“There are many reasons why Minnesota duck camps shut down over the years, but the most common, I think, were the changes in water levels and water quality due to ditching and draining,’’ said Steve Knutson, author of “Minnesota Duck Camps. 100 Years of History and Tradition.’’

Yet Minnesota duck hunters — the 70,000 or so that remain, down from a peak of more than twice that number — are a stubborn bunch.

In part fueled by memories of the state’s good old days of duck hunting and in part drawn to an autumnal milieu of intergenerational bonding, muddy boots and stinky dogs, these waterfowlers still gather to celebrate a valued tradition — and will again Saturday, Sept. 21, when the 2024 version of Minnesota duck hunting begins one-half hour before sunrise.

Schleif’s dad, Ron, and a friend, Leo Rudolph, both from Owatonna, wanted a duck-hunting camp of their own when, 50 years ago, they partnered up to lease (and subsequently buy) a shack — later, two — on Buffalo Lake in Waseca County.

Schleif’s older brothers, Brad and Doug, were invited to the camp first. Keven followed at age 10.

“I had to use a broomstick for a gun until I was older and could carry a gun safely,’’ said Kevin, who is 61 now.