous day—lots of birds flying overhead and consistent success shooting them.
All the guns, over both days, ran perfectly. Reloading was fast and easy due to the A300 Ultima’s enlarged and beveled loading port. Beretta shotguns feature a recoil reduction system called Kick-Off that uses hydraulic dampeners to reduce the amount of recoil felt by the shooter, which also allows for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. After two days of nonstop shooting, my shoulder barely felt it. High-quality ammo made specifically for waterfowl hunting—we used Federal Black CloudFS Steel—ensured the shots we placed did the job. However, we did not take the fact that we were taking the lives of these beautiful birds lightly. To be honest, I felt a brief sadness with each duck that went down, but at the same time felt gratitude to the ducks and the entire set of circumstances. To be able to harvest food that’s been completely untouched is such a beautiful thing.
Back at the lodge, we wanted to learn how to clean the birds—we’re no prima donnas! I found the experience to be much easier than I’d anticipated and, oddly, extremely relaxing. Natalie and I cleaned and broke down a good number of ducks, becoming more skilled with each one. I made sure I collected a few of the green and blue feathers from the teal and some spotted feathers from the gadwalls to stick in my cowboy hat band back home.
All in all, the duck hunt was everything I had hoped for: learning a new skill, successfully harvesting ducks, and spending time with ten new girlfriends. I’ve got the waders and the gear, and I can’t wait to go again and again.
We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. By clicking "Accept" or using our website, you consent to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them. ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Rice fields are considered a prime location for duck hunting because they provide a rich food source for ducks, making flooded rice fields particularly attractive to large waterfowl populations. Waste grain, weed seeds, and aquatic invertebrates bring tens of thousands of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes to this area of Texas, approximately 85 miles southwest of Houston. Many rice farmers lease their fields to hunters or hunting outfitters during the hunting season to generate additional income; 
At dinner that night, I asked Karen Butler what her inspiration was in getting this group of dynamic women together for the hunt. “I started Shoot Like A Girl because I wanted every woman to feel the confidence that comes from shooting sports, and I’ve proved that if we can just introduce people to shooting in a safe and controlled environment, they become participants,” she said. “The NSSF does so much for our industry; their +ONE initiative aligns perfectly with our mission. Beretta asked us four years ago to organize an all-female hunt to take new hunters afield; each year these hunts have evolved. When we create content that highlights this great program, it is a win for Beretta, Shoot Like A Girl, and the shooting sports industry, as we must encourage new enthusiasts to guarantee our traditions for future generations.”