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Ruddy ducks

5.1K views 18 replies 19 participants last post by  quackhead83  
#1 ·
This year was the first year I have ever seen a ruddy duck in all the years ive been duck hunting, around here (southeastern NC) we shoot a lot of woodies, mallards and ring necks. I shot a drake and hen ruddy duck in 1 shot and have been considering mounting the drake. Ive heard some peopel like the ruddy and others hate the bird. anyone from NC or anywhere else with an opinion on mounting the ruddy?
 
#2 ·
The only thing that matters is if he is a trophy to you. If he is then get him mounted. I have never shot one and we don't get many so he would be on the wall for sure although I would much rather have one in full breeding plumage.
 
#5 ·
I'm kinda fond of the little birds. I like carving them but never get a chance to just just specifically target them. I have shot a few over the years. If it looks good (and the quote jamesmc..it's a trophy to you) I'd have it done. I personally like the winter plummage birds as much as the spring plummage. Each is nice looking in it's own unique way. :thumbsup:
 
#8 ·
We shoot lots of fat Ruddys up here. In late fall they are so fat that they have a hard time getting airborne. They take off and are so slow getting lift off that the waves actually hit their behinds several times before take off, really something to watch!! I think last season there were days where we took a dozen of the buggers within our group.
 
#9 ·
I'm actually quite fond of the little buggers and we have them by the thousands here in NW Iowa during the season. They are usually the first divers to show up and although I have shot them before they certainly are not the best table fair. This coming from a hardcore diver and seaduck hunter so I'm used to my ducks not tasting like mallards. :crazy:
As far as mounting purposes I have waited to mout one until I get a special bird. Later in the year the drakes are nicer looking and it seems I have others to mount first. If I were in your shoes and the bird was special or really pretty I'd mount it.
Spend the extra money to find a good taxidermist that is either a sponsor here or one that you have researched well and have a memory to last a lifetime.
I don't own a single bird that doesn't bring a smile to my face when I look at them, and thats the whole purpose of owning a nice taxidermy mount IMHO
Rick
 
#10 ·
We kill quite a few ruddies and could kill nothing but them If we wanted, not the smartest bird on the planet. Either way I will have one mounted just trying to get the others out of the way first.
 
#15 ·
There are definatly plenty down east. More this year than last thats for sure.
 
#16 ·
If you get in the right place in NC at times there are tons of ruddies, though almost always in full winter plumage. If you get up around Coroalla stop over at WhaleHead club and Visit the wildlife museum there they have some pretty good stuff regarding the history of Waterfowl in NC espically in Currituck sound, Early in the Century Ruddies were NC's market hunters staple. There was a pair hunting up that way that killed between 6-700 in a day before they imposed limits..
 
#19 ·
never shot one but a few of my buddies love to hunt them. If its a trophy to you then its a trophy!!!!!My dumb behind didnt even mount the drake banded black duck i killed, im from sc i dont see many ppl kill them but i should have mounted. so if you think you should do. dont eat em it will look better on the wall.