Staff Reports
Donald Trump Jr. finds himself amidst a duck drama that rivals any reality show plotline, and, unsurprisingly, the left is pulling out all the stops to vilify him. The latest faux outrage erupted after Trump Jr. went on a hunting trip in Venice, where he was accused by local leftist politicians of targeting a rare duck species—the ruddy shelduck. But before anyone gets too hyperbolic, it’s worth noting that this bird is listed as a species of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
In classic Trump fashion, Don Jr. showcased his hunting exploits via video on his lifestyle brand, Field Ethos. Dressed for success and ready for the wild, he posed with a handful of ducks, including the much-maligned ruddy shelduck, which drew a collective gasp from the environmentally obsessed crowd. The left has seized upon this moment to paint Trump Jr. as a villain, as if he had shot Bambi’s mother herself, rather than simply enjoying a legitimate hunting excursion.
Italian officials said that the president's eldest son killed an incredibly rare, protected duck without the proper hunting permits. https://t.co/echFgSqnOe
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) February 5, 2025
Trump Jr. is taking the allegations with a grain of salt, claiming that the exact circumstances of the duck’s demise are murky at best. According to his team, it’s unclear who among his hunting party—comprised of eight men, mind you—was responsible for the duck in question. They maintain that in a group shooting scenario like theirs, determining exactly who shot which bird is about as easy as getting a coherent answer from a politician at a press conference. The emphasis here is that all hunting regulations were adhered to, which seems to be the unspoken rule of thumb when it comes to hunting—unless you’re a Trump, and then you’re suddenly on trial.
The outcry from leftist eco-warriors like Andrea Zanoni echoes through the Italian halls of power, as they scramble to file complaints with the Environmental Ministry. Perhaps they should focus their energy on protecting actual endangered species instead of targeting a well-known figure for simply engaging in a time-honored American pastime. Interestingly enough, this whole debacle unfolds in a country where the rules for foreigners hunting are clearly outlined, and courtesy of Leone Rossi di Montelera, the guidelines are well-established. The local laws permit foreign hunters to act under strict regulations, so it looks more like a case of selective outrage than actual environmental stewardship.
While Rod Serling might’ve found the drama compelling, there’s another layer to this story. Actor Stanley Tucci, known for his culinary expertise rather than his hunting prowess, shot ducks in the same Venetian lagoon during his PBS series Searching for Italy, and no one batted an eye. Tune in next week when hunting may just be the new faction in the ongoing culture war, with the left taking aim at anyone who dares seek enjoyment from the outdoors. For now, it seems Trump Jr. is simply living life like any guy trying to enjoy his time, while the left reverts to their reflexive derision.
