Duck hunting season sadly looks a lot different this time around for the Robertson family.
It’s been nearly six months since Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson passed away at the age of 79. Leading up to his death, Phil had been battling with Alzheimer’s disease and an unspecified blood disorder.
He was the leader of the family, having started the successful “Duck Commander” company in 1972. After years of hard work in the field, along with help from his family, the business grew and eventually led to their popular A&E reality show. From there, they all became household names.
After Phill passed away, tributes poured in from his friends and family. Those close to him shared messages that praised his passion for spreading his faith and his dedication to his craft in the hunting world.
Recently, Phil has been on the Robertson family’s minds even more now that the duck season has begun.
It’s a hard thing to adjust to, and on Monday, November 24, Phil’s eldest son, Al Robertson, shared an emotional post on social media as he mourned the first opening day of duck season without his father.
In the post, Al shared a photo of Phil looking at the camera and giving a thumbs up. The snapshot appears to have been taken during a successful day of hunting.
“Opening day of duck season 2025 was a lot different than we’re used to,” Al began. “For the first time in over 70 years, Dad wasn’t there with us, at least physically.”
He continued, “But we felt his spirit right there in the blind next to us. It was the first time in probably 20 years that all my brothers and Uncle Si were in a blind together. We know that Dad is with his Savior where he belongs, whackin and stackin in a pristine swamp with no limits and no game wardens. God is good!”
Many fans of the Robertson family ended up leaving messages of condolence on the photo. A few of those comments included:
“God is soooo good! Phil will always be there in the blind with yall”
“He may not of been there, but you know for a fact he hit his limit! God bless you, your family, and Phil!”
“A remarkable man and a remarkable family.”
You can see Al’s tribute to his dad Phil below.
Even though Phil isn’t here anymore, what he built for his family is still going strong. Fans got to see that again when the show came back earlier this year.
The original series ended in 2017, and now, eight years later, the spinoff, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, aired over the summer.
People across the country were excited to watch the Robertson family’s hilarious antics again. So much so that the show has already been renewed for a second season.
A specific air date hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s something fans can look forward to!