Did This Guy Really Catch a Quail with his Bare Hand?

by
posted on May 15, 2013
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (14)

In case you haven't already seen it, there's a video making its rounds on the web that purports to show a hunter snagging a quail right out of the air with his bare hands as it zooms past—much to the amazement of his buddies. It's embedded below.

The real question, though, is whether or not the events in the video are legitimate. Being that I'm skeptical of just about anything that "goes viral," it's no surprise that I have little faith that the events depicted in the video were a completely random and coincidental event. Whether the whole thing was staged, or simply a matter of fancy CGI work—like that "eagle" that allegedly tried to make off with a baby a few months back—I'm not buying it. Here's why:

1. Playing it too Cool
The hunter in question (identified by MSN as Matt Carter), seems to be playing the whole thing a little too cool for me. He's completely unperturbed at the sight of a quail flying straight for him, and seems to casually look it into his hand the same way a baseball or football player might with a ball—like he knew it was coming. Hey, maybe I'm wrong and this guy's just got ice in his veins. But I remain skeptical.

2. The Video's too Perfect
From the convenient close up of Carter just ambling through the field as the bird comes in, to the obvious post-production edits, the video doesn't do its content any favors. If this had been something that happened in the corner of the frame, or the video had gone up raw, it would have had a stronger case. But the cameraman has a seemingly fantastic angle on Carter as this all happens, and later went to work on the video a little bit before uploading it. That muddies the water, in my book.

3. The Obligatory Self-Promotion
You'll note that the video ends with a plug for an upcoming book, written by former NFL Quarterback Colt McCoy (who also briefly appears in the video) and... Matt Carter. Numerous reports have already pointed out how "coincidental" it is that there's a viral video going around just before the book's launch, and it's hard not to agree. A "viral" video with an ad at the end? Seems too perfect.

McCoy himself makes little more than a cameo in the video, offering only a chuckle and the compliment of "sweet catch." Seriously, Colt? If this whole thing is legit, your buddy just made a better catch than any receiver you had on the Browns ever did. Give me more enthusiasm.

That all said, maybe I'm being entirely too skeptical. Watch the video below and make your own call. Did this guy make the catch of the year?

Latest

NRAAM 2025
NRAAM 2025

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

#SundayGunday: Wilson Combat NULA Model 20

On this week's #SunsdayGunday, we take a look at the Wilson Combat NULA Model 20. A descendant of the New Ultralight Arms rifles designed by Melvin Forbes, the Model 20 carries on Melvin's legacy of lightweight accuracy in a way only Wilson Combat can. For more information, check out this exclusive video.

New for 2025: Gritr 47-Inch Hard Rifle Case

Gritr has launched its 47-inch Hard Rifle Case, for shooters looking for portable security and protection for their firearm. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.