Imagine the crisp morning air, the faint glow of dawn breaking over the marsh, and the anticipation of a successful hunt. Duck hunting is more than just a sport; it’s a tradition that combines skill, patience, and a deep connection with nature. It is about the quiet moments in the blind, the camaraderie with fellow hunters, and a strong bond with the natural world.
Books about duck hunting have a unique charm that never fades. These stories share wisdom from experienced waterfowlers, teaching readers new tips and tricks while offering a few good laughs along the way.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best books on duck hunting available in 2025, including memoirs and books based on practical guides. Readers can learn from experienced hunters and laugh at funny mistakes. All this is possible while relaxing in a chair.
1. Duck Blinds I Have Known: The Life and Times of a Tried-and-True Duck Hunter by Donny McElvoy
Few books capture the heart and humor of waterfowl hunting like Duck Blinds I Have Known. Donny McElvoy brings over five decades of experience to life, sharing stories from duck blinds across the country. This book isn’t just about hunting—it’s about the culture, camaraderie, and sometimes chaotic moments that make the sport unforgettable.
McElvoy’s storytelling is as raw and entertaining as a morning in the blind, complete with unforgettable hunting mishaps, encounters with game wardens, and deep reflections on the evolution of waterfowling. He recalls legendary hunts, old-school decoy tricks, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of trial and error in the marsh. With practical tips woven into every chapter, readers will find insights on everything from decoy spreads and duck calling to the art of staying invisible when wary ducks circle overhead.
The book also explores the tradition of duck blinds, portraying them as more than just structures—they’re gathering places where lifelong friendships are forged, where stories are told, and where the unpredictable beauty of the hunt unfolds.
With a mix of humor, nostalgia, and hands-on advice, Duck Blinds I Have Known is a must-read for anyone passionate about duck hunting books in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned waterfowler or just starting out, McElvoy’s tales will remind you why the pursuit of ducks is as much about the memories as it is about the birds.
2. The Outlaw Gunner by Harry M. Walsh
A revered classic in waterfowling books, The Outlaw Gunner by Harry M. Walsh gets readers back to the heyday of market hunting on the Chesapeake Bay. Walsh, a physician and historian, paints a vivid picture of a bygone era when professional “punt gunners” and outlaw hunters pushed the limits of law and ethics in their quest for waterfowl. This gripping narrative is part history and part adventure, recounting how 19th- and early 20th-century market hunters used anything from punt guns to sneak boats to fill their sacks with ducks.
Through thrilling tales of foiling game wardens and operating in legal grey areas, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of duck hunting and the colorful characters who shaped it. For hunters and history buffs, this is not just a book on duck hunting in 2025 – it is a journey into an important chapter of American waterfowling heritage that will deepen your appreciation for today’s hunting laws and ethics.
3. Stories of the Old Duck Hunters and Other Drivel by Gordon MacQuarrie
Gordon MacQuarrie’s Stories of the Old Duck Hunters and Other Drivel is a beloved collection of tales that blends humor, nostalgia, and the magic of days spent in the marsh. These short stories introduce us to MacQuarrie’s fictional alter ego and his comrades of the “Old Duck Hunters Association, Inc.” Each story is an episode of camaraderie and comic misadventure, narrated with a warmth and wit that have made MacQuarrie a legend in sporting literature.
Through quirky characters like “Mr. President” and their annual traditions, the author highlights the deep bonds formed in duck blinds and the perennial hope that comes with each new hunting season. Even in 2025, books on duck hunting like this classic remain a touchstone among waterfowl hunting books, perfect for those evenings when you are dreaming of fall flights and need a reminder of the simple joys of the sport.
4. The Old Man and the Boy by Robert Ruark
Though not exclusively about duck hunting, Robert Ruark’s The Old Man and the Boy earns its place on this list for its heartfelt portrayal of a young hunter’s coming-of-age under the tutelage of his wise grandfather. This 1957 classic is a memoir-style novel based on Ruark’s childhood, and it brims with hunting and fishing adventures—ducks included.
He teaches patience by waiting out wary ducks on the water, instills respect for nature with each dawn outing, and even injects humor (as in the chapter “You Got to Be Crazy to Be a Duck Hunter,” which every duck hunter can appreciate). His reflections on hunting, nature, and growing up continue to resonate with waterfowlers of all ages.
5. The Ultimate Guide to Waterfowl Hunting by Tom Airhart
For those looking to sharpen their skills, The Ultimate Guide to Waterfowl Hunting is an invaluable resource packed with detailed strategies and techniques that help hunters of all experience levels improve their game. It provides step-by-step guidance on effective duck-calling techniques, helping hunters learn when and how to call ducks and geese for maximum success.
Readers will find insights on choosing the right hunting gear, firearm recommendations, and even the best clothing to stay warm and camouflaged in wetland environments. This book provides everything needed to enhance your hunting success and deepen your appreciation for the sport. As one of the best books on duck hunting in 2025, it’s a must-have for anyone passionate about waterfowl hunting.
6. The Language of Wings: Essays on Waterfowl by E. Donnall Thomas Jr.
The Language of Wings is a profoundly engaging collection of essays that brings to life the unique bond between hunters and the great outdoors. Thomas skillfully blends personal experiences with insights on conservation, ethics, and emotions tied to duck hunting. He explores the quiet, reflective moments in the marsh, the heart-pounding excitement of spotting an incoming flock, and the unspoken understanding shared among fellow hunters. His writing makes you feel as though you’re right there, waiting in the blind as the first light of morning breaks over the water.
He reminds readers that duck hunting is not just about bagging birds but about respecting wildlife, understanding the rhythms of nature, and appreciating the fleeting beauty of each season.
It’s more than just a book on techniques—it is about the essence of the sport and the deeper connection hunters share with the wild. One of the best books on duck hunting in 2025, this collection is a must-read for anyone who sees hunting as more than just a pursuit but a way of life.
7. Duck Walk: A Birder’s Improbable Path to Hunting as Conservation by Margie Crisp
In this unique memoir, Margie Crisp shares her unlikely journey from birdwatcher to hunter, exploring the complexities of conservation and the ethical dilemmas of waterfowling. She recounts her initial hesitation and the deep internal conflicts that arose as she transitioned from merely observing birds to actively participating in the hunting tradition.
Crisp’s memoir goes beyond personal transformation; it also includes insights from wildlife biologists, hunters, and birders, offering a well-rounded perspective on the role of ethical hunting in maintaining ecological balance. She provides a thoughtful look at how hunting regulations, habitat restoration, and conservation funding all intertwine to support sustainable waterfowl populations.
Final Thoughts:
The best books on duck hunting in 2025 offer more than just techniques and strategies—they capture the soul of the sport. Whether through heartfelt memoirs, thrilling historical accounts, or entertaining hunting stories, each book on this list enriches the understanding and appreciation of duck hunting. These books preserve the traditions, ethics, and passion for waterfowling, ensuring that even in the off-season, the spirit of the hunt lives on.