If you’re a member of The Duck Hunters Organization, then a special “Duck Dogs” edition of Delta Waterfowl magazine will arrive soon!

If you’d sooner stay home than hunt without your retriever, or if you don’t care who shoots the ducks as long as your dog gets to fetch them, we have a treat for you. We’re sure you are going to treasure the Summer Issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine — a special “Duck Dogs” edition of the award-winning membership publication.

“Our surveys indicate that Delta Waterfowl members own more than 75,000 duck dogs,” said Paul Wait, editor of Delta Waterfowl. “The Summer Issue celebrates their passion for retrievers, including the important role a dog plays in the hunt and the unique relationship between hunters and their dogs.”

In “Celebrating a Special Bond,” managing editor Kyle Wintersteen explores the unique connection shared by waterfowl hunters and their retrievers. Delta Waterfowl photographer Ben Peterson presents a stunning photo essay of Labs, Chessies and golden retrievers that live to hunt — just like you. Retriever trainer Robert Milner explains why understanding how your retriever perceives the world with its eyes, ears and nose will make you a better trainer. Paul Wait reveals the history of North America’s most popular duck dog, the Labrador retriever. And Bill Miller examines the nuances of properly teaching and issuing commands to your pup.

A special issue deserves a special cover. Christopher Smith, a four-time winner of the Michigan State Duck Stamp Contest and two-time Federal Duck Stamp Contest finalist, painted the exceptional, original artwork adorning the Summer Issue.

Wondering why you had a slow hunting season? John Devney, senior vice president of Delta Waterfowl, details why the fall flight — which consists of adult ducks plus juvenile ducks produced that year — better forecasts hunter success than the Breeding Population Survey’s annual estimates.

The Summer Issue also takes you to Manitoba’s historic Delta Marsh, where a regal flock of hand-carved canvasbacks seeks to fool the king of ducks. And P.J. Reilly provides savvy tactics for fooling stubborn Canada geese.

As always, the Summer Issue carries a full slate of informative and entertaining columns such as Shotgunning, Strategies and Waterfowl Chef to help you get the most from your waterfowl season.

The only way to receive Delta Waterfowl magazine is to join The Duck Hunters Organization. If you are a member, thank you for your support. The Summer “Duck Dogs” Issue will arrive soon!

To join Delta Waterfowl, call (888) 987-3695 or visit www.deltawaterfowl.org/memberships.