About this episode
Thinking Texas during the mid- to late-1800s more likely conjures images of tough cowboys, fierce comanches, and dusty cattle drives than epic turn-of-the-century waterfowl hunting. Today's guest forever changes that. Rob Sawyer has authored 3 incredible books on the Lone Star State's colorful waterfowling history. Even in the halcyon days of waterfowling, sport hunters began emerging as conservationists. Saying "everything's bigger in Texas," Sawyer describes events that are truly hard to fathom by today's standard. What were the Canvasback Wars? Prize hunts? Ox hunts? What other migratory bird species were hunted for food and sport? What attracted so many sharks along Matagorda Island? What Texas town began when an out-of-state visitor shot 1000 ducks? When did snow geese begin using the Texas prairie? Many Texas listeners asked us to feature Rob Sawyer and for excellent reason. Sawyer's anecdotes range from humorous to jaw dropping, all so extremely interesting that you'll not want the episode to end. But we barely even scratched the surface! Related Links: Robert K Sawyer website Rob Sawyer Instagram A Hundred Years of Texas Waterfowling Book Texas Market Hunting Book Images of the Hunt: A Photographic History of Texas Waterfowling Book Episode Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells Benelli Shotguns Kanati Waterfowl Taxidermy GetDucks USHuntList It's truly duck season somewhere 365 days per year and host Ramsey Russell chases them worldwide year-round. Follow Ramsey's duck hunting adventures: Instagram @ramseyrussellgetducks YouTube @GetDucks Facebook @GetDucks.com