Buster Cooper & Bust-A-Duck Guide Service: 27 Years of Quality, Backed by a Team That Delivers
Garrett Shackelford
Aug 25th, 2025
The Challenge
For more than 27 years, Buster Cooper has run Bust-A-Duck Guide Service in one of the most competitive waterfowl states in the country. In an industry where many outfitters burn out in a few seasons, Buster’s secret has always been quality over quantity.
At one point, that philosophy was tested. He tried scaling up, running 20+ hunters a day to chase revenue. It didn’t take long to realize it was compromising both the hunts and his sanity. He reset — cutting numbers, focusing on smaller groups, and creating a consistent, high-quality experience for every client.
But even with a solid reputation and decades of experience, there was still the challenge of finding the right hunters in today’s fast-changing landscape.
The Turning Point
Buster wanted a way to attract hunters who shared his values — clients looking for a premium, personalized hunt instead of a high-volume experience.
When he connected with Mallard Bay, the fit was obvious:
- Ads to reach the right audience
- A professional online presence to match his 27-year reputation
- A booking platform that let him control his schedule and client flow
The Solution
From the first call, Buster noticed something different.
“Every single person I’ve talked to at Mallard Bay has been eager to help. No matter what I need, someone jumps in and gets it done.” – Buster Cooper, Bust-A-Duck
The Mallard Bay team worked with him to:
- Launch targeted paid ads that aligned with his premium positioning
- Ensure his online presence reflected his “quality over quantity” ethos
- Support his booking model so he could stay selective without leaving revenue on the table
The Results
In his own words, Buster wasn’t looking to flood his schedule — he was looking for the right bookings. Mallard Bay helped deliver exactly that, without diluting the experience he’s built his brand on.
Impact:
- Attracted high-value hunts that fit his group size standards
- Protected his ability to provide the same personal attention he’s been known for since 1997
- Gained a reliable support system he can call on any time
What It Means for the Future
For Buster, the partnership isn’t about reinventing what’s worked for decades — it’s about keeping that standard alive in a new era of guiding.
With a platform and a team behind him, Bust-A-Duck can keep doing what it’s always done best: delivering the kind of hunts that keep clients coming back year after year.
Advice to Other Outfitters
“If you want a team that’s as committed to your business as you are, Mallard Bay is it. They care about getting things right — and they back it up every time you call.”
This isn’t just a story about marketing. It’s a reminder that the right tools — and the right people — can protect what makes your business special, even in the most competitive markets.
Want to protect your standards while still growing? Book your FREE STRATEGY CALL today!
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