Although hunting may not be for everyone, avid East End outdoorsman Andrew Wahl shares, “You would be surprised to hear that avid hunters like myself are probably more environmentally conscious than most people. We are all members of Ducks Unlimited which buy millions of acres all over the country to protect the breeding ground and habitats of ducks and geese.  If no one hunted geese on Long Island, they would destroy the farms and vineyards.”  During the week, Andrew travels the globe running his company, the Wahlrich Group, which is a powerhouse full service, in-store, marketing agency.  During his downtime, you will always find him on the East End hunting & fishing.

KDHamptons: How would you describe yourself as an outdoorsman? 
Andrew Wahl: I have been an avid outdoorsman my entire life taking advantage of some of the best fishing and waterfowling that the country has to offer- all within 90 miles of NYC!  I make sure that everything we shoot, we eat.  We also host a big game dinner at the end of the season for members of our group in which all proceeds go to support St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

KDHamptons:  Has this been a good hunting season in the Hamptons?
Andrew Wahl: This season has not been great because of the warm weather. The ducks and geese generally migrate south as the water up north freezes. The warm weather prevents this from happening. Waterfowl migrate looking for open water and fields where they can feed.

KDHamptons: Where is the best place to go hunting in the Hamptons?
Andrew Wahl: There are great spots both on the North and South Fork- many of which are owned by farmers that we lease from. There are many duck blinds dotting the landscape all over the Hamptons that have been in families for generations. Getting a new permit for one is harder than getting a reservation at Wolffer Kitchen on the 4th of July!  The best water fowl guide in Long Island is Tom Cornecelli of Backbay Outfitters.

KDHamptons: Where is the best place to find great camouflage clothes and hunting gear?
Andrew Wahl: I buy most of my gear at Orvis and L.L. Bean, which have both been outfitting hunters for over 100 years.  I shoot a Winchester SX3 with Blindside ammo, and religiously clean my gun with Hoppe’s after every shoot.

KDHamptons: What has been your most exciting moment of the season so far?
Andrew Wahl: After years of maneuvering, I was finally invited to the Shinnecock Indian Reservation which has over 1000 acres of prime waterfowl hunting in the area.  I was lucky enough to meet some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of shooting with and I hope to be invited back many times in the coming years.

KDHamptons: How do you guys stay warm while sitting in a frigid water blind?
Andrew Wahl: We have a propane heater and stoves in our blinds which keeps us pretty warm. Part of our tradition is also to cook great breakfast and coffee in our blind which helps take our mind off the cold weather.  Last week I brought out bacon steaks from Lobels in the city, which were great with a little Peter Lugers sauce!

KDHamptons The dogs seem to love hunting as much as the owners. Why do they love it so much?
Andrew Wahl: Labs and Chesapeake Retrievers live to hunt.  It’s incredible how they can switch from being loving couch potatoes in the city to alert hunting dogs searching the sky for ducks and swimming out into the frigid waters to retrieve them in the Hamptons. They absolutely love it!