A Perfect Waterfowl Outfitter & Their Trusted Shotgun, Beretta’s A400!
Article by Guest Contributor: VENKU.com
There are a lot of waterfowl outfitters in Arkansas, but not many are like Mike Del Toro of Cupped Wings Guide Service. For over 20 years, Mike has made Northeast Arkansas a destination for serious duck and goose hunters who value consistency, family-friendly service, and a hunting experience rooted in tradition, trust, and hard work. Venku, a management services company for outfitters, and guides, has partnered with Mike for many seasons. Customers keep coming back to Mike for one reason: Cupped Wings Guide Service delivers – on birds, on experience, and on tradition.
Family First, Ducks Always
Mike’s operation is proudly family-focused, but don’t let that fool you – this is high-performance waterfowling at its finest. With properties spread across four different counties in Northeast Arkansas, Cupped Wings Guide Service offers access to diverse habitats including flooded timber, cypress lakes, agricultural fields, and sloughs. That variety means hunters aren’t stuck in one spot hoping birds show up. Instead, Mike and his team hunt where the birds want to be, adapting to conditions and pressure throughout the season.
From the flooded rice fields to the hallowed timber holes, every blind is chosen with intent. And while the setups are serious, the Cupped Wings crew is always welcoming. “We treat everyone that comes to our lodge like family,” Mike says. “We’ve made a lot of lifelong friendships along the way.”
A Workhorse Mentality and a Beretta A400 to Match
When you’re chasing waterfowl from early season teal to the grind of conservation snow goose in late February, you need gear that performs no matter what the day throws at you. That’s why Mike and his guides rely on the Beretta A400, in both 12 and 20 gauge.
“Beretta’s A400 is our go-to workhorse,” Mike says. “Rain, sleet, ice – when client guns start jamming, our Berettas keep firing. We loan them out more often than you’d think, and most hunters go home wanting to buy one for themselves.”
Mike recommends a 12-gauge for most hunters but says the 20-gauge is an excellent choice for those looking for a lighter option without sacrificing performance. His gear essentials? A reliable shotgun, a good mallard duck call, and warm, insulated waders – because comfort matters on those chilly pre-dawn mornings.
More waterfowl gear: GunBroker Waterfowl Season | Hunting blinds & accessories
Safety, Success, and the Stuff Memories Are Made Of
Safety is paramount at Cupped Wings. Every hunt begins with a talk on safety protocols – like staying still while working birds, keeping barrels downrange, and not disengaging your safety until it’s time to shoot. “We all have families to go home to after the hunt and the safety of everyone in the blinds is top priority.” Mike knows that a good hunt isn’t just about numbers; it’s about staying safe and having fun doing what we love.
Mike’s approach to waterfowl hunting blends safety, discipline, and smart concealment. As he tells every hunter in the blind, “If you can see the ducks, they can see you.” That means staying completely still while birds are working overhead – no sudden moves, no peeking, no reaching for gear. Hunters should stay hidden until the guide calls the shot, then shoot within their lane – between the 10 and 2 o’clock positions – and never swing barrels across the blind or in front of another hunter. These aren’t just rules. They’re the foundation for a safe, successful hunt where everyone has a shot at birds and goes home with great memories.
While some outfitters chase limits and bragging rights, Mike is in it for something deeper. “We’ve been doing this for over two decades,” he says. “And no, we don’t limit every day. But we don’t give up. We work hard, we get creative, and we never stop putting our hunters in the best possible position to succeed.”
What truly sets Mike apart is his mindset: hunting is not a seasonal gig, it’s a year-round commitment and a way of life. His hunters return year after year, not just for the birds, but for the fellowship, the laughs, and the kind of memories you want to pass down to the next generation.
Experience the Arkansas Flyway with Cupped Wings
Booking a hunt with Mike Del Toro isn’t just about pulling the trigger on greenheads – it’s about becoming part of something bigger. Whether it’s your first duck hunt or your fiftieth, Cupped Wings Guide Service is the kind of place where friendships are forged, stories are made, and a deep love for waterfowling is kept alive.
Mike says it best: “It’s not always about the number of birds you kill, but rather about the fun, fellowship, and the quality of the hunting experience. We hope to ignite that passion in others.”
Resource Links:
Waterfowl Hunting Gear
Venku Outfitter Profile
Beretta A400 (12 GA)
Beretta A400 (20 GA)
Hunting Blinds and Accessories
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