This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew picks up Part 2 of the history of duck hunting by train, continuing Tuesday’s story of how railroads helped transform waterfowl hunting across Minnesota and the Dakotas.
The guys dive into railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his son Louis, who took train-based duck hunting to another level with private railcars outfitted specifically for hunting. At Lake Christina, trains reportedly even blew their whistles along the shoreline to flush massive groups of ducks and create shooting opportunities for hunters.
But this wasn’t just something wealthy railroad owners were doing. Regular hunting parties traveled across Minnesota and into Dakota Territory using specially equipped railcars, with one documented expedition taking 634 ducks and 250 geese, along with other game.
The conversation also explores how railroads helped establish legendary Minnesota waterfowl destinations like Lake Christina, Mud Lake, Lake Traverse, and Ten Mile Lake. As hunters discovered productive areas, permanent camps and prestigious gun clubs began appearing, helping shape the early duck hunting culture we still recognize today.
And, naturally, the history lesson gets sidetracked by private train cars with garages, punt guns, dirty pop cans, airplane drinks, and the guys debating exactly what year they'd choose if they could go back for one day of Minnesota duck hunting.
Topics Covered:
•Duck hunting by railroad
•James J. Hill and Louis Hill
•Private hunting railcars
•Lake Christina's waterfowl history
•Trains flushing ducks for hunters
•How railroads changed waterfowl hunting
•Going back in time for one historic duck hunt
Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week.
Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club
New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana
Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite
(Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX
Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions
Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby
Support Conservation: DU
(Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear
Live Free: Turtlebox
Add motion to your spread: Flashback
Better Merch: /SHOP
