About Duck Commander
Duck Commander has become synonymous with quality duck calls and hunting gear since its founding in 1972. What began as a small family operation in West Monroe, Louisiana has grown into a globally recognized brand trusted by waterfowl hunters everywhere. This page explores the origins, evolution, mission, and people behind Duck Commander, offering readers an authentic look at what makes this company special.
Our Story
The Beginning
Duck Commander's story begins with Phil Robertson, a young man from West Monroe, Louisiana who developed a passion for duck hunting and call-making in the 1960s. Robertson wasn't satisfied with the available duck calls on the market, which he found inconsistent and unreliable. His solution? To create his own.
Using his carpentry skills and deep understanding of duck behavior, Robertson began handcrafting duck calls in his garage in 1972. His first calls were made from local woods like cedar and pecan, carved with meticulous precision to produce the exact tone needed to attract ducks. The quality of these early calls quickly gained attention among local hunters, creating word-of-mouth demand that would eventually transform a hobby into a business.
The Robertson name became known for two key innovations: the "throat" design that allowed for easier sound production, and using a single piece of wood for both the call body and the reed assembly. These design features made Robertson's calls more consistent and easier to use than competitors' products, setting a new standard in the industry.
1972
Founding Year
Phil Robertson begins handcrafting duck calls in his West Monroe, Louisiana garage, laying the foundation for what would become Duck Commander.
1973-1975
First Employees
Phil's wife Kay Robertson begins helping with orders, and his brother Fred Robertson joins the operation. The team moves from the garage to a small workshop.
1978
First Retail Deal
Duck Commander secures its first major retail deal with a sporting goods store in Monroe, Louisiana, beginning the transition from local to regional distribution.
1992
A&E Documentary
A&E airs "The American Sportsman" featuring Phil Robertson and his duck calls, bringing national attention to the brand for the first time.
2007
Duck Dynasty Premieres
A&E launches "Duck Dynasty," a reality show featuring the Robertson family. The show's massive success transforms Duck Commander from a hunting brand into a cultural phenomenon.
Growth and Evolution
The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of steady growth for Duck Commander as the company expanded its product line and distribution network. The Robertson family developed new call designs based on decades of field testing and customer feedback. Their calls became known for exceptional durability-many early models from this era are still in use today by hunters who appreciate their craftsmanship.
A pivotal moment came in 1992 when Phil Robertson appeared on A&E's "The American Sportsman," bringing national attention to Duck Commander's products. This exposure helped the company transition from primarily regional sales to a national brand. During this period, the company also began exporting calls internationally, particularly to Canada and Europe where waterfowl hunting has deep traditions.
The 2000s brought technological advancements to call manufacturing. Duck Commander invested in computer-controlled milling equipment while maintaining hand-finishing for critical components. This blend of technology and tradition allowed them to scale production without compromising quality. The company also expanded into complementary product lines including hunting apparel, boots, and accessories, all under the Duck Commander brand umbrella.
Modern manufacturing facility in West Monroe, Louisiana
Mission and Values
Our Mission
Duck Commander's mission is "To glorify God by providing quality products and services that enhance the hunting experience while maintaining the integrity of our family values." This mission statement reflects the Robertsons' deep Christian faith and their belief that hunting is more than a sport-it's a way of life that connects them to nature and to each other.
Central to this mission is the commitment to quality. From the selection of raw materials to the final inspection of each call, Duck Commander emphasizes excellence at every stage. The company sources wood from sustainable forests and uses only the finest synthetic materials for components like reeds and call bodies. This attention to detail ensures that each Duck Commander call produces the precise tone needed to attract waterfowl in various conditions.
Phil Robertson demonstrating call quality in a natural setting
Core Values
Faith
Faith is the foundation of everything Duck Commander does. The Robertson family's Christian beliefs guide business decisions, from operating hours to charitable giving. The company closes on Sundays for worship and family time, a practice that has remained consistent throughout its history despite opportunities to increase production. This commitment to faith-first principles has earned the company respect across religious and non-religious communities alike.
Family
Family is both the heart of the brand and the foundation of the business. The Robertson family's story-from humble beginnings to international success-has become central to Duck Commander's identity. This family-first approach extends to employees, many of whom have worked for the company for decades. The company's benefits package includes generous family leave policies and support for employee education, reflecting their commitment to family values in all areas.
Quality
Quality is non-negotiable at Duck Commander. Each call undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the facility, with master callers verifying that every unit meets the company's high standards. This commitment to quality means that while Duck Commander products may cost more than some competitors, customers receive a call that will last for generations. The company's warranty policy-offering free replacement for any manufacturing defects-further demonstrates this commitment to excellence.
Innovation
While rooted in tradition, Duck Commander embraces innovation to improve their products. Recent innovations include the development of calls specifically designed for different duck species and hunting conditions. The company has also incorporated modern materials like high-performance plastics alongside traditional woods, offering hunters more durable options for harsh environments. Their research and development team continuously tests new designs while respecting the proven principles established by Phil Robertson.
Community
Duck Commander believes in giving back to the communities that have supported them. The company sponsors numerous conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl Foundation. They also support local initiatives in West Monroe through donations and volunteer work. During hunting season, Duck Commander frequently donates calls and gear to youth hunting programs and military veterans groups, helping introduce new generations to the sport.
Meet the Team
Founders
The Duck Commander story begins with Phil Robertson, the company's founder and master call maker. Born in 1946 in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil developed a passion for hunting and fishing at an early age. His grandfather, a duck hunter, introduced him to the sport and taught him the importance of calling ducks properly. Phil's natural aptitude for woodworking combined with his deep understanding of duck behavior led him to create his first duck call in 1968.
Phil's wife, Kay Robertson, joined the business in its early days, handling orders and customer service. Kay's organizational skills and business acumen helped transform the garage operation into a viable company. Together, the Robertsons built a family business that would eventually employ multiple generations.
Key Contributions:
- Developed the original "throat" design that revolutionized duck call manufacturing
- Created the first single-piece wood and reed assembly calls
- Established quality standards that became industry benchmarks
- Built a worldwide reputation for consistency and durability
- Mentored multiple generations of call makers in the Robertson family
Key Team Members
Willie Robertson
Willie Robertson, the eldest son of Phil and Kay, serves as CEO of Duck Commander. Born in 1972, Willie grew up in the family business and began working full-time for Duck Commander in 1992 after graduating from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in business.
Under Willie's leadership, Duck Commander expanded beyond duck calls into a comprehensive hunting lifestyle brand. He oversaw the company's growth during the "Duck Dynasty" era, managing the complex logistics of scaling production to meet massive demand while maintaining quality standards. Willie's business acumen and media savvy helped transform Duck Commander from a regional hunting company into a globally recognized brand.
Jase Robertson
Jase Robertson, Willie's younger brother, is the Vice President of Operations and serves as the public face of Duck Commander's manufacturing operations. Born in 1975, Jase joined the family business in 1995 after graduating from Northeast Louisiana University.
Jase oversees all manufacturing operations and product development at Duck Commander. His hands-on approach to quality control ensures that every call meets the company's exacting standards. Jase is also known for his practical approach to hunting and call-making, often demonstrating techniques on the "Duck Dynasty" show. He has personally trained dozens of call makers in the Robertson family tradition.
Si Robertson
Si Robertson, known for his distinctive beard and colorful personality, serves as the company's Director of Special Projects. Born in 1948, Si is Phil Robertson's younger brother and has been with Duck Commander since the early 1980s.
Si's role involves testing new call designs and providing feedback based on his decades of hunting experience. He is particularly known for his expertise in calling different duck species and hunting in challenging conditions. Si's practical, no-nonsense approach to hunting has made him a favorite among serious waterfowl hunters. He frequently shares his knowledge through hunting seminars and online content.
Korie Robertson
Korie Robertson serves as the company's Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources. Born in 1973, Korie married Willie Robertson in 1997 and joined the family business shortly thereafter.
Korie oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Her background in accounting and business management has been crucial in navigating the company's growth phases. Additionally, Korie manages human resources, implementing policies that reflect the company's family values. She is known for her dedication to employee well-being and family-friendly workplace policies.
The Robertson Family Tree
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Whether you're a longtime customer with questions about your Duck Commander products or a potential customer researching our hunting gear, we're here