Sure it looks strange, doesn’t fly unless it has to and is generally regarded by hunters as the slightly better looking sister of the American Coot (aptly named by waterfowlers “Fulica Americana” (fool duck)). But did you know that the Ruddy Duck’s flavor was historically regarded second only to the Canvasback and Redheads, or as Hank Shaw puts it, “the original butterball? If only I had known this when I was 13, my uncles would have been quite proud of their nephew’s frequent harvest. While ...

The following is the first in a series of posts which highlight the lives of the boots-on-the-ground members that make-up Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Brad Brooks, Age 30, Boise, ID What’s your favorite style of hunting or fishing? Style to me is a question of how you approach hunting, not necessarily the type of weapon one chooses, which is typically how hunters define themselves. My style of hunting combines my passion for climbing, adventure and exploration. I seek out the places where ...

Larry Fisher, of Idaho, is part of the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers family. He serves on the national board, where he has put his shoulder to the wheel, doing the hard work necessary to keep our young, energetic organization focused and productive. As a sideline, Larry edits Traditional Bowhunter Magazine and a highly skilled "tradbow" hunter himself.  Larry's 2013 hunting season was in the planning stages when he got a rude surprise. His doctors told him he had a cancerous tumor on his ...