Duck hunting is a sport both solitary and collaborative.

A hunter will travel with friends and spend time with them in the lodge, on the way to the duck blind and during those seemingly long moments between shots.

But when the ducks finally hear the call and descend, the individual hunter experiences a personal excitement that only he can describe.

This year’s group of duck hunting executives open up about those personal thoughts and also weigh in with their favorite shared moments. They also offer advice on everything from guns to calls (and who uses one best) as well as those little, easy to forget items that loom oh so large on a crisp, fall morning.