Drake Waterfowl Systems

Drake

As I stare down at my father's weathered lanyard and as my eyes lock onto one specific brand, I find myself wondering if this might be the first band I ever saw him take. As I look to another, I wonder if this might be the one he took on a hunt after we broke the ice for two hours fighting our way to "The Big Hole", our favorite duck hole. I see another and wonder if this might be the one from the last day of the season one year when we were about to pick up the decoys and he said, "Let's give it 10 more minutes." And sure enough, his last duck that year was banded. With each band, there is a special memory, but these bands only represent a small number of memories that were made. They go on and on.

Now, as I read the definition of the band, I am suddenly overwhelmed by what this is really all about for me. It's not just about the love of duck hunting and making a living at something I truly enjoy. It's much, much deeper than that. It's about the memory of my father and the times he shared hunting with my grandfather and his friends. It's about the treasured memories of the many hunts my father and I shared together. It's about the many hunts I have shared with friends and the many hunts I so look forward to enjoying with my son. Only a very small portion of these hunts are commemorated by a small piece of metal wrapped around a weathered lanyard, but the band formed during these hunts is much stronger and lasts much longer.

Too many people get caught up in the idea that a good hunt is measured by a limit of birds, and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a time when I was guilty of this logic myself. But nowadays, when I think back over the 30 some odd years I've enjoyed this pursuit, I sometimes find myself asking what it is I enjoy most about it. You see, the fondest memories of my father are the times spent talking when the birds weren't flying. The countless hours spent before shooting time just sitting and waiting in the dark. The hours spent looking up at the stars, then hearing a beaver slap its tail right next to our boat just to let us know he knows we're there. Sounds, like the familiar crackle of a bag of Oreo cookies being rustled through. The sight's smell and sounds continue to be a real treat and a constant reminder of him. You could take these few written words, multiply them by 1000, and it doesn't even come close to properly describing these memories that put a nice pleasant smile on my face. And best of all, these are the kind of bands I hunt for today.

Whatever dreams and aspirations you may have while duck hunting, may they bring you many bands.

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Classic comfort meets vintage flair in the Drake Retro Short Sleeve T-Shirt.Crafted from a breathable 60% cotton / 40% polyester blend, this shirt offers the perfect mix of softness and durability....
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Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with the Drake Scenic Flag T-Shirt! Made with a soft and comfortable cotton-polyester blend, this graphic tee features the iconic Drake logo on the front p...
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Unleash the full potential of your fishing trips with the Drake Shield 4 Arched Mesh Back 1/4 Zip Crew Long Sleeve. Our four-way stretch technology allows for ultimate flexibility and mobility, wh...
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Built to handle all-day trips on the water, the Shield 4™ Lightweight Performance Solid Hoodie provides optimal protection and comfort when the sun threatens to cut your time short. The four-way st...
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Experience ultimate comfort and style with the Drake Waterfowl Graphic Tee. Made from a soft 60/40 cotton-polyester blend, this tee features a front pocket with the iconic Drake logo and a stunning...
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Experience the ultimate blend of comfort and style with the Drake Waterfowl Graphic Tee. Made with a soft cotton and polyester blend, this tee features a Drake logo on the front pocket and a striki...
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Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style with the Drake Steel Blend T-Shirt! Made with a soft 60/40 cotton-polyester blend, this tee boasts a Drake logo on the front pocket and a distressed ...
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Gear up for the game with the Drake Tailgate Cooler Cotton T-Shirt. Made from garment washed 100% cotton, this tee offers a soft and comfortable feel. The non-pocketed design features a Drake logo ...
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Take on the elements with confidence in the Drake Uninsulated Guardian Elite HND Waders. The 4-layer upper body and 5-layer legs provide unbeatable protection, while the new boot with EVA midsole a...
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A Drake favorite, this classic trucker mesh-back cap style features a vintage duck shield patch with the Drake logo, making it a go-to part of your outfit, no matter what you are doing.
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Stay warm, comfortable, and full of personality with the Drake Waterfowl “What The Duck” Graphic Hoodie. Crafted from a soft yet durable 60% cotton / 40% polyester blend, this hoodie delivers lasti...
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This classic trucker mesh-back cap style features a bold, slick Drake duck head logo. Perfect for everyday wear, this cap is stylish, breathable, and comfortable.
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Drake Arkansas Frat Gingham Long‑Sleeve Shirt Perfectly blending collegiate pride with outdoor performance, this Arkansas edition of the Drake Frat Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt brings Razorback style ...
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Experience comfort and style with the Drake Waterfowl Arkansas Frat Gingham Short Sleeve Shirt. Crafted from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, it keeps y...
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Show your Razorback pride with the Drake Waterfowl Arkansas Frat Tattersall Short Sleeve Shirt, blending classic Southern style with modern performance. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric t...
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Stay warm and stylish in the Drake Waterfowl Back Cap Mallard Graphic Hoodie, built for comfort, durability, and outdoor flair. Made from a soft 60% cotton / 40% polyester blend, it delivers cozy w...