How do we get more people hunting & shooting? Just Ask.
The 8th Annual Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic is in the books. This was the first time I had personally attended the event. I had heard what a great time this outing was, and the reports were absolutely correct.
The town of Colby, Kansas, was incredibly welcoming to all the hunters who had gathered. The farmers who offered up their private lands for us to hunt explained that no one else had hunted on them the first two weeks of the season, as they wanted to ensure there’d be plenty of wild birds.
The local Ford dealership hosted an opening reception for us to meet, greet and enjoy the mutal fellowship as we got to know the other hunters, guides and the local citizens who helped with the event.
Friday we enjoyed some of the sights of Colby, including the largest barn in Kansas, before we spent the afternoon participating in the Governor’s Sporting Clays Tournament. We laughed often as the wind would carry clay pigeons in what we considered to be the wrong direction, but also because we were enjoying the company and sharing our passion for the shooting sports and the outdoors.
We met our guide after shooting clays and made a plan for the following morning. During dinner we had a chance to meet other hunters and check out silent and live auction items, whose proceeds would go to benefit the future of bird hunting in Kansas.
Saturday morning’s hunt would prove a bit challenging. The temperature was just below freezing, but with a biting wind moving at 18 miles per hour, it was downright cold. However, as we walked, the dogs romped and the birds were harvested, the enjoyment of the day was felt by all in our group. The six hunters in our group took 17 birds before the day was done, and we enjoyed every minute of it.
As I mentioned, this was the 8th Annual Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic. This event was a little different than the previous seven in that of the 70 hunters this year, 11 were female. Why is this a big deal? It shouldn’tt be, but it is.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation recruited an all-female team for the event. The team consisted of ladies from different backgrounds, and varied aspects of the shooting industry: Dianna Muller, 3-Gun competitor and Founder of the DC Project; Sharon Cundiff, of Range Allies, a guide and rifle instructor; Yim Szeto, Marketing Coordinator of Blaser USA; and myself, the Regional Member Services Manager for NSSF. Along the way, we also collected Julie McQueen, Content Director at CarbonTV, and Cheyenne Dalton, an up and coming teenage 3-Gun shooter.
Aside from that little bit of background of information, our hunt was no different than the hunt of the 59 male hunters who also participated. We carried our own guns and ammunition, we walked the fields, we cut-up with our guides and we harvested birds as all hunters do.
Historically, when it is time to go hunting, men would gather up along with the male children and off to the field they’d go, leaving the women and girls home. Those days are gone — but not far gone. I engaged in conversations with several people on the hunt, and they asked why there weren’t more women or people of color hunting and attending the event. My question to them: “Did you invite any women or people of color to the event?”
That is what we as sport shooters and hunters need to do — invite people to go out with us, invite them to the range, invite them to shooting events. If we extend invitations to new shooters, new hunters and those who do not look like us, we will grow the number of participants and increase the number of dollars spent on excise taxes for conservation. That will be a big win for all concerned.
So, do you want to go hunting or to the range with me? It really is that simple.
About the Author
Tisma Juett is an NSSF Regional Member Services Manager for the Northeast region of the U.S. Juett’s enthusiastic passion and desire to grow the shooting sports is her driving force behind getting others involved and serving NSSF Member businesses at the highest level. Tisma is an NRA-certified pistol instructor who enjoys sporting clays, bass fishing, motorcycles and baseball.
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Beyond the Rifle: Essential Gear for a Successful Prairie Dog Hunt
When most shooters think about prairie dog hunting, their minds go straight to rifles, scopes, and a pile of ammo. But ask any seasoned “dogger,” and they’ll tell you—success in the field often comes down to the gear you bring besides your firearm. From hearing protection and shooting mats to portable benches and wind gauges, these extras can transform a hot, dusty day into an efficient and enjoyable hunt. In this article, we’ll cover the must-have ancillary gear that keeps you shooting comfortably and accurately all day long. And if you’re looking for deep dives into the best rifles, optics, and cartridges for prairie dog hunting, be sure to check out the full Prairie Dog Rifle, Optics & Ammo Guide from StepOutside.org.
By Bob Robb
Comfort and Communication in the Field
There are several items besides rifles, ammo, and optics that will make your day afield more fun. First and foremost, you need to communicate with the others in your shooting party, so electronic hearing protection is the ticket. That way you keep your ears safe and are able to talk to everyone in the group. You will also want excellent eye protection, preferably those that sit off your face a little to prevent fogging, as much for the shooting part as for protection from the blowing grit, sand and dust you’ll find in prairie dog country.
Reading the Wind and Cleaning Your Rifle
A little wind gauge can help you dope the wind and get a feeling for where you have to hold the crosshairs for different wind speeds. A complete gun cleaning kit with cleaning rods, brushes, jags and patches for each caliber is important, too. Taking a little time on high-volume shoots to clean the barrel several times a day is a good idea, as is completely cleaning the rifle at day’s end.
Get Low: Shooting Mats, Bipods, and Tripods
A real bonus is a shooting mat if you’re going to shoot prone, a common shooting position for prairie dogs. They’re also a little kinder on your butt if you like to shoot from the sitting position. While this isn’t optimum for long-range shooting, it’s great added practice for big-game hunting. I bring along bipod (which you’ll also need for prone shooting) or tripod shooting sticks and do quite a bit of firing from the sitting position, as it’s a position I find myself using a lot on spot-and-stalk hunts in the fall.
Portable Benches and Shooting Rests
On a really active town, you’ll often be set up in the same place for quite a bit of time, and this is where portable shooting benches are a great tool. These portable benches allow you to emulate your range's permanently installed sitting benchrests back home, greatly improve visibility and aid in accurate shooting. There are several on the market—some are mediocre, others pretty deluxe and some downright creative—and any one of them is better than shooting prone for an entire day. Another one of their benefits is that once you’ve worn out an area, the bench can be easily moved to the next viable spot.
Sandbags, Rests, and Shooting Vises
For prone and bench shooting, you’re going to need a variety of sandbags and shooting bags. Squeezing a small sandbag under the buttstock while shooting prone (and with a bipod on the front end), allows you to make tiny elevation changes without fussing with your scope. Larger sandbags placed on the hood of a pickup, a boulder or a shooting bench add stability to the front of rifles not wearing a bipod and protect those rifles at the same time. Bench shooters also tend to favor shooting vises. They usually have some sort of protective material the fore-end will rest against, some swing side to side, and most will have some sort of knob arrangement for elevation adjustments.
Plan Like a Pro: Sun, Snacks, and Safety
In all likelihood you’ll also be out away from the conveniences of a human-populated town quite a ways, so be prepared for anything and everything. On hot summer days on the plains, the sun can be brutal. Protect yourself with a good hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. If it’s not too windy, setting up an umbrella or tarp so you can get out of the sun for a spell is worth its weight in gold. That’s where you can set up a couple of folding chairs and a cooler filled with ice, cold nonalcoholic beverages, and snacks. Folding chairs are perfect for spotters as well. Fill up your gas tank, have plenty of liquids and food, bring a basic first aid kit, some bug spray and rain gear and always watch the weather. One year in Wyoming my group was forced to make a run for it when a tornado sprang up seemingly out of nowhere and raced right towards us!
That was almost as exciting as the shooting. On that particular day, four of us tallied how much ammo we had burned in the eight hours before we had to head for the hills. I still have my log book, and the number was 1,087. That’s impressive and why prairie dog shooting is something you should seriously consider giving a try.
Special thanks to StepOutside.org for providing this insightful content.You may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/hunter-education/how-to-use-natural-clues-to-read-the-wind/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/small-game/prairie-dog-hunting-an-exciting-adventure-in-the-wild/
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.
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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.”