Most-Viewed Waterfowl Recipes from 2020

By Chris Jennings

The spring of 2020 was unique, to say the least. As society faced uncertainty, hunters came to the forefront in many neighborhoods, offering wild game dishes to friends and family when grocery store shelves lay empty. At Ducks Unlimited, we noticed a significant trend during this periodwaterfowlers were searching for new ways to cook their game. The DU website, ducks.org, became a hub for hunters seeking new recipes and advice from our own culinary expert, Ducks Unlimited magazine cooking columnist Scott Leysath. Here are the most popular search results for waterfowl recipes and cooking tips on ducks.org during the early stages of the pandemic.

#1 Savory Duck Stew

Editors Note: The popularity of this classic waterfowl recipe was no surprise. It is simple to prepare, hearty, and a great way to cook in bulk.

Try Savory Duck Stew.

#2 Waterfowl Cooking Basics

Editors Note: This topic received a lot of interest during the lockdown. Perhaps with more time on their hands, hunters were exploring entry-level techniques that beginners could try at home.

Learn more about Waterfowl Cooking Basics.

#3 Making Marinades and Rubs for Waterfowl

Editors Note: Marinades and rubs are also perennial favorites, and the popularity of this topic again shows that hunters were experimenting with easy-to-prepare cooking methods.

Try Making Marinades and Rubs for Waterfowl.

#4 Spicy Goose Jerky

Editors Note: Making jerky isnt particularly difficult, but it is time consuming. Apparently, many waterfowlers took advantage of the opportunity to make these spicy snacks during lockdown.

Try Spicy Goose Jerky.

#5 Cooking Louisianas Best

Editors Note: A delicious duck or goose gumbo should be in the culinary repertoire of every wild game chef. Learning how to make it like they do in south Louisiana is the only way to go.

Try Cooking Louisiana's Best.

#6 Five Tips for Grilling Ducks and Geese

Editors Note: Grilling is an art form all its own, and it can be a particularly tricky way to prepare lean waterfowl meat. As someone who enjoys grilling, I was pleased to see this recipe move into the Top 10.

Try Five Grilling Tips for Ducks and Geese.

#7 Where Theres Smoke, Theres Flavor

Editors Note: Smoking is another versatile cooking method that should be in every duck hunters culinary arsenal. This piece offers step-by-step instructions for smoking ducks and geese to be enjoyed as a main course or as an appetizer.

Try Where There's Smoke, There's Flavor.

#8 Deep Fried Duck

Editors Note: The popularity of deep-fried turkeys more than likely pushed this recipe into the Top 10, but frying is also a simple and delicious way to prepare ducks and geese, especially when accompanied by flavorful dipping sauces.

Try Deep Fried Duck.

#9 Authentic Duck or Goose Street Tacos

Editors Note: Who doesnt like tacos? The popularity of this street taco recipe proves that many hunters were missing their favorite local Mexican restaurant.