History Lesson: Sink Boxes episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 11 MIN

History Lesson: Sink Boxes

from Midwest Flyways Podcast · host Midwest Flyways

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into the fascinating history of sink boxes—one of the most effective and controversial duck hunting methods ever invented. From the legendary waters of Maryland’s Susquehanna Flats to the heyday of Chesapeake Bay market hunting, they explore how hunters developed a way to disappear among the decoys and bring ducks closer than ever before.   The episode covers the origins of sink boxes, how these unique floating hunting platforms operated, the massive decoy spreads and crews required to run them, and the incredible harvest numbers they produced. Along the way, they discuss famous visitors like President Grover Cleveland and Annie Oakley, the role sink boxes played in the development of Chesapeake Bay waterfowl culture, and why these hunting systems eventually became a target of conservation efforts.   Whether you view sink boxes as a brilliant innovation or a relic of a bygone era, their impact on waterfowl hunting is impossible to ignore. Join the guys as they unpack the rise, dominance, and eventual fall of one of the most fascinating chapters in duck hunting history.   Thanks so much for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!   Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into the fascinating history of sink boxes—one of the most effective and controversial duck hunting methods ever invented. From the legendary waters of Maryland’s Susquehanna Flats to the heyday of Chesapeake Bay market hunting, they explore how hunters developed a way to disappear among the decoys and bring ducks closer than ever before.   The episode covers the origins of sink boxes, how these unique floating hunting platforms operated, the massive decoy spreads and crews required to run them, and the incredible harvest numbers they produced. Along the way, they discuss famous visitors like President Grover Cleveland and Annie Oakley, the role sink boxes played in the development of Chesapeake Bay waterfowl culture, and why these hunting systems eventually became a target of conservation efforts.   Whether you view sink boxes as a brilliant innovation or a relic of a bygone era, their impact on waterfowl hunting is impossible to ignore. Join the guys as they unpack the rise, dominance, and eventual fall of one of the most fascinating chapters in duck hunting history.   Thanks so much for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!   Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

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History Lesson: Sink Boxes

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How long is this episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast?

This episode is 11 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 23, 2026.

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In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into the fascinating history of sink boxes—one of the most effective and controversial duck hunting methods ever invented. From the legendary waters of Maryland’s Susquehanna Flats to the heyday...

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