For years I was somewhat poor. I took what I could get (legaly). If it was a rabbit that suddinly stopped in the open, I shot it just the same as if it were running as fast as it could. So why would I treat a waterfowl any different? I shot them in the air as much as I could, but if one "slipped in" I didn't quarrel about shooting it on the water. If it's for food, and legal, do what you got to do. Hunting is a sport for some, and shooting a duck on the water may take the sport out of it for some, but if that's the difference between eating and not eating it's a little more than a sport, it's a way of life. After eating possum jerky for a few days and drinking boiled lake water a duck taken off the water and a hot cup of pine needle tea goes down good.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"

To each theyre own! The 1 guy I do most of my waterfowling with swats them on the water, I do not. Ill let them jump into the air before I start shooting. He knows I wont shoot them on the water so I always get the "are you ready cause im taking that big fat drake on the right". Ive got no problems with it,, he doesnt let crips get away, and he eats everything he shoots! Id rather have a guy swat them on the water to take them home to eat, than the guy who knocks them out of the sky only to throw them in the garbage once back at the ramp!

I also only take "in the air" shots. If you need the meat as previously stated, hunt a larger game maybe.

I took my step-son duck hunting for his first time 3 years ago. We had a single goose come in. Perfect chance for the boy. He did not have his pump gun closed all of the way and the gun would not fire. I quickly (but safely) exchanged guns with him but by that time the goose had landed. I wanted to see him get the goose to help keep his interest so I (hesitantly) told him to go ahead and take it. After 3 shots, which all patterned well around the goose, it flew away aparently with little or no trauma. This proved to me that you shouold shoot 'em in the air. The feathers are just too thick to penetrate when folded up.

Good luck with the Duck!

The only time I will take them on the water is when I know for sure they are crippled. Period.

I don't think it's "unsporting" to shoot waterfowl on the water any more than shooting a deer standing still. I shoot close in and with quality loads which limits cripples. Shooting out range and/or with cheap ammo that is unsporting. And I eat everything I shoot. I don't shoot praire dogs because I don't eat them. To do less is unsporting.

there is no subsitute for quality

it don't matter... it is legal in washington to shoot them on the water so i shoot them anychance that i can get to shoot one... on the water.. in the tree... on the ground.. just shoot them... it is not unsportsman like to shoot them on the water.. take what you can get

I used to shoot ducks off the water... I stopped after all I was getting were buffleheads and other divers.

----------------------------------
just gotta hunt

I guess if you are hard up, hungry or just a poor wingshooter then it is ok to swat them anyway you can. If you really want sport then I recomend you at least try to learn how wingshoot.

When I was a young boy my Dad and I were sitting in a blind when a duck landed in the decoys. As I raise up to shoot my dad tugged on my arm and said "Son you aren't going to shoot that duck while he's swimming are you? and I sad "heck no, I'm going to wait 'till he stops!"

Shooting ducks swimming or flying is a matter of preference. I would certainly never chastise a person for shooting a sitting duck. As long as it is legal it is ok with me.

I only shoot ducks on the water if they're wounded to kill them because I don't hunt with a dog YET.

Wait, wait, ready PLUG EM!!!!!