A Duck's Revenge

I have absolutely no issues as far as hunting or guns are concerned. I no longer own a firearm and have never been a keen fan of hunting for the sake of hunting. From a strong forestry background I personally have no desire to hunt wild animals. Having said that, I feel that it seems to be a bit unfair to shoot an animal with a state of the art firearm over a distance of 500 yards, while the “target” is peacefully munching away at lunch, and then have a sense of satisfaction as to a “job well done”.
Ducks specifically are vulnerable. Set up a decoy and as they fly up, fly past or come in to land, a cohort of hunters jump up and blast away with shotguns. Not much chance for the ducks, and, personally, I would get no feeling of satisfaction. No sense of fair play and all that.
If you want to brag, show your skills with clay pigeons or targets.
That is why I like this one…………
Source: E-mail, unknown

Ducks in a Row : Origin and Meaning

As per usual, the meaning is not a problem. It is the origin that cannot be defined. This expression has as many “origins” as the Whole Nine Yards. Choose the one you like.
Firstly the meaning : Be prepared, get organized, either in preparation for something to happen or to fix something that is not running properly. In other words “get your act together”
Firstly, Duckpin bowling. I have absolutely no insight to this sport so I cannot try and comment. Would appear as though “duck pins” were used in a form of bowling in Europe during the 1700’s. I could not find anything anywhere to confirm this or why “in a row” would be used.
Then there is the duckling theory. Little ducklings follow the mother in a line or “straight stripe”. Kids are organized and under control, etc. This appears to be the most popular source.
Also found a reference to the metal ducks at shooting ranges at carnivals etc. Shoot the ducks in a row.
Another reference to pool hall terminology. Having a ball right in front of a pocket is an
easy shot, therefore a “Duck”, from a “sitting duck”. To have all your balls in a row (Lets not go there) would mean all your shots would be Ducks. I have played a lot of pool in my life and this has never been my experience.
Last reference I could find was reference to cargo containers loaded into ships were/are called ducks, and they must be in a row before loading.
First reference in print to this expression, 1932, Washington post.