Bill Nye had a dream to create a place where he and his brother Tim could enjoy world-class waterfowl hunting on the Oklahoma land they love. Bulletproof Pond and Lake turned his dream into a reality and transformed a flat section of raw acreage into a 10-acre duck lake and wetlands ecosystem, purpose-built to attract ducks, establish native habitat, and create a lasting legacy for generations of hunting adventures.
Bill’s property already had everything a hunter could want — except ducks. He envisioned a purpose-built duck lake and wetlands ecosystem that would attract waterfowl, establish native habitat, and create a destination where he and his brother Tim could hunt their own land for years to come. Bringing that vision to life required a complete new-construction lake build on exceptionally flat terrain, along with extensive site evaluations and engineering to determine how a 10-acre natural lake could successfully fill and perform with limited watershed. Bill’s goals were clear: natural clay-lined construction, no synthetic liner, maximum achievable depth, and a design built around long-term habitat and hunting success. Before construction could begin, an existing cattle pond on the property also needed to be drained, cleaned out, and incorporated into the overall project plan.
We performed extensive soil sampling and partnered with Kansas State University to verify the property’s suitability for long-term water retention. A full LiDAR survey and watershed analysis were then completed to map the land, evaluate water contribution potential, and help solve the challenges presented by the site’s exceptionally flat terrain. Using AutoCAD engineering software, we designed the lake’s footprint, depth profile, wetlands area, and water control systems, while historical property research helped guide the final design and construction approach. During the design process, the lake’s final shape naturally formed the outline of a duck’s foot – a fitting detail for a project built entirely around waterfowl habitat and hunting.
Construction began with the cleanout of an existing cattle pond before earthwork started on the new 10-acre duck lake and wetlands system. To overcome the challenges of the site’s exceptionally flat terrain, our team implemented a specialized elevation strategy that allowed us to maximize water depth while maintaining the project’s target acreage and budget.
Multiple major rainfall events during construction extended the timeline beyond the original estimate, but the project continued moving forward through consistent communication and careful planning. A variable water level control structure was installed to support the future habitat management, wetland planting, and hunting preparation, while fescue and annual rye were established following construction to help stabilize the shoreline and protect against erosion as the lake matures.
The finished lake transformed a flat section of Oklahoma acreage into a purpose-built waterfowl destination, creating 10 acres of open water and wetlands designed specifically for ducks, wildlife, and hunting. Built around Bill’s dream from the very beginning, the lake now serves as a functional habitat and a place for family, friends, and future generations to enjoy the outdoors.
With expanding the wetland habitat, growing wildlife activity, and the flexibility to manage water levels throughout the year, the project has become a centerpiece of the property and an investment that will continue producing memories, hunting opportunities, and conservation value for years to come.
From the start, this project was about building the right lake and land for Bill’s goals. Through extensive due diligence, engineering, and planning, our team developed a design that could succeed on challenging flat terrain while remaining natural, functional, and aligned with the project’s budget.
The final plan combined a 10-acre duck lake, dedicated wetlands habitat, natural clay-lined construction, and a variable water level control structure that gives Bill the flexibility to manage habitat and hunting conditions for years to come. Every decision was made with one objective in mind: creating a property that would hold ducks, support wildlife, and provide lasting value for the people who enjoy it.
From Flat Oklahoma Acreage To A 10-Acre Waterfowl Hunting Sanctuary
Discover How We've Transformed Visions Into Reality
