The familiar chill is in the air as I eagerly step on the heels of duck season here in Minnesota. This weekend I'll make my 3-hour drive north for "opener." As usual, I'll surely be watching every puddle for ducks along the highway as part of my anticipation for what could transpire. I always dream of an opener that'll make the books. That's what it's all about, right?

Several years ago I met a new friend during a casual bar-stool conversation, which led to an ongoing duck-opener tradition. For this one, we'll hunt the large lake on his 120-acre private property (I once spoke about the property in this article). I don't anticipate too much action, as one of his best sloughs evaporated during the summer drought. But, tradition is tradition, and waterfowlin' history can be made with more than a pile of dead birds.

Speaking of history, I recently visited the Minnesota Waterfowl Hall of Fame Museum. It's only minutes from the North American Hunting Club headquarters, so I couldn't help myself. Check out the video tour in the video below. And if you're hitting a favorite duck hole some time soon, shoot 'em up!

Editor's note: If you're unable to view the video, click here.