Loading...

Buster Cooper & Bust-A-Duck Guide Service: 27 Years of Quality, Backed by a Team That Delivers

Garrett Shackelford

Aug 25th, 2025

Share this article

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!


Recent Blog Posts

Prepared for Anything: Mallard Bay Partners with Uncharted Supply Co. for Outfitter Safety

Oct 1st, 2025

Mallard Bay partners with Uncharted Supply Co. to help outfitters stay safe in the field. Discover s...

Read

Prepared for the Unpredictable: Essential Gear for Guides in the Field

Aug 26th, 2025

Stay Ready, Stay Legendary: Essential Safety Gear for Hunting & Fishing Guides As a hunting or fish...

Read

Plaska Lodge: From Stressful Facebook Ads to Multi-State Expansion

Aug 25th, 2025

Camden transformed stress into 15x growth, turning failed Facebook ads into daily calls and future e...

Read

From Stressed to Fully Booked: How Black Oak Outfitters Turned 243 Leads Into Growth With Mallard Bay

Aug 25th, 2025

Garrett shifted from chasing clients to a steady flow of bookings and growth, thanks to Mallard Bay’...

Read

Crooked Creek Outfitters — From Calendar Chaos to Consistent Growth

Aug 25th, 2025

From messy calendars to smooth growth, Crooked Creek simplified bookings and built consistency with ...

Read

Beyond Sundown Outfitters — From Burnout to Booked Solid

Aug 11th, 2025

Dakotah turned burnout into balance with Mallard Bay, gaining time back, less stress, and more time ...

Read

Mallard Bay Featured in Houston.org

Apr 9th, 2025

We’re excited to share that Mallard Bay was recently featured by the Greater Houston Partnership in ...

Read

How Trump’s Renaming of the Gulf Led to a 554% Revenue Spike for a Charter in Venice, LA

Apr 1st, 2025

Discover how Gulf of America Outfitters turned Trump's Gulf renaming into a 554% revenue surge. See ...

Read

Peak Season Success: Essential Strategies for Waterfowl Outfitters to Maximize Business

Oct 17th, 2024

Maximize your waterfowl outfitting business during peak season with essential key strategies to enha...

Read

Client Experience in the Field: Best Practices for Waterfowl Outfitters

Jul 18th, 2024

Learn how waterfowl outfitters can elevate the client experience with best practices in communicatio...

Read

Waterfowl Hunting in Canada: What American Hunters Need to Know

Apr 27th, 2023

Planning a waterfowl hunt in Canada? Discover the latest 2023–2024 regulations, avian flu updates, a...

Read

Four Reasons Why Every Outfitter and Charter Need A Website

Feb 12th, 2023

Discover why a website is essential for outfitters and charters. Learn how SEO, trust-building, and ...

Read

The History of Duck Hunting

Nov 20th, 2022

Hunting - once used as survival has turned into a go-to Recreational Sport with competitive markets....

Read
The quickest way for a sportsman to book with reputable guides and outfitters.

Contact Us!

+1 (225) 831-8211

List on Mallard Bay
Mallard Bay For Guides
Trusted Brands
Privacy
Terms

© 2025 Mallard Bay, Inc.
·
Made within Baton Rouge, LA
·
v1.278.0