Do You Wrap Your Ducks in Bacon?

by
posted on October 3, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (64)

Some consider wrapping ducks in bacon—or anything in bacon, for that matter—to be cheating. Yes, it's easy and, yes, anything wrapped in bacon will taste, well, like bacon. But here's the thing: bacon-wrapped ducks are delicious. I've found they're even good enough to shut up a lawyer.

"Jalepeno Quackers"—a bacon-wrapped, bite-sized chunk of duck breast with a slice of jalapeno and sharp cheddar in the middle—are a favorite in my home. And Delta Waterfowl recently shared a recipe for "Spoony (northern shoveler) Wraps" that I intend to try this season.

However, here's my issue with using bacon: Many use it as a crutch, implying bacon must be used because, they believe, ducks are otherwise not palatable. I can't fathom how anyone fails to appreciate the glorious meal that is a mallard breast pan-seared medium rare, and yet insinuations to the contrary persist. Even less tasty ducks, including spoonbills, are quite tasty when prepared in such fashion.

However, I do wrap my ducks in bacon for presentation as appetizers or when I just want to change things up. So, I say go ahead and wrap ducks and other game in bacon—but let's not suggest it's the only route to go.

Latest

LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1
LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.