Canvasback, duck hunting, decoy and related photographs.
MODERN 1 PER DAY BAG LIMIT FOR CANVASBACKS. (THREE HUNTERS) IN THE EARLY DAYS OF SUSQUEHANNA FLATS MARKET HUNTING IT WAS COMMON FOR A HUNTER TO BAG HUNDREDS OF CANVASBACKS.
SINKBOX (DUCK HUNTERS COFFIN) In the early days of market hunting on the upper Chesapeake bay, shooters used sinkbox battery rigs for Canvasback duck hunting. A mother boat lay in anchor in the distance in case of swamping or other dangers involved in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Canvasback ducks somewhere on the Chesapeake bay. Notice a few mallards in lower left corner.
SNEAK BOAT, NIGHT GUNNING LIGHT AND GUN BATTERY. In the late 19th and early 20th century war was declared on Chesapeake bay Canvasbacks. This Sneak boat has mounted on the front a home made battery gun of at least six barrels. Also fitted with a powerful "jack" light, the boat was positioned up wind of large ricks of resting Canvasbacks. The gunner would then pound the side of the boat with the paddle sending the ducks toward him as diving ducks must take off into the wind. Deadly but profitable results were made as all six barrels were touched off at once into the flying birds. The guns could kill more efficiently if the Canvasbacks were in the air. The myth of the sitting duck is just that as when sitting on the water the vital organs are protected by being below the waters surface, and the head makes a small target.
Mannequin, Sinkbox and waterfowl painting courtesy of Ward Museum, Salisbury, MD
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