Summer magazine celebrates retrievers, investigates status of waterfowl in North America

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — From the countless hours spent training to the once-in-a-lifetime retrieves gracing your sweetest dreams, a duck dog is a trusted companion for life. The Summer Issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine celebrates the retriever bond with a special “duck dogs” edition of the award-winning membership publication.

“This issue is an annual treat for Delta Waterfowl members, who collectively own more than 75,000 duck dogs,” said editor Kyle Wintersteen, who owns a pair of springer spaniels. “The Summer Issue trumpets the many ways that hunting—and life—are just better with a dog, while also providing advanced training tips and showcasing the best new retriever gear.”

In “Tracer Saved My Life,” Paul Wait, Delta’s senior manager of communications, tugs heartstrings with the retelling of how a one-of-a-kind retriever kept a destitute former soldier alive on his darkest day. Then, in a photo essay, “Heart of a Spaniel,” talented photographer Matthew Hicks introduces Clyde—a big, bad … Boykin? You also won’t want to miss Delta communications director Bill Miller’s take on establishing blind manners or a Delta Quiz that’ll put your duck dog knowledge to the ultimate test.

Further, the Summer Issue introduces Wait’s exceptionally investigated, four-part series on the status of waterfowl hunting in North America. Part One, “Are These the Good Ol’ Days?” provides in-depth analysis of continental duck and goose populations.

In “Shooting Over Sheet Water,” Christopher Smith breaks down the technique to successfully hunt skinny patches of water within croplands. “North to Alaska,” a must-read by Robert P. Williams, unveils the beauty of Kodiak Island while field-testing Benelli’s new “BE.S.T.” coating. And Nate Corley’s “South Meets North,” follows a group of southern waterfowlers as they experience the frustrations—and fruits—of hunting the Pacific Northwest.

Additionally, “World Leaders in Waterfowl Research,” by Delta’s waterfowl scientist, Dr. Chris Nicolai, looks at The Duck Hunters Organization’s ambitious research roster, which seeks to boost duck production, better inform hunting regulations, and much more.

And you’ll get a preview of Delta Waterfowl’s upcoming Duck Hunters EXPO. Buy your tickets now for the event, to be held July 28 to 30 in Little Rock, Arkansas. You don’t want to miss North America’s largest event dedicated to ducks and duck hunting!

As always, the Summer Issue carries a full slate of informative and entertaining columns such as Shotgunning, Strategies, Duck Dogs, Waterfowl Chef, and Last Pass to help you get the most from your waterfowl season.

The only way to receive Delta Waterfowl magazine is to join The Duck Hunters Organization. If you are a member, thank you for your support. The Summer duck dogs issue will arrive soon!

To join Delta Waterfowl, call (888) 987-3695 or visit https://deltawaterfowl.org/memberships/.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.