2008 November | Your source for all information on ducks

Palestine - Lame Ducks, Dead Ducks and Revived Ducks

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

david singer asked:

President George Bush became a lame duck on 20 November 2008 - giving up his unfettered executive authority to begin working closely with President-elect Barack Obama on important policy matters of significant national importance until his retirement from office at noon on 20 January 2009.

President Bush’s Roadmap became a dead duck on the very same day - after the Palestinian Authority placed full page advertisements in a number of Israeli and Palestinian newspapers urging Israelis to embrace the Arab League Initiative first proposed in 2002.

That Initiative was rejected by Israel on 25 May 2003 as having any role in the Roadmap negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to create a new Arab State between Israel, Jordan and Egypt.

The placement of these advertisements amounted to a total - and highly public - repudiation of the Roadmap by the Palestinian Authority after almost six years of totally fruitless negotiations.

Such repudiation should be immediately accepted by Israel so that there is no possible misunderstanding that the Bush Roadmap and the negotiating farce it represented is effectively ended once and for all.

The timing of the advertisements was exquisite - even if perhaps a little irreverent - in burying President Bush’s vision on the very same day he surrendered his absolute power to make any decisions on the future progress of the Roadmap proposals he personally instigated.

Dead ducks or mortally wounded ducks need to be buried or the stench soon becomes unbearable. They indeed abound aplenty and many people, countries and organizations will feature in the obituary notices.

The Quartet - America, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations - has been mortally wounded. It has now seen its collective prestige in jointly endorsing and promoting the Roadmap finally come crashing to the ground without achieving one iota of movement in achieving the Roadmap‘s objectives.

Yet the end of the Quartet’s negotiating role must be seen as a merciful release in finally terminating its public humiliation and embarrassing impotency at failing to have had the slightest effect whatsoever on influencing the course or outcome of the Roadmap negotiations.

Those countries who have paid up on their pledges totalling US$7.7 billion dollars to the Palestinian Authority just 11 months ago must be gagging on their duck pancakes - as must those other countries who have contributed billions of more dollars in the last 15 years to a totally implacable and unyielding Palestinian Authority.

Rejecting 90% of what you want and holding out for 100% - and being supported in that rejection by a host of fawning nations eager to throw money at you - has been brought to an end by a few full page ads.

The Roadmap - like the Oslo negotiations conducted between 1993 - 2000 - are now curiosity pieces to be picked over by future historians and conflict resolution centres as they ponder how 15 years of negotiations could have foundered in resolving sovereignty over a piece of land the size of Delaware.

Resurrection is not an unknown phenomenon in the Middle East and so the re-emergence of the Arab League Initiative from the dustbin will no doubt be trumpeted and discussed for quite a while.

There are even reports that President-elect Barack Obama will announce his support for the Initiative heralding a new and important foreign policy move by the new US administration. Mr Obama would be well advised to duck the issue and move very cautiously before taking to the air on such a flight of fancy.

Israel’s rejection of the Arab League Initiative in 2003 was unequivocal and for very good reason.

The Initiative called for the removal of about 300000 Jews then living in the West Bank and Gaza, complete withdrawal from the West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights and Lebanon and the emigration of millions of Arabs into Israel to turn the Jews into a minority population in their own State.

Some things have changed since Israel’s outright rejection of these proposals. Israel has evacuated all 8000 Jews from Gaza. It has withdrawn its military forces and ended its occupation in Gaza and part of the West Bank. 500000 Jews now live in the West Bank.

What hasn’t changed is the Arab League’s refusal to agree to any amendments to its six years old Initiative - which itself mirrors the Arab League‘s unchanged position for the last 41 years.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdelelah al Khatib confirmed this position telling Reuters on 27 March 2007

“The Arabs have agreed to reactivate the Arab initiative without changes. We reiterated that all Arab nations will adhere to the initiative as it is,”

Notwithstanding this “take it or leave it” approach both Israel’s President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have recently expressed interest in the Arab League Initiative. Both are lame ducks without any political power to translate their views into political action.

One duck still in full flight and prepared to throw her hat into the ring to seek election as Israel’s next Prime Minister is current Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni who told the Jerusalem Post on 20 November:

“Israel has interests that are incompatible with the Arab peace initiative, including the issues of borders, east Jerusalem and refugees. These [issues] are presented in the plan in a way that I find unacceptable.”

Any Israeli political party espousing acceptance of the unexpurgated version of the Arab League Initiative would face annihilation at the upcoming elections next February. Ms. Livni - the leader of the Kadimah Party - presently Israel’s largest Parliamentary party - clearly does not intend to be such a sitting duck

She now understands that embarking on protracted negotiations over proposals that do not have the remotest chance of succeeding is a recipe for disaster.

The Israeli media are winners from this novel Arab foray into the Israeli press. They would certainly welcome the boost to their flagging advertising revenues at this time of global economic downturn. They no doubt hope that this process will continue and that shuttle diplomacy and furtive backroom meetings will be replaced by full page ads on a weekly basis to inform the public about matters that impact on their very lives and on which they have not had any input.

The reality is that in the absence of substantial amendments to the Arab League Initiative there will be many more dead ducks and lame ducks on the hit list as the Initiative sinks to its inevitable denouement.

Sweet and sour duck might then be a good idea to serve on the menu as we all flock to hear ex-politicians on the speaker circuit telling us why Oslo, the Roadmap and the Arab League Initiative became fatally flawed exercises in peace making efforts between Arabs and Jews.

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How to Start Your Duck Decoy Collection

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Joseph Long asked:

If you are thinking of starting a duck decoy collection, there are many things you need to know. This article will help teach you how to start your own duck decoy collection.

Duck decoys were once only used for hunting, however collecting them has now became a popular hobby for many. In fact, some antique duck decoys have sold for over $100,000 at recent auctions, and they seem to be holding their value.

The first thing you need to ask yourself when starting a duck decoy collection is what type of duck decoys do you want to collect. You can collect old, antique duck decoys, new decoys, or a combination of both. But remember, antique duck decoys will be harder to find and can be more expensive to purchase than new duck decoys. Most collectors still focus their collections on the old, antique duck decoys because of their value.

Finding places that sell duck decoys is your next step in starting your duck decoy collection. You can usually find them at local sports and hunting stores, flea markets, thrift stores, marketplaces, and antique shops. However, since the invention of the Internet, buying duck decoys has become a much easier process. I recommend using online shops and auction places for finding quality, hard-to-find duck decoys.

If you are shopping for antique duck decoys, be sure to closely examine the decoys. Take note of any flaws or cracks in the decoys which could possibly lower the value of it. However, don’t be turned away from decoys if they have any small flaws. Remember, some of these duck decoys are over a hundred years old, so of course they are going to have some wear!

Duck decoys are made from a variety of different materials. You can find them made of hand-carved wood, plastic, foam, cork, and other materials. The wooden duck decoys are usually the better looking decoys, and most of the old ones were made of this. The plastic decoys can usually withstand a bit more wear and tear than the wooden ones.

If you like collecting new decoys, there is a wide range of decoys with unique abilities available to choose from. Some have realistic head-moving action, and others can make duck sounds. These can be a fun addition to any collection.

When you first start your collection, try to keep all your decoys in a safe, protected area. Keeping your duck decoys in their best condition will help your decoys stay valuable, and wanted by other collectors. You should be able to find actual duck decoy storage containers online.

Collecting duck decoys is fun hobby that can be shared with all your family, friends, and loved ones. I wish you the best of luck with your new collection!

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Advantages Of Breeding Ducks!

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Matthew Smith asked:

Since ducks are wild water birds, the common notion is that breeding ducks must be difficult. This is far from true. Ducks have been domesticated and strains produced to make it easier for breeding and used for egg and meat production.

The percentage of the poultry population that duck represents is ten percent and is second only to chicken, which is the most sought after.

With the advent of scientific breeding for ducks, things have changed tremendously for breeders and provide a greater scope for duck breeding.

There are several advantages of breeding ducks when compared to other poultry.

For one thing, ducks do not need as much attention as other poultry do and are not as sensitive. They are resistant to many parasites, avian and other diseases and this makes it easy to house them and feed them. Since these birds are tough and not delicate like chicken, they are good for integrated farming, and can even be bred along with fish.

A duck breeding area is easy to maintain and there are several places they can be bred. The marshy river side and wet land are perfect for breeding. Being small birds, they can also be kept in small pens or sheds. This eliminates the need for extensive farming houses with different temperature settings.

Even where laying eggs is concerned, ducks lay about 50 eggs more than chicken and these eggs are heavier by 15 or 20 grams too, making it much more profitable for the breeders. Duck eggs are in demand and there are some people who prefer them to chicken eggs. Although duck eggs are said to have higher fat content and more cholesterol, they are also said to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential for human health and cannot be produced by the body.

Ducks are mild natured birds and breeders do not have to worry about agonistic behavior. That’s what makes them good for breeding even from the hobby point of view. These birds are fascinating and kids love to watch them. They are small in size and do not need too much space too.

After hatching, it is very easy to sex ducklings and this saves on labor. Their feathers are valuable and many industries would buy them from the breeders for a good sum.

Duck breeding has become popular these days owing to the several benefits such as reduced cost of replacement, less feeding, less space requirement, more egg production and many more.

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The Secret to Cooking Duck

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Kristina Seleshanko asked:

After a long absence from the American food scene, duck is making a comeback. And why not? Well-prepared duck is tasty and healthy. Both domestic and wild duck are an excellent source of iron and protein. Too, fresh duck is found in many supermarkets and specialty food stores from late spring until early winter (the U.S. government grades ducks from A to C–A being the best), and who doesn’t like to try something other than chicken or beef now and then?

How to buy the bird

When buying duck, be sure to choose a bird with a plump, broad breast and elastic skin. If you buy frozen duck, check that the packaging has no holes that could compromise the quality of the poultry.

The problem with duck

Duck isn’t difficult to prepare—once you know how to do it. The trouble is, very few people (even some chefs in expensive restaurants) know how to cook it properly. Duck is dark, fatty meat. You must cook off as much of the fat as possible to end up with a bird that doesn’t have a tough, chewy skin. (Duck skin should be crispy!)

There are a number of ways people have dealt with this over the years, but let’s focus on the French way.

Cooking duck breast the French way

The first vital step is to prepare the duck for cooking by slicing through the skin and fat. With a sharp knife, press down into the duck’s skin, being careful not to cut through the meat of the bird. The fat is easy to cut, so as soon as you feel some resistance, you’re at the meat. Make a cut about every inch over the surface of the bird; for a more attractive look, use a cross-hatch pattern.

These cuts allow the duck’s fat to drain, which greatly improves the taste and texture of the bird.

Next, you must cook the duck slowly:

Place some oil in a heavy pan and fully preheat on low heat. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Season the duck with pepper and a small amount of salt. (Other seasonings could include cumin, rosemary, fennel, or five spice powder.)

Place the duck, skin side down, in the pan. There shouldn’t be a sizzle. (If there is, remove the duck promptly and allow your pan to cool. Then try reheating the pan on lower heat.)

To prevent the duck from frying in its own fat, drain the fat as needed throughout the cooking process.

In about 15 to 20 minutes, most of the duck fat will be gone. At that time, turn the duck and cook for about 5 to 10 seconds.

Place the duck on an oven rack with a foil-covered cookie sheet beneath it (to catch drips). Roast for 5 to 10 minutes or until a thermometer stuck in the breast reads 160 degrees F.

Allow the duck to rest a few minutes before serving.

Now that you understand how to cook duck well, experiment! Impress your family and friends with a gourmet duck cooking recipe, or try barbecuing or grilling duck breasts, remembering to cut through the skin and fat first, then cook slowly.

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Duck Decoy Information

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Joseph Long asked:

The word Decoy is said to be a derivative of a Dutch word - “ende-kooy,” which means ‘the Duck Cage’. A few also suggest the transition of the word ‘Duck-Coy’ which as years passed came to be pronounced as Decoy. Coy- represents the word cage or net into which birds were trapped.

Hence it seems pretty sure that duck decoys were used from the earliest of days. A decoy is a way of tricking ducks into ‘thinking’ that the area is safe and hence landing is a good idea. This ensures a good flock settling at the area or water body and a great duck hunt.

Duck decoys come in all realistic colours, shapes and sizes. Duck decoys always have to focus on the bird types and the respective colours and fine detailing of the external appearance of the bird etc. These decoys can be made at home or bought at stores that provide a variety of decoys. Duck decoys can have functional differences like just a floating decoy to battery powered or radio-controlled movables. And to make it more realistic there are ones that can change head positions or bodily movements like floating, feeding on land and water, standing or sentry positions etc. These give the decoys a more realistic look and give the user a competitive edge over other hunters.

There are ones which are radio enabled allowing the hunter to get up-close audio on the birds and sometimes even sneak in on other hunter conversations. Video enabled ones also allow the privilege of watching these birds up close. The video camera attached to the decoy is placed among the birds. The decoy can move by remote control and the videos can be simultaneously recorded. The video is transmitted to a small portable TV. This transmission can happen within a range of few miles allowing the hunter to get close with the birds without being in the marsh themselves.

A few books and websites also suggest the hunter in making their won decoys. The step-by-step instructions to carve a duck decoys are also given. These websites also suggest the paints to be used and advice on maintenance of worn down duck decoys. Stray hit repairs and re – painting jobs are all explained.

Types of Foam as urethane foams, burlapped foams, cork or polystyrene are used for the body construction. Wood, foam or plastic can be used for heads. Being good at observing ducks, carving and painting gives the hunter a better edge at making ducks. Alternatively, close up picture shots of the ducks in different angles also helps to study the morphology of these birds before carving. These pictures can be obtained from any nature photography book, ornithologist or website. Getting creative at making the decoys is an option left to the maker. But being as realistic as possible is necessary as a decoy should blend well with surrounding environment. Making a Decoy will surely help to better appreciate the beauty of duck and also be a great pass time during those off – season times.

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Vintage Duck Hunting Decoys - Hot Tips For Collectors

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Abhishek Agarwal asked:

A duck decoy has been used for thousands of years all over the world to draw duck into the area, giving the hunter a chance at a trophy or two. In recent years though, antique duck decoys have become a valuable collector’s item. While there are many replicas on the market, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between an authentic one, and a replication.

The Smithsonian Institution houses the greatest number of North American duck decoys, with the most being found in a cave in Arizona. The traditional, hand carved, wooden decoy was made primarily from the 10th century through to the mid twentieth. The vintage duck decoy is both a desirable collector’s item for the duck hunter, and are considered beautiful works of art and used for decorative purposes in many country homes. Many are found at antique shops and collectibles stores. Some vintage duck decoys sought by collectors are:

• 1900 vintage duck hunting decoy by Charles Birch of a mallard duck.

• Circa 1890 goldeneye Harry Shourds vintage duck hunting decoy from the Tuckerton, New Jersey area.

• Circa 1875 Dodge mallard drake vintage duck hunting decoy by J. N. Dodge.

• Walter Avis circa 1925 Vintage redhead duck decoy from Toronto, Canada.

• Circa 1920 – 1930 Benjamin Schmidt oversized blackduck decoy.

For those interested in collecting vintage duck decoys, the collector must be weary of clever reproductions; many are so good they are able to fool collectors. Vintage decoys have solid color patters, whereas modern interpretations have real looking feather detailing. Many of the old decoys have eyes made of metal tacks, or ones that were carved and hand painted; glass eyes are often used on later decoys. Because vintage decoys were carved by hand using a rasp, drawknife, and hand ax, be sure to look for tool marks on the decoy. By the mid 1850’s hollow decoys were carved made up of three separate sections. Also used were metal and wood silhouettes known as stick-ups and shadow decoys. Looking for the maker’s name on the keel weight is also a good indication of a vintage decoy. Also, after the Civil War, the decoy’s tail and beak were carved and the body made of cork. With these few tips in mind a collector can be on the lookout for quality vintage duck decoys to start a collection.

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Arkansas Duck Hunting Tips

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Todd Brillon asked:

When you think of incredible Mallard hunting, only one place comes to mind; Stuttgart, Arkansas. Stuttgart is known as the Rice and Duck Capital of the World.? Hunting waterfowl in Southeast Arkansas is not considered a pastime, but rather a way of life. Anyone who enjoys wing shooting at its finest must make this trip to the Mecca? of duck hunting at least once in their lifetime.

Below you will find some interesting questions and answers about duck hunting in Arkansas.

Question: When is the best time to come and hunt in Arkansas?

Answer: Depends on the season. Weather, water, and food sources all play a role in your hunting success. By planting food supplies you put the odds in your favor for having 60 days of quality hunting. While it doesn’t guarantee anything, it always helps to put the odds in your favor.

Question: Do I need waders?

Answer: Yes, waders will cover any hunting situation you face while also providing extra insulation to keep you warm and dry.

Question: What kind of ducks are hunted?

Answer: Generally the Mallard duck is the most popular duck among hunters. Early in the season you will have a very mixed bag wherever you are hunting. By mid December the rice fields and timber will produce mostly Mallards. Reservoir hunting and bayou hunting will always produce a mixed bag for the entire season. It all depends on the hunting area.

Question: Should I bring my dog?

Answer: Dogs are welcome but must be controllable. Often times the hunting is fast and furious for the first hour of the hunt. If one person in your group is trying to train a new dog during that time, the success rate could be greatly diminished.

Question: When should I book my hunt?

Answer: Arkansas sets its duck season at the end of August. As soon as you can get your party together it is a very good idea to send your deposit and book. That way you get the days you want. I realize it’s often a hassle to try and get four or five guys together to book a December hunt in August. Plan ahead because booking is usually on a first come first serve basis.

Question: Will my group be mixed with another group?

Answer: Guides usually do not like to mix groups when they are taking hunters. It all depends on the size of your group. If you bring at least four hunters, you will be guaranteed to be hunting only with your group. If you bring eight hunters, they will most likely split your group down and take two groups of four. It isn’t feasible to pay a guide to take one guy hunting and burn down a hole. Anyone who tells you they are willing to do that is probably not being honest.

Question: What type of shotgun and shot size should I use?

Answer: Most adult male hunters prefer a 12 gauge shotgun for duck hunting. They typically shoot a modified choke and shoot number 2, 3, or 4 steel shot depending on where they are hunting. Some hunters who are experienced marksman prefer to shoot a full choke and increase their range. It depends strictly on the preference of the hunter.

Where to lodge: Retriever Lodge is a duck guiding operation that specializes in small groups. We hunt exclusively on private ground and offer some of the finest rice field and flooded timber hunting known to the area. We provide the atmosphere of a buddy hunt? rather than that of a commercial operation. This helps to guarantee an enjoyable hunt, and gives you a true experience of an Arkansas duck hunt.

Retriever Lodge hunts exclusively on privately owned ground. We own several thousand acres of prime duck hunting habitat in the heart of Arkansas County. We have rice fields, soybean fields, dead timber reservoirs, bayou hunting, and green timber hunting. All of our hunting areas are managed to provide optimal hunting. The key to good duck hunting is food. We plant many of our areas exclusively for the ducks. Most of these crops are left standing and periodically flooded throughout the season. We plant rice, milo, and millet in all of our reservoirs and green timber holes. We do not hunt any of our hunting areas over twice a week, and try to let the ducks rest in these areas as much as possible. During the season we check each of our hunting areas to prepare for the next days hunt. Last year Retriever Lodge killed 2505 ducks on our privately owned ground. Two of our groups killed over 225 ducks in a 3 day period. We manage year-round for the ducks. My family owns a fertilizer plant and farms, and we use our labor to work on our hunting areas in our spare time. Two of my employees are basically working on hunting areas full time. I also fly my airplane to scout hunting areas so we don’t disturb the ducks. We take the time and dedicate ourselves to provide exceptional hunting. I personally do not like to go on a bad duck hunt and I really don’t like taking people on a poor hunt. While we can’t guarantee success, we do everything possible to put the odds in our favor.

See our site at Retrieverlodge.com

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Exploring the Many Rich Opportunities Duck Hunting Arkansas

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:

You will find that animals have favored areas of the world where they usually stay and visit year after year. In the US one such area is that of Arkansas. This state has an abundance of wildlife. For game hunters Arkansas is a hunter’s paradise. Among the many game animals that can be found in the state are those of ducks. Duck hunting Arkansas offers many rich opportunities.

For the avid duck hunter there are many duck hunting services you can contact. These facilities will provide you with information about the Arkansas hunting license. You will need to have one of these licenses in your possession before you can try your game hunting skills out. They will also inform you about the times the duck hunting season is open. You can also inquire from these service providers what other hunting options you can look into.

You can contact the Arkansas Game and Fish commission. The staff at the commission can tell you about the hunting seasons which are available in Arkansas. You can also ask about getting a hunting license for duck hunting Arkansas is know to be excellent for.

The Natural State or Arkansas as we know it is also designated as the duck hunting capital of the world. The main reason for duck hunting Arkansas is well recognized for is due to the Mississippi Flyway.

In the duck hunting services you will find places where the number of hunters is limited to about 20. This small hunter limitation allows the hunters more opportunities of shooting the game they are trying for.

To be able to enjoy duck hunting Arkansas game facilities will have recommendations for clothes and other items you should bring with you. Besides your Arkansas hunting license (a must) you should have waders which are in excellent condition. Warm clothes and other personal possessions should be chosen with care as you will need to use them. You will of course need your hunting rifle and shot which is non toxic in nature.

The non toxic shot is essential as you need the wildlife to be healthy right throughout the hunting season and beyond. To capture any great moments you will be wishing for a camera. Therefore it makes sense to bring your camera along for the hunt. The final item you will require for duck hunting is that of a face mask.

Duck hunting Arkansas has many great areas where the avid duck hunter can indulge their hunting desires. The flooded corn and rice fields provide the ducks with a rich feeding ground. This in turn provides the duck hunters with a bounty of game to bag. The best aspect of duck hunting Arkansas is the friendly people you will encounter in your duck hunts. The many duck hunting opportunities of this natural state will keep you coming back for every duck hunting season.

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Duck Hunting- All That Fuss About Donald And Daffy!

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Abhishek Agarwal asked:

Hunting ducks is a very popular hunting activity in the world today. Apart from being a hunting activity, it is also a great social event. In fact, it represents an entire range of etiquette rules and cultural standards that a lot of people do not consider. It has an entire culture of its own, including duck hunting assistants and dogs and the proper dress code. There is much cultural significance to duck hunting but it has its own downside representing the worse nature of humans. Whatever the point of view is, one must know everything about duck hunting before coming to any conclusion.

Most developed countries have banned commercial duck hunting so it is practiced mainly as a sporting activity. Duck hunting has been going on since time immemorial. There is evidence that goes to who that duck and geese were hunted even in the Ice age. There are many cave drawings indicating duck hunting as a sound practice in the early human existence. Ice age Europe has many indications of swan and duck hunting on cave walls. Egypt also betrays evidence of early duck hunting through a mural over Khum-Hotpe’s tomb of a man catching ducks swimming in a stream.

With such an international history, this sport enjoys a world wide popularity. The greatest number of ducks can be seen in North America and duck hunting is especially popular here. The ducks mostly use the Mississippi River to migrate and so it is a good idea to duck hunt along the river as it serves as a guide for finding the ducks. Stuttgart is considered to be the duck hunting capital of the world while Arkansas is considered a major hot bed for duck hunting.

Duck hunting has gained a lot of popularity due to its simplicity. It is a relatively simple sport and the tools of this activity are easy to follow, involving a shotgun, a decoy set and a duck call. The trick behind duck hunting is using the duck call and decoy in tandem so that the ducks are lured out into the open towards the decoy. Once the ducks are out in the open and are exposed for the hunt, the firing should begin. Usually such hunts take place in and around streams, rivers, lakes and other water bodies in which ducks are found.

Many aspects, however, contrast the sport of duck hunting. Most waterfowl conservationists agree that hunting any kind of waterfowl harms the environment to a great extent. Most of the wetland and marshlands are shrinking tremendously giving way for criticism that claims that duck hunting diminishes an already endangered habitat. There are a number of organizations that protest against duck hunters regarding this issue.

The popular organization Ducks Unlimited is one such organization. This international organization is a non-profit organization dealing with protection of marshland and waterfowl. This organization sometimes often works along with hunters in order to protect marshlands as well as the life of hunters. Their main goals is to conserve localized duck habitats so that the hunters can continue protected and hunt the ducks in such a way that the survival of the ducks can be enabled allowing them to live in a better place.

Irrespective of this, many hunters neglect this philosophy and do not bother much with protecting the habitats. Instead, they pillage the areas and hunt in places where they should not. Due to this reason, duck hunting has been associated with many controversies. As long as this continues, duck hunting will always have a bad side while many hunters will remain ignorant to organizations like Ducks Unlimited. Duck hunting might go into extinction if hunters and protectors of marshlands do not cooperate.

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Duck, North Carolina: the Outer Banks at Their Best

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Jen W. asked:

Located near the northern end of the Outer Banks, Duck is a quiet beach town that offers stunning stretches of sand and numerous opportunities for adventure off its shores. If you are searching for a relaxing vacation destination without any of the glitz and glamour that can overwhelm your peaceful and serene getaway, then Duck, North Carolina is the perfect place for you.

Although Duck Beach is only a few miles long, it makes wonderful use of every grain of sand along its breathtaking expanse of unspoiled coastline. In addition to the spectacular scenic beauty, visitors will find that the beach is rarely crowded, meaning they never have to fight for a prime sunning spot from which to begin their adventures. While swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding are all popular in the waters off Duck Beach, the shelling here is excellent since the Outer Banks extend further into the waters of the Atlantic than anywhere else in the state.

For those looking to experience an exciting offshore adventure, there are numerous nearby outlets offering jet ski, boat, and kayak rentals in addition to parasailing and scuba diving expeditions. Set out on an outbound excursion and explore the sound at your pace aboard a kayak or get your feet wet with a brand new experience during a surfing or hang-gliding lesson. No matter what kind of adventure makes your heart beat a little faster, you can enjoy it all in Duck.

When you need a respite from the sun and want to stretch your legs a little, head to the Scarborough Faire Shops for a shopping experience unlike any other. Rather than a large, impersonal shopping complex, the shaded boardwalk, complete with massive oak trees, and the quant boutiques blend seamlessly into the small town atmosphere of Duck. Browse shops that offer a range of items from clothing and unique pottery to specialty foods and kitchen items. And when you need to re-energize after a long day of perusing the various stores, head to one of the excellent eateries such Elizabeth’s Café for top-notch cooking and wine selection.

To learn more about the coastal environment, head out on one of the 60-minute walking tours offered by the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (also called the “Duck Research Pier”). This internationally-recognized facility conducts research to evaluate the ocean’s impact on the coast and provides informative and specialized tours at 10 am from mid-June through mid-August. Since the free tour makes its way over sand trails that can be difficult to navigate, be sure to dress appropriately.

Although it is located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the finest attractions in the Outer Banks and certainly should not be missed. While you can take on the seemingly endless dunes from any location or angle, the 1.5-mile Sand Trail is a best bet for excellent views and easy accessibility since it originates out of the parking lot of the visitor’s center. If you are feeling up for a challenge, try to tackle the Soundside Nature Trail, located on the south side of the park, for an intense climb that culminates in spectacular views of the coast. However, any roll or run down the side of a dune will also get your heart-pumping and leave you absolutely speechless.

Duck has everything you need for a relaxing getaway without any of the frills to distract you from its pristine and stunning natural beauty. For the ultimate accommodations located near a picturesque sandy beach and the gentle melody of the Atlantic, consider a Duck North Carolina vacation rental that comes complete with all the comforts of home. Enjoy amenities such as a washer and dryer, wireless internet, and plenty of space in an environment that is more stunning than you ever imagined. To experience the tranquil waterfront adventure you always wanted, browse a wide selection of Duck NC vacation rentals today to find the one that matches all of your needs.

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Archive for November, 2008

Palestine - Lame Ducks, Dead Ducks and Revived Ducks

How to Start Your Duck Decoy Collection

Advantages Of Breeding Ducks!

The Secret to Cooking Duck

Duck Decoy Information

Vintage Duck Hunting Decoys - Hot Tips For Collectors

Arkansas Duck Hunting Tips

Exploring the Many Rich Opportunities Duck Hunting Arkansas

Duck Hunting- All That Fuss About Donald And Daffy!

Duck, North Carolina: the Outer Banks at Their Best