"A Bit of Heaven" Field & Stream Feature: Spring 2026

[Anthony Babich]

Excited to finally be able to announce the all-new release of "A Bit of Heaven" a traditional style story by good friend & editor Ryan Chelius of Field & Stream! This project was a passion of combined talents and expresses the traditional waterfowling ways we enjoy here on Long Island's Great South Bay. Back in the fall of 1980 author Norman Strung wrote a wonderful story for Grey's Sporting Journal (Volume 5 / Issue 2) . Within this story Norman hunted alongside the Combs family George Combs Jr, George Combs III and the South Bay Duck Boats crew consisting of Ray Malek and Red Mangus. It was quite a popular story in its time and Ryan did a fantastic job of showcasing the traditional ways continued to be enjoyed here in 2026! We enjoyed the company of fellow member @Paul Castelli in his Estuary Boat, Bay house owner Ben Sohm & wife Kate along with the fleet of duck boats at the shack consisting of a 14' Marsh-Hawk & 14' Bauer Boat

Take a look at the article feature video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/qU3iXyBqSXQ

It was an honor to be apart of the story and lifelong goal to be in the magazine I grew up with alongside my father & grandfather. I was able to complete the 1928 Benjamin Hallock Scooter just in time to be used for the project along with the refurbishment of a few 1986 Al McCormick cork bodies used by Red Mangus.
I can't explain the full story just yet but pick up an article to learn all about it!
These magazines can be picked up with a F&S Subscription! Tractor Supply, Barnes & Noble and Bass Pro Shops / Cabelas!

Here's a few images of the adventure! Enjoy! & Lots more coming soon...

 

[Anthony Babich]

Additional Images:

 

[RM Anderson]

That is awesome, thanks for sharing! I will look for it on the newsstands.
RM

 

[Phil Eager]

Really e joyed that Thanks for sharing

 

[Bryce Sharpe]

Great write up and photos - I can imagine some young kid out there reading that and getting inspired. Well done!

Bryce

 

[Tom Whitehurst]

Great story and photos, as a teenager I enjoyed reading Strung’s book and articles as they came out.

 

[greg setter]

Hi Anthony-I bought it and read the article and glad you were a part of this. Some great photo's and I am sure a great experience. Duck hunting is so different in different parts of the country-the birds, the setting, the expectations, what is considered success. If you are Mid-Atlantic duck hunter a nice husky black duck is always a prize and more is not better, you've already been to the pinnacle. We all have our favorite duck or ducks, and I think it is fair to say that while there are prettier and more aesthetic waterfowl, there is no duck that is more handsome than a mature black in winter plumage. And the pursuit of a black is almost always a minimalist approach for the best result.

 

[Anthony Babich]

Hi Anthony-I bought it and read the article and glad you were a part of this. Some great photo's and I am sure a great experience. Duck hunting is so different in different parts of the country-the birds, the setting, the expectations, what is considered success. If you are Mid-Atlantic duck hunter a nice husky black duck is always a prize and more is not better, you've already been to the pinnacle. We all have our favorite duck or ducks, and I think it is fair to say that while there are prettier and more aesthetic waterfowl, there is no duck that is more handsome than a mature black in winter plumage. And the pursuit of a black is almost always a minimalist approach for the best result.

Completely agree Greg glad you enjoyed it thanks for the support!

 

[Mark Belknap]

Great article Anthony! My first duck was a black duck as a boy over 50 years ago. I was hunting the salt marshes along the Chesapeake Bay with my dad. Really brought back memories. Still gunning coastal Va's barrier islands and bays mostly for Blacks and Brant. Really enjoyed the article.