At Mattamuskeet Goose Club, tradition runs deeper than the marsh waters of Hyde County. For nearly a century, families have gathered in the blinds, passing down more than just shotguns and waders—they’ve passed down values, memories, and an enduring love for the land. “Generations in the Blind” isn’t just a phrase at Mattamuskeet—it’s a living legacy, seen in the smiles of grandfathers and grandsons walking into the field together, and felt in every story retold around the fire, highlighting the unique bond formed across generations.
Since its founding in 1932, the club has been a haven not only for hunters but for families who find meaning in shared experiences outdoors. What began as a small group of sportsmen committed to ethical waterfowl hunting has evolved into a multi-generational community. Today, it’s not uncommon to see third- or even fourth-generation members returning each season, continuing the rituals that were once introduced to them as wide-eyed children.
This multi-generational approach not only strengthens family ties but also enriches the hunting experience, allowing each generation to learn from the last and ensure that the love for the sport is passed down.
Honoring Generations of Family Traditions
This cycle of mentorship fosters a sense of community that is essential for the preservation of hunting traditions across generations.
Each artifact tells a story of past generations who have contributed to this club’s rich history, emphasizing the importance of family legacies.
By sharing stories of past generations, the club honors those who have come before while inspiring new members to contribute to this ongoing legacy.
This commitment to family traditions resonates deeply, illustrating how generations can impact the future of hunting and conservation.
These family traditions are the heartbeat of Mattamuskeet Goose Club. From waking up before sunrise to bundling into gear layered with patches and history, each step of the hunt carries significance. Many members recall their earliest memories of the club not from the blind itself, but from the warmth of the lodge, watching their parents and grandparents gear up and head into the cold. Over time, they became the ones shouldering the rifles and guiding the next generation through the same wetlands, ensuring that each generation feels the excitement and reverence for the hunt.
More than just shared time in the field, the club nurtures relationships built around respect—for nature, for one another, and for tradition. It’s a culture that encourages storytelling and mentorship, where younger members learn not only the technical aspects of hunting but also the deep reverence for the environment that defines the Mattamuskeet ethos.
The lodge itself holds echoes of this generational history. Its walls are lined with vintage photos, preserved decoys, and handwritten logs that document decades of hunts, visitors, and memories. These artifacts are more than décor—they’re a timeline of love, loss, and loyalty to a place that feels like home. During the offseason, families often return to help with upkeep and conservation efforts, ensuring the club’s physical and spiritual health remains strong for years to come.
In recent years, Mattamuskeet Goose Club has taken steps to document and celebrate these family legacies. Through storytelling initiatives, member profiles, and reunion-style gatherings, the club continues to highlight the men and women who have helped shape its rich heritage. This dedication can be seen throughout their official website, where stories and traditions are preserved and shared with pride.
Beyond the club, the importance of family traditions in hunting is echoed nationwide. Organizations like Delta Waterfowl emphasize the role of youth and family mentorship in the future of ethical hunting. Passing down skills, knowledge, and stewardship principles is what ensures that hunting remains not only a sport but a deeply meaningful cultural practice. Mattamuskeet’s focus on family values aligns seamlessly with this larger movement, demonstrating that honoring tradition doesn’t mean resisting change—it means investing in what matters most.
As the seasons shift and the blinds fill once again, one thing remains constant: the people. The fathers and daughters, the uncles and nieces, the siblings and cousins who come together not just to hunt, but to connect. At Mattamuskeet Goose Club, it’s not about the number of birds bagged—it’s about the hands held, the laughs shared, and the history made together in the blind.
For those lucky enough to be part of this lineage, Mattamuskeet is more than a destination—it’s a second home. Each visit strengthens the bond between generations, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. And for those just beginning their journey, the club offers something rare and powerful: a chance to join a legacy in progress.
