By DNR Conservation Warden Steven Swiertz
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s October 2025 eNewsletter.
On autumn days when I am not on warden duty, chances are good you’ll find me chasing waterfowl – something I learned to appreciate and enjoy from my father and grandfather on our family’s long-held tradition of annual duck hunts.
My family understood the allure of the annual deer hunts, which had become a tradition for families and friends. However, our family thing was waterfowl hunting – and specifically, ducks.
The passion I share with this group has been mine for years. My high school graduation present was a weeklong duck and goose hunting trip. I spent my free time in college chasing ducks. I am thankful I met my wife in the spring. I never would have paid attention to her if it was duck season.
Many association members likely know the thrill of chasing wood ducks and teal amidst the mosaic of fall color in backwaters of the Mississippi River. There’s nothing like breaking ice with an old jon boat in the pitch black, trying to find the perfect spot and slowly watching the marsh come alive as the sun rises over a frosty sea of cattails. Or sitting in a bobbing boat, no land in site, watching flocks and flocks of diving ducks flying against a grayish blue-sky within inches of the surface and wondering how the flock knows the right spot is to land.
Truth be told, I would never have have any of that without the guidance, encouragement, inspiration, support, and companionship of my family. For as long as I can remember, I would sit and watch my father and grandfathers prepare for their duck hunts, everything from loading the boat with decoys and camouflage life jackets to laying out camo clothing for the next morning.
I dreamt of the day I would get to tag along. When that day finally came, I eagerly woke up at 3 a.m., put on my hand-me-down, two sizes too big, faded camo clothes, and waited by the door, clutching my Red Ryder BB gun, smiling ear to ear. My first waterfowl experience was a field hunt for geese near Horicon. I loved every minute of it, and from that point on, I was hooked. Or spoken in duck hunting lingo, cupped and committed.
I credit my father and my two grandfathers with instilling in me a true love and passion not only for waterfowl hunting, but for the outdoors in general. Each guided me, in their own ways, as I matured. They taught me how to shoot, how to hunt safely, how to be responsible and respectful to nature and fellow sportspeople, how to be a conservationist, and, above all, how to have fun. Most of my fondest memories involve these three extraordinary men and a duck blind. Without hesitation, I would not be where I am today without them.
As a father myself, I am honored to pass along what I was taught to my children. My high school son loves to duck hunt. My daughter starts hunter safety this fall. She will be the first female hunter at the Swiertz duck camp. I love watching them mature by passing along the teachings from my father and grandfathers.
I credit duck hunting with my career path. Early in my hunting adventures when I was around 12, I was in a set-up on a small pond off the Mississippi River with my father and grandfather. We had placed the decoys and set the blind well before shooting hours. Once the sun came up, two men in uniform approached us to do a license check. There was some pleasant small talk before the two wardens left us.
My father said something that I will never forget. “The reason why you and I are able to be out here enjoying what we love to do is because those two men gave up what they love to do to make sure we are safe.” I carry that with me as I go about my day-to-day duties. People frequently ask me if I ever get to hunt. My answer is always the same, “I sure do!” However, I am happy to give up some of my time so you and your family/friends can experience what I did growing up.
No matter how you spend your time afield, it’s not about having the best equipment or shooting the most ducks. It’s about those next to you, whether in person or in spirit. It’s about passing along the tradition just as it was passed along to you. Take time to do what you love with those you love!
This column is dedicated to my father and grandfathers.
