Existing comment:
Gun Clubs:
Gunning clubs were an important part of the American sporting scene from the late 1850's until the late 1950's. The role of these clubs in sustaining waterfowl populations, preserving critical areas of coastal breach and marshland, and continuing the traditions of decoy making and waterfowl hunting deserves recognition.
As market hunting of waterfowl declined in the early 1900's, gunning clubs provided a place of employment for many of the bay men whose winter livelihood had depended on harvesting ducks and geese for the market. These skilled hunters passed their knowledge of waterfowling and decoy making to other generations of glides and hunters.
The patrons of the more prominent gunning clubs were unusually men of means, and often hunted at several clubs along the Atlantic coast. This aspect of the history of gunning clubs is especially interesting to the student of bird carvings, because many of these hunters brought their favorite decoys with them, thus introducing new and sometimes superior decoy craftsmanship to another area.
The economic and environmental influence of gunning clubs was perhaps most significant in coastal North Carolina. These large, well-maintained clubs provided work for cooks, guides, boat builders, and others in the immediate area. Several clubs raised and released more ducks than they shot each season. Sanctuary ponds for resting and feeding were designated on club property, and even the controversial practice of baiting is credited with sustaining the waterfowl during freeze-ups.
Hunters and Waterfowl Habitat Conservation:
A Federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, requested by hunters and provided by the Pittman-Robertson Act, allocates money to the States to purchase waterfowl habitat. Since 1937, Maryland has acquired over 60,000 acres of important wetlands and other habitat.
Gunning club members and other sport hunters have also contributed to the acquisition of waterfowl habitat by buying an annual Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. Sales of these Duck Stamps, which began in 1934, have funded the purchase of over two and one half million acres of critical wildlife habitat. |