I think the market hunters with their punt guns had more to do with decimating the duck populations than the hunters with 10 gauge.
TM
I don't agree. Effective punt gunning required certain locales and requirements that, in and of themselves, limited the effectiveness of the technique on a national scale. Where it was used it could be very effective, and kill large numbers with a single shot, but those places were few and far between. I believe there were exponentially more ducks killed by the new pumps and "automatics" than by punt guns. But, somehow, over the last century, punt guns have gained a mystique and reputation not entirely deserved.
That, and what LGF said, plus no seasons (or no
regard for seasons) was the death knell, pun intended.
SRH
