Echoes of the Delta: Nash Buckingham and the Golden Age of Wingshooting, Nash “Mr. Buck” Buckingham (1880–1971) stands as a towering figure in American wingshooting lore—storyteller, conservationist, and master shot. In a June 1968 issue of Outdoor Life, he reflected on a bygone era of lead-laden decoys, spring‑door pits, and “Big Shots” that defined an entire generation of hunters. Let’s revisit his timeless tales and explore how they shape our modern approach to wingshooting and waterfowl hunting ethics.
Echoes of the Delta: Nash Buckingham and the Golden Age of Wingshooting-Overview
| Theme | Then | Now |
| Flock Shooting | Large-scale kills with lead shot and massed blinds | Regulated limits, non-toxic shot, ethical focus |
| Live Decoys & Buzzers | Highly effective but morally contested tactics | Live decoys still used; buzzers rare and controlled |
| Iconic Firearms | Guns like Buckingham’s “Bo Whoop” Super Fox 12-gauge | Historical relics preserved; modern semi-autos |
| Big Shot Stories | Tales from 1890s Wapanocca and early commercial pits | Modern Big Shots still possible with ethics |
| Conservation Shift | From excess to sustainable limits under law | Continued focus on ecosystem balance |
A Vanished World: Big Shots of the 19th–20th Centuries
Buckingham describes how early settlers hunted geese with flintlocks and homemade decoys—buckshot was rare; gravel or nails did the work. Feathers were more than fuel—they were hearth-warming turkey grease for expectant mothers.
“Half man, half goose…who probably dreamed of someday being listed as the maker of the Biggest Shot on record.”
He reminisces about elite coastal clubs—complete with buzzer towers, spring-deployed decoys, and card games cut short by the jangle of impending carnage.
The Biggest Shots: From Childhood to Commercial Pits
One of his earliest “Big Shots” came in winter 1890, at ten years old, atop Wapanocca Lake:
- He forgot to load until flocks of thousands arrived.
- After loading, he downed eight geese in one pass.
- He recounts in amazement: “in the quiet reaches of the night I can sometimes still hear that pair of clicks.”
Bo Whoop: The Legend Lives On
Buckingham’s prized 12-gauge, nicknamed “Bo Whoop,” embodied his skill and tradition:
- A Burt Becker Super Fox loaded with 3″ #4 copper-plated shot.
- Resurfaced after being lost in 1948, sold at auction for $201,250 in 2010, and donated to Ducks Unlimited in Memphis.
- The original “Bo Whoop” now graces museum displays alongside its replacement, evoking a golden era beneath the cypress.
Bo Whoop: Historic vs. Modern Ducks
| Feature | Original Bo Whoop (Pre-1948) | Today’s Waterfowl Shotguns |
| Type | Super Fox 12-gauge double | Semi-auto 12/20 gauge with improved chokes |
| Ammunition | 3″ #4 copper-plated, lead-based | Non-toxic steel/bismuth/tungsten alternatives |
| Use History | Massive flocks, flock shooting | Ethical, bag limits, retriever companionship |
| Current Status | Donated to Ducks Unlimited | Ducks Unlimited Advocacy & Habitat Programs |
A Shift Toward Conservation
Buckingham witnessed the transition toward sustainable hunting:
- He supported Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, calling out “thoughtless decimation”
- Modern hunters uphold daily limits, non-toxic shots, and seasonality—fulfilling Buckingham’s conservation legacy.
Modern Big Shots: Nostalgia Meets Ethics
Today’s “Big Shots” are more about precision and respect:
- Clean kills within ethical limits.
- Retrievers in tow, not piles of carcasses.
- Thoughtful reflection, not excessive harvest.
Lessons for Today’s Waterfowlers
1. Aim Responsibly
- Choose the right choke and pattern; clean kills reflect good wildlife stewardship.
2. Respect Limits
- Harvest within regulations—hunt smart, not hard.
3. Use Safe Ammunition
- Switch to non-toxic shotshells to protect ecosystems.
4. Retrieve Every Bird
- Honor the fallen with care and proper recovery techniques.
5. Support Conservation
- Engage with DU, NRA foundation, and local habitat groups—Buckingham would applaud.
The Power of Storytelling
Buckingham’s vivid narratives—of coastal blinds, buzzer towers, and childhood whistles—teach us more than history. They carry:
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- Heritage: Passed-down traditions and dialogue.
- Technique: Insights into equipment, shot choice, and field setups.
- Ethics: Timeless values of respect and sustainability that still resonate.