Meet Captain Bradley: Keeping Currituck Traditions Alive on the Pamlico Sound

At Fowl Foolers, we love partnering with hunters who share our passion for tradition, craftsmanship, and unforgettable experiences in the field. That’s why we’re proud to feature one of our field experts and collaborators - Captain Bradley, a seasoned waterfowl guide who brings decades of experience and a love for wing shooting to every hunt he leads.

Whether you’re new to duck hunting or looking for a unique experience on the Pamlico Sound, Captain Bradley offers something you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a closer look at his story, his approach to guiding, and what makes his hunts truly special.

From Commercial Fishing to Full-Time Guiding

For Captain Bradley, waterfowl hunting isn’t just a job - it’s a lifelong obsession.

"I got started duck hunting at a young age," he explains. "I’ve always loved waterfowl, and I’ve always had an obsession with wing shooting. Ducks were always the most fun."

With a background in commercial fishing, Bradley lived and breathed life on the water for years. But when his fishing business slowed down after COVID hit in 2020, he decided to turn his lifelong passion into his full-time livelihood.

"I started guiding to supplement income for my family, and it’s turned into something I enjoy sharing with others," he says.

A One-of-a-Kind Hunting Experience

Bradley’s guiding service is far from cookie-cutter. Every aspect of the hunt, from the decoys to the hide, is crafted with care and attention to detail.

"We keep the traditional Currituck-style scissor rig hunting alive," he says proudly. "We hand-paint and hand-make every one of our decoys. You won’t find a spread anywhere like mine."

Even the blinds are special: "We pride ourselves on our hide, using only fresh pine boughs."

And of course, every successful hunt needs a great retriever. Bradley’s 65-pound black lab, Shay, is a vital part of the team: "To hunt a scissor rig effectively, you need a great dog. Shay ensures we’re always hunting effectively."

Tips from a Pro

Bradley’s years of experience have given him a deep understanding of what works - and what doesn’t - in the field.

• Go-to strategy for a spread: "I do my best to get the birds to finish 15–20 yards out so my customers have the best shot."

• Biggest mistake he sees: "Not practicing enough in the off-season. Duck hunting is not easy - you need to practice."

• Best tip for newcomers: "Scout as much as you can, and keep practicing your shooting."

• Favorite gear: "Fowl Foolers decoys, hands down."

When it comes to decoys, Bradley swears by the quality and durability of Fowl Foolers: "They’re a true commercial-grade decoy built to last - a real gunning decoy. We use the G bodies and put puddle duck heads on them. They perform great in open water."

Memorable Moments

Of all the hunts Bradley has guided, nothing beats the rare North Carolina snow: "Anytime it snows here, that’s something special."

He also enjoys watching his dog work: "It’s always fun watching Shay retrieve two birds at a time."

And if he could hunt anywhere in the world? "Right here in Eastern NC."

Book Your Hunt

Captain Bradley offers open-water scissor rig hunts in the beautiful Pamlico Sound.

"When you book a hunt with me, you can expect to have a fun time out on the water - that’s what it’s all about," he says.

Call or email Captain Bradley or his wife, Allison, at draykeoutfitters@gmail.com to book your hunt today.

Visit their website https://www.draykeoutfitters.com/

Why We’re Proud to Work with Captain Bradley

At Fowl Foolers, we value tradition, craftsmanship, and the community of hunters who keep the sport alive. Captain Bradley embodies all of that and more.

If you want to experience waterfowl hunting the way it was meant to be, there’s no better guide to show you how it’s done.

Want to be featured in one of our blogs? We’re always looking to showcase the amazing hunters in our community. Send us your photos, name, and social media handle to info@fowlfoolers.com, and your story could be next!