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U.S. Chief Inspector of Hunting George A. with a confiscated 10.9-inch and 250-pound rifle that was used to hunt ducks. 1920.
A punt gun is a type of extremely large shotgun used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for shooting large numbers of waterfowl for commercial harvesting operations and private sport. A single shot could kill over 50 waterfowl resting on the water’s surface.
The Tale of George A. and the Giant Rifle
In 1920, Chief Inspector of Hunting George A. Thompson lived in Millbrook, Illinois. Known for his strict enforcement of wildlife laws, George was dedicated to protecting migratory birds.
One day, he received a tip about illegal duck hunting. Upon reaching the marsh, George heard an unusually loud gunshot. He discovered a monstrous rifle—10.9 inches in diameter and weighing 250 pounds—being used to hunt ducks.
It was not unusual for such a band of hunters to acquire as many as 500 birds in a single day. In the United States, this practice depleted stocks of wild waterfowl and by the 1860s most states had banned the practice.
The Lacey Act of 1900 banned the transport of wild games across state lines, and the practice of market hunting was outlawed by a series of federal laws in 1918.
Shocked, George confronted the hunters, confiscated the illegal weapon, and arrested them. The giant rifle became a local sensation, drawing crowds curious to see it. George used this opportunity to educate people on the dangers of such weapons and the importance of conservation.
In the weeks that followed, the number of illegal hunting incidents in the area dropped significantly. Hunters began to think twice before breaking the law, knowing that George A. Thompson was watching closely. The Giant Duck Gun became a symbol of the dangers of unchecked greed and the need for responsible stewardship of the land.
As for George, he continued his work as Chief Inspector of Hunting, ever vigilant and determined to uphold the laws that protected America’s natural resources. Though he never encountered another weapon quite as absurd as the 10.9-inch, 250-pound rifle, he remained ready for whatever challenges might come his way. And so, the legend of George A. and the Giant Duck Gun lived on, a cautionary tale told by hunters and conservationists alike—a reminder that even in a world filled with innovation and ingenuity, some things were simply too much for nature to bear.
His actions had a lasting impact, reducing illegal hunting incidents significantly. George continued his work, becoming a symbol of responsible wildlife protection.
