Duck hunting is a long-standing tradition that combines skill, strategy, and an appreciation for wildlife. Hunters work to outsmart their feathered targets, and with seasons changing, duck hunting also plays an important role in wildlife management and the conservation of waterfowl populations.
Within the Archie Williams community, duck hunting is a tradition that some families have passed down for generations. The strategies are often learned through relatives or taught in a guided shoot since hunting has unique aspects. Duck hunting specifically requires hunters to have certain tools to maximize their success and ensure an effective hunt.
Duck hunters often use a structure or natural cover called a blind, which is a hidden shelter that allows hunters to get close enough to shoot. In a blind, hunters wear waterproof gear called waders that allow them to walk through water. Hunters use decoys that look like duck replicas, which attract real ducks. Carefully placing the decoys in the right spots can make all the difference in drawing in the ducks, and it requires both experience and patience to get it right.
Archie Williams librarian Vicki Llaverias is adept on how a usual day in the blinds operates, from the early morning setup to the careful wait for a clear shot.
“When you arrive early in the morning at the blinds, you wait for your number to be called, then go to the window, pick your blind, and gather your gear. After that, you walk out to the blind, which is often in the middle of a pond, where your waders come in handy. Since ducks are incredibly smart, you must set up your decoys carefully before settling into your blind and waiting quietly for them to fly by,” Llaverias said.
Following the proper steps and staying patient are essential parts of the hunt, but the rules and regulations are just as important, ensuring everything is legal and ethical.
When shooting in the blinds, hunters have to follow certain rules. To ensure that duck hunters are adhering to regulations, rangers are on site monitoring all hunting activity. The limits on the number and species of ducks that people can hunt change annually, with some years allowing only each hunter a single green-wing teal to shoot per hunt.
Hunters are also not allowed to shoot certain protected species. Mistaking a swan for a goose could result in heavy fines. Llaverias recalls an instance when her husband accidentally broke the rule on green-winged teals and shot over the limit.
“[My husband] got two green-winged teals in one shot because they always fly in pairs, and [the bullet] went through both ducks. He got both of them, and then the ranger came and he’s like, well, you have two. But it ended up working out because my husband told him that he got it in one shot,” Llaverias said.
Archie Williams freshman, Sienna Mccollum, has been hunting from a young age. Raised in a family where hunting was a tradition, Sienna learned early on to appreciate the sport through knowledge passed down by her father.
“We don’t waste anything when we hunt,” Sienna said. “The meat is shared with family, and we make sure nothing goes to waste. Hunting is necessary to manage wildlife. If we don’t hunt, who will manage the wildlife populations? It’s about balance.”
Even though Sienna enjoys hunting, she is aware of the responsibility that comes with it. She views hunting as part of a balanced ecosystem, and a way to help maintain wildlife populations.
“My dad taught me that hunting isn’t just about getting a kill. You can’t just shoot as much as you want. We have to be respectful of the animals and the environment.” Sienna said.
Archie Williams junior Jackson Faine holds a different view on hunting. Jackson acknowledges that hunting may be useful for food or population control, but he is overall uncomfortable with the concept of killing animals. His perspective has a more compassionate outlook on animal welfare.
“I think hunting disrupts the ecosystem, and sometimes the animals suffer in ways they shouldn’t,” Jackson said. “It’s hard for me to justify that when I think about it.”
Jackson has concerns about the impact hunting has on animals. He feels that hunting animals causes needless violence and unnecessarily meddles with nature.
“Even if people say it’s good for the environment, it doesn’t sit well with me. I understand it’s part of some people’s traditions, but I can’t get behind the idea of killing an animal just for sport. If an animal dies, I’d rather it be part of the natural process, not something caused by humans,” Jackson said.
Jackson recognizes that hunting could help control wildlife populations, but his views on animal welfare prevent him from participating in the sport.
“I just don’t think it’s something I could ever do because of the potential animal suffering. I feel bad for the ducks. I wouldn’t hunt because bottom line, you’re still killing animals,” Jackson said.
However, for those who do hunt, conservation efforts are key to keeping hunting a part of the future. Llaverias and her family have participated in the California Waterfowl Association organization because they believe conservation is crucial for the future of duck hunting.
“[The California Waterfowl Association] is very family-oriented, because they’re trying to make sure of the conservation of waterfowl ducks population for future generations, so people can pass down hunting to their kids,” Llaverias said.
The conservation efforts to protect wildlife are important to ensure that future generations can continue to hunt. By engaging with conservation and their efforts, hunters help keep the waterfowl populations up while also preserving tradition.
This story was originally published on The Pitch on March 18, 2025.