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This is a model of a sinkbox. A sinkbox was a floating, coffin-shaped box made of wood or metal. The top of the box was attached to a large, rectangular platform, which was hinged on both ends with burlap or canvas wings used for squelching waves. When set for waterfowl hunting, heavy iron decoys called "iron-wings" helped submerge the box until it was flush with the water surface. This provided a hole in the water for one gunner who would lie down and wait for unsuspecting waterfowl. Variations in the typical sinkbox include a shorter and deeper box allowing the gunner to sit up, while other models contained two boxes accommodating a second hunter. Sinkboxes could not be used in strong winds since they would be quickly swamped by waves. Winter hunting was often cold, wet, and extremely uncomfortable for the gunner. Because sinkbox gunning was a very effective method of waterfowl hunting, Maryland outlawed the practice in 1935, and the Federal Government banned it the same year.
Throughout the nineteenth century, sinkboxes were used primarily by market gunners, but by the 1880s they were becoming the preferred means of hunting among wealthy sportsmen. The Susquehanna Flats at the head of the Chesapeake Bay attracted large numbers of gentlemen sport gunners from such cities as Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore. Sinkbox hunting peaked in the 1920s, with about 50 rigs active in the Susquehanna Flats alone. Houseboats, guides, and sinkboxes were hired for a week or more, particularly in November and December when hunting was at its best. Firing on waterfowl at rest on the water was discouraged as a new-found sense of sportsmanship evolved.
Iron Wings: From shore or from a houseboat, a gunner (or his guide) would haul the sinkbox out on a larger skiff. It was anchored in position and stabilized with weights and heavy, flat-bottom iron wing decoys, and surrounded with 300 to 500 or more floating decoys. The hunter would then take his place in the sinkbox and, after the skiff withdrew, patiently waited for the ducks to approach. Another skiff stood by at a distance to retrieve downed waterfowl. |