Greenhead Editor Brent Birch
With the 2017-2018 duck season underway, we are proud to present the second class of inductees into the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame. The state is steeped in such a rich history, the selection of those that are enshrined in this particular hall of fame is no small task. Many people have played or continue to play a significant role in bolstering the sport so many have enjoyed.
What constitutes a waterfowler is somewhat of a moving target. The term comes off a little more prestigious than “duck hunter” and in my mind, a waterfowler is more than a person that simply shoots ducks and/or geese. A waterfowler is not about how fast your boat motor is or how fast you can kill a limit. The sport offers so much more than that.
Personally, I would define a waterfowler as a hunter that perfects all skills required to harvest even the wariest of ducks. A waterfowler is tactful at working ducks to the call. A waterfowler is particular about decoy placement and how many to deploy. A waterfowler can start a cranky boat motor or scout for hours in pursuit of the next hot spot. A waterfowler is less about the kill, more about the experience. A waterfowler shares knowledge and provides opportunities the younger generation. A waterfowler appreciates the environment as well as believing and supporting conservation efforts to perpetuate the sport.
The judges panel took a hard look this year as to what qualifies a person aka waterfowler to be considered for induction to the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame. Given this is only the second year of the event, the panel felt the need to set a precedent of what is and what isn’t a fit. For clarity sake, putting people in a hall of fame just because they are really good at killing ducks is not what this aspires to be. Kudos to the panel of judges for taking the task head on and selecting another quality group of inductees.
The elevated criteria will in no doubt leave some names well-known in duck hunting circles out of the hall of fame. The effort wasn’t done to create controversy in any way. Inevitably, somebody, somewhere will feel there are obvious personalities that haven’t been included. That doesn’t mean they weren’t evaluated but in comparison to the George Dunklins, the Edgar Queenys, and the Larry Grishams…they just didn’t pass muster.
I hope to see you at the event November 30 at the Robinson Center where you can enjoy camaraderie with fellow waterfowlers. And if you don’t have tickets, please visit ArkansasWaterfowlerHallofFame.com to purchase. Unlike most duck hunter get togethers, this is a first-class affair that I believe was a shocking surprise to those that attended in 2016. Something about Marion McCollum wearing a camo sport coat is special.
Hopefully your first split in the season went well despite what projects to be tough water conditions when the season starts. We are always looking for ideas and prospective inductees so visit the website to submit nominations or offer ideas about improving the event. The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame will continue to grow and I hope you take an active role.
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