Hunting and shooting sports have been a long-standing tradition for the local sportsman and visitors to Eastern NC. Although there is a huge population of deer and small game, the waterfowl population is what has drawn sportsmen worldwide to the North Carolina Inner Banks and its Pamlico Sound. As early as 1920, wealthy northern businessmen were building luxury Waterfowl Hunting Clubs. The shallow waters of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary with many islands and lush vegetation are a popular feeding and resting area for hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese using their Atlantic Flyway to stop on their southern migration. The marshes, creeks, open water, and protected sounds make the Oriental area a world-class waterfowl destination. On any day, it is not unusual to see as many as 27 different types of species in the area including Bluebills, Buffleheads, Redheads., Canvasbacks, Widgeon, Teal, Pintail, Gadwal, and Sea Ducks. Waterfowl hunting the local area offers a true expedition filled with miles of uninterrupted and breath-taking natural scenery. While most locals and vacationers would prefer to relax during the winter, locals and semi-locals know that the Pamlico Area has always been one of the best hunting destinations in the country.