Chasing the History of The Old Duck Hunters Association, Inc.

Those of you who know me, rather any who spend time with me afield or along a stream know my affection for the writer, Gordon MacQuarrie. Mac was a Wisconsin Native recognized as one of the finest outdoor writers of his time. Mr. MacQuarrie has long since passed, but left a treasure trove of work. He is most noted for the Old Duck Hunters Association, Inc., or O.D.H.A. The Inc. stand for incorrigible. These pieces were shared through numerous outdoor publications of the 1930's, 40's, and 50's. They touch on a number of outdoor, conservation, and human themes. Many of the stories of center on the relationship between the author and his father-in-law, Al Peck, the President of the O.D.H.A. Reverently referred to as "Hizzoner."

Upon perusing the late August issue of the Outdoor News - Wisconsin, I came across mention of an O.D.H.A. tour covering 110 miles of northern Wisconsin. Dave Evenson, has put together a vast collection of research on the actual locations which served as the settings of these beloved pieces. I sent him an email expressing my interest, and the table was set!

The couple weeks leading to the tour had me checking email messages daily. Dave sent the details of his research on the locales we'd visit, and a number of people we'd meet with connections to the O.D.H.A. His work shared not just the places, but how Gordon and Al utilized the spots, and how they've changed the past eighty years.

Now, I've considered myself lucky just to have been introduced to MacQuarries writings. Ducks Unlimited has reading Mac's works as one of the ten things all waterfowlers need to do in their lives. A special thank you to my friend, the Angry Dane for putting a copy in my hands! Mr. Evenson operates on an entirely different level! The amount of work it must have taken to compile this tour adds a completely new dimension to the enjoyment of the O.D.H.A.

My lovely wife and baby came with on this weekend adventure. We began our trip staying at the Ike Walton Lodge, off Yellow Lake in Webster, Wisconsin. The small cabins available provide a cozy and rustic experience, similar to what Mac may have experienced on his first hunt in the late 1920's.

We met Dave Evenson at the public launch on Yellow Lake. We also got acquainted with a number of other Macquarrie fans. In fact, 19 Old Duck Hunters accompanied us. Dave had a pair Poygan gunning boxes, which he made, for everyone to sign. The baby signed too, and I'm proud to say was the youngest member of the O.D.H.A. After introductions, logistics, and a history of Mac's night of being "frozen" before his first duck hunt, we began the tour!

Dave managed to connect us with folks acquainted with some of Mac's bygone hunting connections. He had also gotten us permission to explore a number of sacred spots, which served as the backdrop of many of his beloved tales. We took a walk to the blind off Gus's point, the site of Mac's very first duck hunt. One of the signed Poygan boxes was left as a token of appreciation at the blind.

Our tour took us over many miles, and included stops at the St. Croix River, Repke's Farm, and the site of the Bird Dog Trials, along the sand barrens of Washburn County. Each place again serves as the backdrop to any number of Old Duck Hunter stories. It was a thrill to visit the sites, and hear the history of such places. Many of them are still pretty wild. The creeks and streams along the way are said to still hold native brook trout, grouse, and duck.

Gradually, we made it to lunch. We stopped at the Buckhorn in Gordon, Wisconsin. This was a favorite stopping place of the author, who often traded stories and intel on current hunting conditions. The reuben was great, and the company even better. Dave had made connections with the Barnes Area Historical Association. They've put together an extensive collection of MacQuarrie memorabilia at their new museum. There is a wing dedicated to Mac that opened recently. Part of their fundraising efforts include becoming a member of the Old Duck Hunters Club. Joining this prestigious club gets you a yearly pass to the museum, a membership card, and framed print. Lifetime membership also got you a dapper-looking t-shirt honoring Mr. President!

Our tour continued through Northwest Wisconsin, and ended at two famous locales. One of which is a mystery lake, in which the author wrote about taking a limit of 15 ducks with a mere 22 shells. A banner duck day, if ever there was! My photos do no justice, but this where Mr. Dave Evenson believes the historic duck day occurred. Tree trunk samples were taken of the apparent spot to verify the descriptions of our beloved author. All I can say is the red-headed Scotsman may have used a bit of author privilege in his writings. The core samples came out as a different species of tree.

We ended at the little red cabin on the hill. An important place for Mac and Mr. President. Many of my favorite stories took place off this spot. The cabin is still there, although it has been moved a number of feet. The current owner is building a new, larger cabin on the original spot. The owner has included the original fireplace in his new cabin though. I felt privileged to explore and sit in the little red cabin. I don't know if I'd consider it red, but even so, it's a historic place of importance for we fans of the O.D.H.A.

A special thanks to Dave Evenson for sharing his research, energy, and affection for a special Wisconsin writer. Pursuing waterfowl, fish, and game has given me so much in terms of sharing and enjoying the outdoors. Reading the works of Gordon MacQuarrie do much to keep my outdoor fire lit. Having the opportunity to visit the sites of many a story, and to do so with great company was a fantastic way to spend a day. It got me quite excited for the upcoming duck season. It was a wonderful tour!

Dave is planning a campaign closer to the Eau Claire chain of lakes, and the Brule this August. In addition, Mr. Evenson shared his desire to publish a new collection of all of Mac's writings. On the day of our tour, he was pursuing permission to access many of the writings at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (where Mac wrote). It has been many years since Mac's words have been put to press.

A collection of the Old Duck Hunter stories were published over twenty years ago by Willow Creek Press, and editor Zack Taylor. His three book collection includes Stories of the Old Duck Hunters, More Stories of the Old Duck Hunters, and The Last Stories of the Old Duck Hunters. Keith Crowley was Mac's Biographer, and in 2003 published, Gordon MacQuarrie: The Story of an Old Duck Hunter.

In late November, 2017, Dave emailed the O.D.H.A. group that permission was granted! It seems we will be receiving more of MacQuarrie's writings in the not too distant future! Maybe we'll have a chance to discuss the new collection this August on the next O.DH.A. Tour! Until then, stay incorrigible.