The Journey Within
Waterfowl Slam
of North American Waterfowl
43 Species
The Journey Within – A Bird Hunter’s Diary
Mark Peterson’s quest to hunt and harvest
the 43 different species of waterfowl.
Mark's Progress - COMPLETED
Diver Duck
Diver Duck
King Eider
Length: 20-28 inches
Wingspan: 34-40 inches
Weight: 3.45-3.68 lbs.
Hunt Location: Greenland
Mark Peterson concludes his quest for the North American waterfowl slam in a single season. This week he is joined in Greenland by Matt Gindorff, a senior consultant at Worldwide Trophy Adventures as he finally gets his hands on the 43rd and final species, the King Eider. Upon arrival, Mark and the crew must ride out 5 days of quarantine but they are also the first to ever capture this hunt on film. As he pioneers the Cook Islands and sets the standard for waterfowl hunting in Greenland, Mark comes to find out that this hunt was worth the wait.
Diver Duck
Common Eider
Length: 20–28 inches
Wingspan: 31–43 inches
Weight: 1.8–6.7 lbs.
Hunt Location: Maine
Mark has traveled back home for a few days and then back at it in Maine with Lance and Emily Robinson from Goose Haven Outfitters, and Safari River Outfitters. Kodiak Island was productive in harvesting a Barrows Goldeneye, and a few others. Maine is known for its coastal cliffs, its eider population, and other beautiful sea-ducks. How many species can Mark check off the waterfowl slam list?
Diver Duck
Harlequin
Length: 15-17 inches
Wingspan: 26 inches
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
After completing the upland slam in 2020, Mark Peterson decided to take on the challenge of completing the North American waterfowl slam… in one season; something most waterfowl hunters strive for in a lifetime. With the Canadian boarder still closed in the wake of Covid, he commits himself to pursuing this quest knowing that he must do it by only hunting in the U.S. and Mexico. With an already stacked deck, he kicks off the journey in October and heads for Cold Bay, AK only to get more than he bargained for.
Diver Duck
Canvasback
Length: 19-22 inches
Wingspan: 31-35 inches
Weight: 1.9-3.5 lbs.
Hunt Location: Georgia
After a great sandhill hunt in Oklahoma, Mark is headed down to Georgia’s Lake Seminole. This big body of water houses a large concentration of Canvasbacks during the winter months. It’s the first time on the journey that Mark has only gone after one species. The list has a lot of checkmarks now, but this hunt proves to be one of the biggest challenges yet.
Diver Duck
Redhead Duck
Length: 15 inches
Wingspan: 33 inches
Weight: 2-2.5 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
This week Mark hits the half way point by harvesting 6 more species while in Sonora, Mexico. Sonora may be known for giant mule deer, but Mark makes an example of just how productive the waterfowl hunting can be as well. This hunt has it all. Flocks of 100+ Pintails over decoys, Pacific Brant on the Sea of Cortez, Ring-necks in the fog and even a jump shoot for Coot.
Diver Duck
Bufflehead
Length: 13-16 inches
Wingspan: 21.6 inches
Weight: .5-1.3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
Mark is still in Cold Bay, Alaska with 3 more days to hunt. After getting caught in an earthquake, he now faces another threat that requires a warning shot and some yelling to fend off a much larger hunter on the water.
Diver Duck
Lesser Scaup
Length: 15-19 inches
Wingspan: 27-31 inches
Weight: 1-2.4 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
After a quick stop at the BassPro Pyramid in Memphis, Mark makes quick work of a three day hunt in Arkansas and picks up 3 more species. This was probably one of the most diverse stops so far as Mark found himself hunting every way possible, including from a pit blind on the bank to layout blinds in a rice field. He did what he had to do and scratched off Speckle Belly Goose, Hooded Merganser and a Lesser Scaup from the list. Only 15 more to go
Diver Duck
Common Goldeneye
Length: 18-20 inches
Wingspan: 30.3-32.7 inches
Weight: 1.8-2.2 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
Mark is still in Cold Bay, Alaska with 3 more days to hunt. After getting caught in an earthquake, he now faces another threat that requires a warning shot and some yelling to fend off a much larger hunter on the water.
Diver Duck
Hooded Merganser
Length: 15.8-19.3 inches
Wingspan: 23.6-26 inches
Weight: 1-2 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
After a quick stop at the BassPro Pyramid in Memphis, Mark makes quick work of a three day hunt in Arkansas and picks up 3 more species. This was probably one of the most diverse stops so far as Mark found himself hunting every way possible, including from a pit blind on the bank to layout blinds in a rice field. He did what he had to do and scratched off Speckle Belly Goose, Hooded Merganser and a Lesser Scaup from the list. Only 15 more to go
Diver Duck
Barrows Goldeneye
Length: 17–19.2 inches
Wingspan: 27.6-28.7 inches
Weight: 1.3–2.13 lbs.
Hunt Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Mark Peterson heads back to Alaska where he’s looking to check a few more species off the list. He’s confronted with harsh weather that Kodiak Island is so well known for but pushes through and still manages to come away with three new species including the targeted Barrow’s goldeneye.
Diver Duck
Common / Black Scoter
Length: 17–21 inches
Wingspan: 28 inches
Weight: 2.09 lbs.
Hunt Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Mark Peterson heads back to Alaska where he’s looking to check a few more species off the list. He’s confronted with harsh weather that Kodiak Island is so well known for but pushes through and still manages to come away with three new species including the targeted Barrow’s goldeneye.
Diver Duck
Common Merganser
Length: 23–28 inches
Wingspan: 31-38 inches
Weight: 2-4.6 lbs.
Hunt Location: North Dakota
Mark heads to the central flyway targeting a Tundra Swan in North Dakota. He has drawn the tag from the state and the guides are reporting that birds are in the area. Any other species that he can pick up here will be a welcomed bonus on this quick 3 day hunt before heading straight to Kodiak Island.
Diver Duck
Greater Scaup / Bluebill
Length: 15-22 inches
Wingspan: 28-33 inches
Weight: 1.6-3.0 lbs.
Hunt Location: Massachusetts
On this weeks’ episode of The Journey Within – The Waterfowl Slam, Mark Peterson is in Rhode Island after a single species, the Atlantic Brant. Mark is hunting with guide and friend, Capt. Ruben Perez. Will the Atlantic Brant be an easy species to check off the list? Lone King Eider’s are also known to travel through this area, is there a chance to cross this species off as well?
Diver Duck
Long Tail Duck / Old Squaw
Length: 17.5–23.5 inches
Wingspan: 28 inches
Weight: 1.63 lbs.
Hunt Location: Maine
Mark has traveled back home for a few days and then back at it in Maine with Lance and Emily Robinson from Goose Haven Outfitters, and Safari River Outfitters. Kodiak Island was productive in harvesting a Barrows Goldeneye, and a few others. Maine is known for its coastal cliffs, its eider population, and other beautiful sea-ducks. How many species can Mark check off the waterfowl slam list?
Diver Duck
Red-Breasted Merganser
Length: 20-24 inches
Wingspan: 28-34 inches
Weight: 1.7-3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
After completing the upland slam in 2020, Mark Peterson decided to take on the challenge of completing the North American waterfowl slam… in one season; something most waterfowl hunters strive for in a lifetime. With the Canadian boarder still closed in the wake of Covid, he commits himself to pursuing this quest knowing that he must do it by only hunting in the U.S. and Mexico. With an already stacked deck, he kicks off the journey in October and heads for Cold Bay, AK only to get more than he bargained for.
Diver Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Length: 15.3-18.1 inches
Wingspan: 24.4-24.8 inches
Weight: 1.1-2 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
After a quick stop at the BassPro Pyramid in Memphis, Mark makes quick work of a three day hunt in Arkansas and picks up 3 more species. This was probably one of the most diverse stops so far as Mark found himself hunting every way possible, including from a pit blind on the bank to layout blinds in a rice field. He did what he had to do and scratched off Speckle Belly Goose, Hooded Merganser and a Lesser Scaup from the list. Only 15 more to go
Diver Duck
Surf Scoter
Length: 17-19 inches
Wingspan: 29.9-30.3 inches
Weight: 2.0-2.31 lbs.
Hunt Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Mark Peterson heads back to Alaska where he’s looking to check a few more species off the list. He’s confronted with harsh weather that Kodiak Island is so well known for but pushes through and still manages to come away with three new species including the targeted Barrow’s goldeneye.
Diver Duck
White-winged Scoter
Length: 19-24 inches
Wingspan: 31.5 inches
Weight: 2.09-4.69 lbs.
Hunt Location: Maine
Mark has traveled back home for a few days and then back at it in Maine with Lance and Emily Robinson from Goose Haven Outfitters, and Safari River Outfitters. Kodiak Island was productive in harvesting a Barrows Goldeneye, and a few others. Maine is known for its coastal cliffs, its eider population, and other beautiful sea-ducks. How many species can Mark check off the waterfowl slam list?
Diver Duck
Ruddy Duck
Length: 13.5-17 inches
Wingspan: 18.5 inches
Weight: 1.23 lbs.
Hunt Location: North Dakota
Mark heads to the central flyway targeting a Tundra Swan in North Dakota. He has drawn the tag from the state and the guides are reporting that birds are in the area. Any other species that he can pick up here will be a welcomed bonus on this quick 3 day hunt before heading straight to Kodiak Island.
Dabbling Duck
Dabbling Duck
Mallard
Length: 20-26 inches
Wingspan: 32-39 inches
Weight: 1.6-3.5 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
Mark is still in Cold Bay, Alaska with 3 more days to hunt. After getting caught in an earthquake, he now faces another threat that requires a warning shot and some yelling to fend off a much larger hunter on the water.
Dabbling Duck
Black Duck
Length: 21-23 inches
Wingspan: 35-37 inches
Weight: 1.6-3.6 lbs.
Hunt Location: Maine
Mark has traveled back home for a few days and then back at it in Maine with Lance and Emily Robinson from Goose Haven Outfitters, and Safari River Outfitters. Kodiak Island was productive in harvesting a Barrows Goldeneye, and a few others. Maine is known for its coastal cliffs, its eider population, and other beautiful sea-ducks. How many species can Mark check off the waterfowl slam list?
Dabbling Duck
Wood Duck
Length: 19-21 inches
Wingspan: 26-29 inches
Weight: 1-1.9 lbs.
Hunt Location: Florida
On this episode Mark leaves the peach state of Georgia to travel across the state line into Florida. Mark Peterson is on the quest to harvest a Wood Duck, Black Bellied Whistling Duck, Blue Winged Teal, and a Mottled Duck. Florida is one of two places where a Mottled Duck calls home. The wood duck one of the most colorful ducks of the 43 waterfowl slam species sure poses to be a colorful drone retrieval to say the least.
Dabbling Duck
Northern Pintail
Length: 23–30 inches
Wingspan: 31–37 inches
Weight: 1-3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
This week Mark hits the half way point by harvesting 6 more species while in Sonora, Mexico. Sonora may be known for giant mule deer, but Mark makes an example of just how productive the waterfowl hunting can be as well. This hunt has it all. Flocks of 100+ Pintails over decoys, Pacific Brant on the Sea of Cortez, Ring-necks in the fog and even a jump shoot for Coot.
Dabbling Duck
Gadwall
Length: 18–22 inches
Wingspan: 31–35 inches
Weight: 1.8-2.2 lbs.
Hunt Location: North Dakota
Mark heads to the central flyway targeting a Tundra Swan in North Dakota. He has drawn the tag from the state and the guides are reporting that birds are in the area. Any other species that he can pick up here will be a welcomed bonus on this quick 3 day hunt before heading straight to Kodiak Island.
Dabbling Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Length: 16 inches
Wingspan: 23 inches
Weight: 0.8 lbs.
Hunt Location: Florida
On this episode Mark leaves the peach state of Georgia to travel across the state line into Florida. Mark Peterson is on the quest to harvest a Wood Duck, Black Bellied Whistling Duck, Blue Winged Teal, and a Mottled Duck. Florida is one of two places where a Mottled Duck calls home. The wood duck one of the most colorful ducks of the 43 waterfowl slam species sure poses to be a colorful drone retrieval to say the least.
Dabbling Duck
Green-winged Teal
Length: 12.2–15.3 inches
Wingspan: 20.5–23.2 inches
Weight: .3-1.1 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
This week Mark hits the half way point by harvesting 6 more species while in Sonora, Mexico. Sonora may be known for giant mule deer, but Mark makes an example of just how productive the waterfowl hunting can be as well. This hunt has it all. Flocks of 100+ Pintails over decoys, Pacific Brant on the Sea of Cortez, Ring-necks in the fog and even a jump shoot for Coot.
Dabbling Duck
Cinnamon Teal
Length: 15.1–16.9 inches
Wingspan: 21.3–22.4 inches
Weight: .73-.88 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
Mark Peterson is closing in on completing the waterfowl slam and checks off number 41 in Sinaloa, Mexico with a Cinnamon Teal. After some extensive scouting, Mark and the guys realize that number 42, the Fulvous Whistling duck is already south of their location and they must adapt on the fly. With a phone call to the guys at Worldwide Trophy Adventures, they pack their stuff and make a plan. Tune in next week to see this hunt continue in Culiacan where Mark finds species number 42, the Fulvous Whistling Duck.
Dabbling Duck
American Wigeon
Length: 17-23 inches
Wingspan: 30-36 inches
Weight: 1.1-2.5 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
Mark is still in Cold Bay, Alaska with 3 more days to hunt. After getting caught in an earthquake, he now faces another threat that requires a warning shot and some yelling to fend off a much larger hunter on the water.
Dabbling Duck
Mottled Duck
Length: 17-24 inches
Wingspan: 31.5-34.3 inches
Weight: 1.5-2.7 lbs.
Hunt Location: Florida
On this episode Mark leaves the peach state of Georgia to travel across the state line into Florida. Mark Peterson is on the quest to harvest a Wood Duck, Black Bellied Whistling Duck, Blue Winged Teal, and a Mottled Duck. Florida is one of two places where a Mottled Duck calls home. The wood duck one of the most colorful ducks of the 43 waterfowl slam species sure poses to be a colorful drone retrieval to say the least.
Dabbling Duck
Northern Shoveler
Length: 19 inches
Wingspan: 30 inches
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
This week Mark hits the half way point by harvesting 6 more species while in Sonora, Mexico. Sonora may be known for giant mule deer, but Mark makes an example of just how productive the waterfowl hunting can be as well. This hunt has it all. Flocks of 100+ Pintails over decoys, Pacific Brant on the Sea of Cortez, Ring-necks in the fog and even a jump shoot for Coot.
Dabbling Duck
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck
Length: 17-24 inches
Wingspan: 31.5-34.3 inches
Weight: 1.5-2.7 lbs.
Hunt Location: Florida
On this episode Mark leaves the peach state of Georgia to travel across the state line into Florida. Mark Peterson is on the quest to harvest a Wood Duck, Black Bellied Whistling Duck, Blue Winged Teal, and a Mottled Duck. Florida is one of two places where a Mottled Duck calls home. The wood duck one of the most colorful ducks of the 43 waterfowl slam species sure poses to be a colorful drone retrieval to say the least.
Dabbling Duck
Fulvous Whistling Duck
Length: 18-21 inches
Wingspan: 33.4-36.6 inches
Weight: 1.5-2.3 lbs.
Hunt Location: Sinaloa, Mexico
After 5 months of travel, Mark Peterson finds himself in Culiacan, Mexico and checks off species number 42, the Fulvous Whistling Duck. The action here was fast and steady which provided limits of Pintails, Cinnamon and Blue Wing Teal, as well as both the Black Belly and Fulvous Whistling Ducks. This hunt had so much action that even the camera guys got to do some shooting of their own. Check back next week as Mark finishes the North American waterfowl slam in Greenland with species number 43, the King Eider.
Goose
GooSE
Canada Goose
Length: 30-43 inches
Wingspan: 50–73 inches
Weight: 5.7–14.3 lbs
Hunt Location: Oklahoma
Oklahoma isn’t just known for its red dirt and great college football teams. Oklahoma is where Mark is looking at crossing the Sandhill Crane off his waterfowl slam list. Hunting with guides Gage Biggers and Shane Lewellen, Mark is able to harvest a limit of Sandhill Cranes, and then put his mark on a Canada Goose and a Ross Goose. Sandhill Cranes are only able to be hunted in a handful of states; Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
GooSE
Atlantic Brant
Length: 22–26 inches
Wingspan: 42–48 inches
Weight: 1.9–4.9 lbs.
Hunt Location: Rhode Island
On this weeks’ episode of The Journey Within – The Waterfowl Slam, Mark Peterson is in Rhode Island after a single species, the Atlantic Brant. Mark is hunting with guide and friend, Capt. Ruben Perez. Will the Atlantic Brant be an easy species to check off the list? Lone King Eider’s are also known to travel through this area, is there a chance to cross this species off as well?
GooSE
Pacific Brant
Length: 22–26 inches
Wingspan: 42–48 inches
Weight: 1.9–4.9 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
After completing the upland slam in 2020, Mark Peterson decided to take on the challenge of completing the North American waterfowl slam… in one season; something most waterfowl hunters strive for in a lifetime. With the Canadian boarder still closed in the wake of Covid, he commits himself to pursuing this quest knowing that he must do it by only hunting in the U.S. and Mexico. With an already stacked deck, he kicks off the journey in October and heads for Cold Bay, AK only to get more than he bargained for.
GooSE
Crackling Goose
Length: 24.8-25.6 inches
Wingspan: 42.5-43.7 inches
Weight: 3-5.2 lbs.
Hunt Location: Cold Bay, Alaska
After completing the upland slam in 2020, Mark Peterson decided to take on the challenge of completing the North American waterfowl slam… in one season; something most waterfowl hunters strive for in a lifetime. With the Canadian boarder still closed in the wake of Covid, he commits himself to pursuing this quest knowing that he must do it by only hunting in the U.S. and Mexico. With an already stacked deck, he kicks off the journey in October and heads for Cold Bay, AK only to get more than he bargained for.
GooSE
White-fronted Goose
/ Specklebellly
Length: 25–32 inches
Wingspan: 51–65 inches
Weight: 4.4-7.5 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
After a quick stop at the BassPro Pyramid in Memphis, Mark makes quick work of a three day hunt in Arkansas and picks up 3 more species. This was probably one of the most diverse stops so far as Mark found himself hunting every way possible, including from a pit blind on the bank to layout blinds in a rice field. He did what he had to do and scratched off Speckle Belly Goose, Hooded Merganser and a Lesser Scaup from the list. Only 15 more to go
GooSE
Ross's Goose
Length: 22.6-25.2 inches
Wingspan: 44.5-45.7 inches
Weight: 2.3-3.4 lbs.
Hunt Location: Oklahoma
Oklahoma isn’t just known for its red dirt and great college football teams. Oklahoma is where Mark is looking at crossing the Sandhill Crane off his waterfowl slam list. Hunting with guides Gage Biggers and Shane Lewellen, Mark is able to harvest a limit of Sandhill Cranes, and then put his mark on a Canada Goose and a Ross Goose. Sandhill Cranes are only able to be hunted in a handful of states; Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
GooSE
Greater Snow Goose
Length: 31 inches
Wingspan: 53-65 inches
Weight: 7.1-9.9 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
On this weeks’ episode of The Journey Within – The Waterfowl Slam, Mark Peterson is in Arkansas to hunt the conservation season for snow geese. Mark is after a Blue Goose and a Snow Goose to check the 39th and 40th species of the waterfowl slam list. A pile of decoys, layout blinds, and lots of motion are the best ways to fool these weary birds. Snow Goose hunting, to say the least, is not for the faint of heart!
GooSE
Blue Goose / Lesser Snow Goose
Length: 25-31 inches
Wingspan: 53-65 inches
Weight: 4.5-6.0 lbs.
Hunt Location: Arkansas
On this weeks’ episode of The Journey Within – The Waterfowl Slam, Mark Peterson is in Arkansas to hunt the conservation season for snow geese. Mark is after a Blue Goose and a Snow Goose to check the 39th and 40th species of the waterfowl slam list. A pile of decoys, layout blinds, and lots of motion are the best ways to fool these weary birds. Snow Goose hunting, to say the least, is not for the faint of heart!
Other
Other
American Coot
Length: 13–17 inches
Wingspan: 23–28 inches
Weight: 0.94–1.87 lbs.
Hunt Location: Mexico
This week Mark hits the half way point by harvesting 6 more species while in Sonora, Mexico. Sonora may be known for giant mule deer, but Mark makes an example of just how productive the waterfowl hunting can be as well. This hunt has it all. Flocks of 100+ Pintails over decoys, Pacific Brant on the Sea of Cortez, Ring-necks in the fog and even a jump shoot for Coot.
Other
Sandhill Crane
Length: 2 ft. 7 in.–4 ft. 6 in.
Wingspan: 5 ft. 5 in. – 7 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 8.9–10.1 lbs.
Hunt Location: Oklahoma
Oklahoma isn’t just known for its red dirt and great college football teams. Oklahoma is where Mark is looking at crossing the Sandhill Crane off his waterfowl slam list. Hunting with guides Gage Biggers and Shane Lewellen Mark is able to harvest a limit of Sandhill Cranes, and then put his mark on a Canada Goose and a Ross’s Goose. Sandhill Cranes are only able to be hunted in a handful of states; Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Other
Tundra Swan
Length: 47–59 inches
Wingspan: 43-49.3 inches
Weight: 9.5–21 lbs.
Hunt Location: North Dakota
Mark heads to the central flyway targeting a Tundra Swan in North Dakota. He has drawn the tag from the state and the guides are reporting that birds are in the area. Any other species that he can pick up here will be a welcomed bonus on this quick 3 day hunt before heading straight to Kodiak Island.
