Even if you’ve been a duck hunter for years, you’d be forgiven for not knowing what a sinkbox is and what they’re used for. The reason is likely quite simple: their use was outlawed across a vast majority of the country almost a century ago. Since then, they’ve become largely antiquated, as people have forgotten this part of waterfowl hunting history and tradition. So what exactly is a sinkbox? Why were they banned, and why are they still legal here in North Carolina? We’ll explore the answer to these questions as we dive in and take a closer look.
First, let’s define what a sinkbox is for those that may be unfamiliar with the term. For all intents and purposes, it’s a duck blind, albeit functionally different from those that sit on land. The sinkbox is a recessed box designed to float in a body of water, weighted so that it sits flush with the water’s surface. Hunters would use these boxes to get closer to their prey, even employing iron duck decoys to provide the necessary counterweight and entice waterfowl.
Sinkboxes reached peak popularity in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s. Market hunters were among the most proficient, using these specialized duck blinds to their full potential. But then the Federal Migratory Act of 1913 and the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 was the one-two punch that banned below-waterline hunting and effectively prohibited market hunting in the United States. Naturally, this led to a sudden and rapid decline in the use of sinkboxes across the country, though they were technically legal until regulations tightened even more in response to the 1930s Dust Bowl crisis.
This, then, begs the question: How come sinkboxes are still legal in parts of North Carolina? Only two counties in NC allow a modern, updated version of the sinkbox, known as the “curtain blind.” Rather than floating in the water, the base of the curtain blind is buried in the sand, a major contributor to its legality. The titular canvas curtain can be raised and lowered to keep the water out. If you’re itching to try out one of duck hunting’s most effective blind concealment methods, grab your permit and head out to Dare or Hyde County.
Here at Mattamuskeet Goose Club, we understand the importance of revisiting our roots and learning from our history. Now, we’re looking to the future while honoring the past. Join us in our historic relaunch and become a member of the Founder’s Club today!
