It might have been during one early morning duck hunt in the Atchafalaya Delta on the St. Michael’s hunting property, that three Canvasback ducks screamed thru the decoys and darted arrow-like just over three hunters’ heads. It might have been that while the three hunters in the blind instinctively shot, only one of the three ducks fell out of the sky.
 
     Unbelievably, although millions of ducks migrate from Canada into the Coastal marshes and timber of South Louisiana, usually in a particular area, there are only certain species of ducks that fly low enough and/or use the area. It might have been that on the marsh and swamp hunted on this day, the Canvasback was a complete oddity for the area. In fact, although scientists say the canvasback is the fastest duck on the wing, canvasback duck populations are on the decline. Man’s attempt to deal with this decline dictates that in order to be “lawful,” in certain years, the hunter is supposed to be able to discern both the species and in some cases the sex of a particular duck while flying on the northern winds at mach four - most often in low light conditions. It is certainly understandable how most reasonable people are frustrated at the absurdity of the expectations of some laws and most hunters often unknowingly “break” the laws. The story might go on to suggest that none of the three hunters “claimed” shooting the duck that year...but who really knows? In any event, this canvasback is painted as it lay upon the burlap lining of this supposed blind and it might have been that this painting was made to commemorate such an occasion.
 
     Since there are probably no “accidents,” the artist imagines that St. Michael, who is known to be a great practical joker, came up with the name of this painting - a mere play on words. The story might also go on to suggest that one of the hunters suspected of shooting this stately duck with its ruddy red head is affectionately known as “spoonie” for his proclivity to shoot another species of duck not nearly as prized by hunters as the canvasback!
 
“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me,
and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and laws.”
Exodus 18:15-17