Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: Rob on July 20, 2009, 12:42:36 PM
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This weekend I was with a couple buddies. Mix of new hunters and non-hunters.
Uncle Ted was on and we watched him shoot a nice Audad in Texas. He ended with his usual "God Bless America, it's great to be a hunter, be proud of your heritage, honor your game by using it" dialog. It was great. Next up on OLN was a show I had never seen before called Duck Commander.
Benelli was a major sponsor of the show and it was set in Louisanna so I had high hopes for a good follow up show. What followed was horrid. A bunch of guys who look like ZZ Top's ungroomed evil twins came on the tube. I have no doubt they were excellent duck hunters. I have no reason to believe that they were not some of the nicest and most ethical guys ever to walk the earth. But these guys were an embarrassment to watch. I expected the dueling banjos song to come on...
Now I have nothing against these guys, like I said, I have no reason to believe they are not salt of the earth take a bullet for you kind of guys. And chances are I would gladly sit down and have a beer with one of them over half the folks I work with. But is this the face we want to send out to the masses to represent the common hunter??
I might have even been able to get over the visual effects had the show been good. But there was limited info, and literally 1/2 of the show was dedicated to some kind of interfamily rivalry being played out in a Jr. High football game. I'm not kidding.
Has anyone else seen this? What was your reaction? Feel free to call me prejudiced and duplicitous. I probably am. I just can't believe Benelli would sponsor such a show.
http://www.duckcommander.com/
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The Duck Commander guys have been around for a long time. They probably have 10-15 videos out plus who knows how many shows and endorsments. Mostly decent guys- I have seen far worse behavior out of a lot of the other guys on tv. The head duck commander- Phil Robertson was a college football player- started ahead of Terry Bradshaw, I think. Basically tongue in cheek humor- they have a backwoods look and it sells. Bayou Rednecks. They have even filmed a couple of times here in Washington. I don't know- I guess I don't mind them. Like I said earlier- I have seen far more embarrassing behavior out of other tv personalities.
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those guys are legends.
it makes for good TV watching, which is why it's there...to sell products.
look...now we're talking about it on the WWW. i bet more people go and watch it now...the theory worked.
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p.s. was uncle ted hunting behind a fence? because that bothers me more than the duck commander...and is/should be an embarassment to hunters more than the duck commander...not specifically targetting uncle ted, because he's one of my heroes with the exception of the high fence stuff.
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Not I... after clicking on the link and seeing "Fear the Beard" I rolled my eyes and left the sight. I wouldn't watch that bunch if you paid me too. In fact I would watch the 3 stooges or Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny before first. There is just something about the Name and the Look... it makes me want to re-enlist again. :chuckle: :chuckle:
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p.s. was uncle ted hunting behind a fence? because that bothers me more than the duck commander...and is/should be an embarassment to hunters more than the duck commander...not specifically targetting uncle ted, because he's one of my heroes with the exception of the high fence stuff.
Ted doesn't impress me or bother me in any way. I don't disrespect what he does because he does it for the money. Money makes people act different. He is one of those guys that just exist in my world and has absolutely no impact on me. I never cared for his music or his politics. I kind of group him with Captain Kirk doing Expedia travel commercials. gotta do something to make a living. :twocents:
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I've watched the show a couple times. It's about the only duck huntin show I can stand to watch any more. I enjoy it because they dare to be different. It's cool to see another perspective of the sport :brew:
Why would I be embarassed? They are ethical, responsible hunters. I'd encourage someone to watch the Duck Commander show over a Texas, high-fence safari any day.
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I personally don't mind them. They found something that makes them money and have ran with it. Not to mention that I believe that family is actually like that which make it a very realistic hunting show. Which is better than some of the others out there. As far as the football game, that's poor producing. I'll take that over some fenced hunt any day. This last deployment I was on, my wife sent me some hunting videos. In them was The best of buck fever, I have never seen so many texas high fenced hunts in a row. I was so bored I turned it off. Another was Duckmen 9, my buddies and I watched this one many times and it was entertaining. Just like it was designed to be.
On a side but similar note I watched one of those African/Texas hunts and they killed a jacob sheep....... sweet looking animal, but the one in are pasture was bigger so I was a little disappointed. Nothing screams ethics like shooting domesticated animals for sport.
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I actually like the Duck Commander and I have used their calls. They also shave their beards off for their wives a few months of the year and grow them back for duck season. Phil Robertson has a masters degree as do most of his kids. He also was a starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech over Terry Bradshaw.
If you want to look at images being put out in front of the public, look at RNT-V. Big Jim Ronquest is as big as a house and has a deep southern accent and says a few things that are not grammatically correct, but he is still the face of RNT-V. We can't all look like movie stars and that is what makes us real and makes our sport unique to us, we are as real as our sport. Looks never put meat in the freezer.
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I do believe phil is also some type of preacher. He is hired to go around the country to have people listen to him about the bible.
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To me, and I may be in the vast minority on this, the show just further beats into the mind of the public a poor image of the American hunter.
Like I said, these guys may be salt of the earth kind of guys. They seemed like really nice folks on the show. But in a country where only about 6% of the people hunt, folks are trying to steal our 1st amendment rights, and activists are attempting to take away hunting opportunities, image (as shallow as it seems), is important.
On the Texas high fence, I have no issues so long as the area is large enough. It affords many folks hunting opportunities they could not otherwise afford. Consider that South Africa is almost 100% high fence hunting now as well.
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We can't all look like movie stars
And that is why you will never see my ugly mug on a TV show!!
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I guess this kinda rubs me the wrong way. When I go hunting the last thing i worry about is what I look like. That is not saying I am going to be a slob but If I am not clean shaven and I have a holey flannel on then piss on it. I am not out trying to score ass or impress any yuppies I am out hunting.
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Yep. I know I look like slob. I also smell bad. But if I was going to be on TV representing the sport, I would clean up.
When I work from home, I hang around the house in boxer shorts and a T shirt. But when I go to work I take a shower and put on slacks and a dress shirt.
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i wish all the hunters on TV looked like Tiffany Lakoski
:dunno:
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Now your talking!
Hunters have no idea how to market to the masses, I think you are on to something!!
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I realize that Phil may be a little rough looking but he has been one of the major innovators in the industry. Fred Zink has put a new spin on waterfowling but for years it was the Duckmen. These guys are real...and they flat know duck hunting. I would bet that if you asked Fred Zink who his boyhood idols were it was either Phil Robertson or Warren Coco...both of which come across as backwoods hillbillies. But you have to remember that the bayou is where die hard duck hunters came from.
For me...a kid who grew up watching all the Duckmen videos, you couldnt find a better example of a duckhunter's duckhuter...just my :twocents:
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these guys look perfectly normal to hunters from their own neighborhood.
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That supposed to be a slam?
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nope...thats supposed to be in support.
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Atta Boy!
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Duck Commander and Phil are awesome. Love the videos and the show. If you or anyone judges just on how someone looks...... well nuff said. Phil also makes some of the best calls out there. Sorry you feel that they embarrass you as a hunter.
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Yep, I see the point, and to be honest, I actually agree with you. I'm not explaining myself clearly. I'll try again.
My brother has downsyndrome. I know what it is like to see judgement and bias based on the superficial all the time.
With my brother, we could let him dress in ill fitting clothing, leave him to take care of his own appearance (hair, shower, shaving, etc), and allow him to eat until he weighs in at 300 lbs. If we did he would be happy as a clam and a lot of folks would write him off-even be scared of him. Is that right? My family does not think so. By helping him to put his best foot forward, making sure he cleans up, showers, dresses in clean clothes that fit, etc, he is much more accepted by society, and they in turn get to see what a special guy he is - a person just like all of us. It is a lot of work, but other folk's lives are enriched for knowing him and seeing the world through his eyes, and his world is enriched by the experiences he has and the people he knows.
I see a similar analogy.
These Duck commanders seem like pretty good folk. Honest, hard working, and great duck hunters. I feel they probably have a heck of a lot to offer others too. (while the show I saw was less than stellar, they clearly know and understand ducks an there were a few good pointers-football side story aside). My hunting heritage is very important to me. As a hunter, I feel (and perhaps I am alone in this) that I have an obligation to represent our sport while afield by putting my best foot forward. I don't always succeed, but I try. With so many Americans actively trying to take away our rights, and so many more Americans apathetic to our cause and likely to support the activists, I would like to see those who are our spokesmen and women to also put their best foot forward. TV personalities are clearly spokespeople.
When a non hunter sees a show like that, I feel they jump to the conclusion that these are scary backwoods cast rejects from the Movie Deliverance and that must be what hunters are. At least the three I was with did (one anti-hunter, two newbie hunters). Not the best foot forward (my opinion).
Clearly I am in the vast minority on this one, but I have to be honest, image is important and perception is reality. I'm sure the guys are great, but I think they do the cause of hunting a bit of a disservice. Probably a blip on the radar anyway as with or without them we will most likely loose our hunting rights in the next couple of decades anyway. But hey, at least we get socialized health care like Canada eh?
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Like 'em... like the beards... wouldn't grow one myself, but I get a kick out of 'em.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU-rfKvWBag[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLdFU7g4HRE&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT9bYJdkkBo&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3oiUfKjJWg[/youtube]
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I think he needs a local radio show.. :chuckle:
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Knew I liked that guy...
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I think they do a good job..I dont know to many hunters that are pretty..except killbilly :chuckle: Im not a duck hunter anymore but do like to watch them.. :twocents:
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They look like the Wildwood Boys: A Novel by James Carlos Blake
This is a GREAT read by the way.
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these guys look perfectly normal to hunters from their own neighborhood.
Hey, they look normal to me! You have something against beards? :tung:
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My wife and I both like the show, she does not like many of my shows but she actually sat and watched this one with me. I like the fact that they don't try to change or hide who they are. The fact is most hunters are blue collar workers and not upper class folks. Why would we want anyone to believe that we are something we're not? Bottom line is we're all hunters, men, women, kids, blue collar, white collar, short, tall, fat or fit. We're all in this together and we should be judged by who we are and not who or what someone thinks we should be! :twocents:
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Yep, we all need to shave and dress real nice. Lets all get new trucks and stop at starbucks on our way to the hunt. As a group we really need to impress others! Lets join PETA and let them really get to know us.
Look, I agree that we should be concerned with our public image, but come on now. I think that we are kidding ourselves when we think for a second that a shave is going to win over our adversary. You ask him to shave. Asking hunters to drastically change their appearance is going to get you the finger, and cause division in our little club.
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Im going out like this to make a political statement about hunting
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OK Uncle! They are gods!
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OK Uncle! They are gods!
:chuckle: :chuckle: good sport :hello:
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I am sorry Rob, I wasnt meaning anything negative towards you with my comments. I was just saying I think they are legit. I totally understand your point and agree with it in many ways with "most" of the shows on OLN...just not w/ the Robertsons.
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No personal offense taken at all! I love a good heathy discussion.
And not to start rumors, but I heard the Duck Commanders are releasing wolves in the Pasayden.
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I can't stand Ted.
My 10 year old actually woke up at 6:30 am saturday morning, just to watch Phil and the boys. The beards are a way of life to them and part of their spirituality. I applaud them for the way they hunt and things they do. They're not out there to put one of every one of God's creature's on the wall, they shoot em, and they eat them. They're not world travelers that go anywhere just to kill something and have a picture taken.
They hunted Washington State(Tri-Cities) public land and put a hurting on some birds. A local duck hunting legend had been trying to get Phil up here for years, but the DC was afraid to fly!
You can take Ted and all his stupid antics, I'll take Phil any day of the week.
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Phil and the Duck Commander group are a legend. They look a little rough, but fit right in down south. They pretty much started the duck hunting films and make a decent call for the money. Good group of guys. Terry Bradshaw used to be his back up in the days. As Phil mentioned Terry went for the bucks, and Phil went for the ducks.
If you don't know anything about the guys and randomly run across one of there videos, you might be caught off guard. :chuckle:
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The beard makes total sense in the field.Would y'all say all these bad things to them face to face or just to each other online? :dunno:
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Phil andthe boys rock. They are who they are. No smoke and mirrors.They make a great duckcall too.
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Would y'all say all these bad things to them face to face or just to each other online? :dunno:
I would say anything I say online to the folks face to face.
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So i haven't been on the site since probably March since I lost my job and the work email that my old screen name (snocohunter)
was registered to... But, I've been watchin a lot of outdoor channel and my new favorite show is Duck Commander. I remember inheriting an Ole Raspy call from my Dad when I started hunting, and actually just told him how much I love this show when I saw him on Saturday. Their show puts Ducks Unlimited, Whistling Wings, and whatever else to shame. They make the whole hunting experience exciting, and throw some good comedy in there with it.
"In duck hunting there world champion duck killers, and world champion duck callers. I am a duck killer" - Phil Robertson
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The duck commander has been around for a long time and are a bunch of great shooters. If you talk to anyone about duck hunting it is location, location, location. You can not deny they are hillbilly’s. But they kill lots of ducks on video. If you do not like watching the show, then change the channel.
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Phil Roberson and the Duck Commander boys are good people. They have great customer service and are very willing to help you out any way they can, I use nothing but Duck Commander calls. He him self said, Bradshaw took the bucks ($$) and I took the ducks. He started his business instead of entering the NFL draft. I guess some folks from Bothell don't under stand what it is like to have the family out to play traditional musical interments. I do, and I miss the sounds of that great music played by my family that are now passed away. The banjo, the saw, the fiddle, the piano, they all sound good to me. But I guess I don't under stand some things folks from the big city do so it all evens out in the end.
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Rob you always clean up at work, but do you duck hunt for a living?
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I can't stand Ted.
My 10 year old actually woke up at 6:30 am saturday morning, just to watch Phil and the boys. The beards are a way of life to them and part of their spirituality. I applaud them for the way they hunt and things they do. They're not out there to put one of every one of God's creature's on the wall, they shoot em, and they eat them. They're not world travelers that go anywhere just to kill something and have a picture taken.
They hunted Washington State(Tri-Cities) public land and put a hurting on some birds. A local duck hunting legend had been trying to get Phil up here for years, but the DC was afraid to fly!
You can take Ted and all his stupid antics, I'll take Phil any day of the week.
my thoughts exactly.
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Rob you always clean up at work, but do you duck hunt for a living?
If I was going on TV to represent hunters I would!
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Would I like to hunt with them at least once? You better believe it but my shooting skills would probably make me want to curl up and hide or maybe cry. Them boy can kill some ducks. Hey you think me and Macey would fit in with them? :chuckle: :chuckle:
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Why should it come down to what you look or dress like, isn't it supposed to be about tradition, having fun and ethics.
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Can't believe that your bashing Mr. Phil Robertson!
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Would I like to hunt with them at least once? You better believe it but my shooting skills would probably make me want to curl up and hide or maybe cry. Them boy can kill some ducks. Hey you think me and Macey would fit in with them? :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is such a cool photo! Love Macey's expression and the moon in the background is great. Is there anything better than a lab?
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The MOST enertaining Waterfowl videos on the market.
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:yeah:
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Phil the Duck Commander is Awesome
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Would I like to hunt with them at least once? You better believe it but my shooting skills would probably make me want to curl up and hide or maybe cry. Them boy can kill some ducks. Hey you think me and Macey would fit in with them? :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is such a cool photo! Love Macey's expression and the moon in the background is great. Is there anything better than a lab?
Maybe Macey would fit in, but I don't think your beard is long enough LML :chuckle:
Who cares what Phil Robertson looks like. The man is a friggin' legend. He's the duck commander. One of the originals before Cabela's had a blue-million brands of duck calls. Before everybody and their dang cousin started duck hunting. A meat hunter, not a contest caller.
The shows that the original post was referencing, only a very lucky (and well to do) few can afford. One of my buddies keeps talking about Argentina and how affordable it would be. What? Been watching too much TV. 99% of the best hunts I've ever been on wer within 15 minutes of the house and I grew up in Middle TN. People think they gotta go all over the world after watching where those fools travel on TV and they don't even know what's in their own back yard.
Heck every single one of those TV shows are just trying to sell the newest and "best" new ammo or gun. Wake up America!
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Would I like to hunt with them at least once? You better believe it but my shooting skills would probably make me want to curl up and hide or maybe cry. Them boy can kill some ducks. Hey you think me and Macey would fit in with them? :chuckle: :chuckle:
You need more face paint, a longer beard and you would be in there.
I watched the last day of the hunt with the boys. They hunted with a purple heart vetran of the Iraq war, they hit there season goal of 1200 ducks. It was a tear jerker.
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Would I like to hunt with them at least once? You better believe it but my shooting skills would probably make me want to curl up and hide or maybe cry. Them boy can kill some ducks. Hey you think me and Macey would fit in with them? :chuckle: :chuckle:
You need more face paint, a longer beard and you would be in there.
I watched the last day of the hunt with the boys. They hunted with a purple heart vetran of the Iraq war, they hit there season goal of 1200 ducks. It was a tear jerker.
I watched that one too, and I agree about it bein a tear jerker. I also watched the newest one from after the season, and Phil even said it himself that they only try to show the tape when they hit 'em cause that's what people want to see. Either way, I see a lot more misses on the other shows. And 1200 ducks in a season aint too shabby.
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Now they are prepairing for next years season. Starting a year in advance. Draining the 400 acres of flooded timber and planting it for this season.
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I can't get past their ability to kill ducks. Those guys know their stuff. Don't care what they look like.
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I like them... i just wonder what the hell you would do with 1200 ducks???? Uncle ted though I think is sometimes a little over the top...
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They have a large group that eats them I am guessing. Down south, there are lots of food banks where game can be donated as well.
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I enjoy the show. Different strokes for different folks however. I think that they put in more time and effort than anyone on this website and probably more than most hunters in the entire country to get ready for the season and during hunting season. I realize that it's pretty easy to do that when it's your job and everything you do is paid for, however, I think it's impressive. Just my $.02. :)