Few things in Hunter Peterson’s life are more satisfying than shellfishing.
The Westport native began at any early age. “It’s so rewarding being outdoors, harvesting things with your own hands,” he says.
“You feel self-reliant, cooking what you caught for yourself and people you love.”
Those sound like the words of a weathered oldtimer. But Hunter is in his mid-20s. He graduated from Staples High School in 2017.
Since then he’s been a volunteer firefighter here, and in New Hampshire. He’s worked as a deckhand on fishing boats, and in oyster farms.
Hunter Peterson
All along, he fished and crabbed.
Now Hunter has taken his passion to a new level. Last year he began meeting groups at Compo Beach, Canal Beach and the Saugatuck River. He shows them how to stand on shore or wade into the water, and harvest oysters, clams and blue crabs.
Wielding rakes for quahogs, traps for blue crabs and bare hands for picking oysters off rocks, he passes on his knowledge and excitement.
One of Hunter Peterson’s crabs …
His eager students are all ages.
“It’s a great family activity — especially with blue crabs, which you can catch completely from shore,” Hunter notes. “You don’t need to go into chest-deep water, with waders.”
Some people in his groups have fished for a long time. Others never did, but are intrigued by the time-honored New England activity.
There is an even mix between males and females.
… and a clam.
Hunter’s shell-fishing interest has taken him beyond the water. Last month he joined Westport’s Shellfish Commission. Members monitor water quality, look out for the town’s natural shellfish beds, and protect our important resources.
This year, he has a booth at the Westport Winter Farmers’ market. In addition to selling shellfish, he enjoys educating people about the bounty.
Hunter Peterson’s booth, at the Indoor Westport Farmers’ Market.
Hunter’s future plans include possible raw bar catering, and spring trout fishing trips on the Aspetuck River.
Meanwhile, he hopes to start a shellfish farm. He is taking a state course, while exploring a 10-acre lease in Long Island Sound
(For more information, text Hunter Peterson at 203-803-5006, or follow him on Instagram: @saugatuck_oyster_company)
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Relaxing, after a successful day.
Great minds in the same gutter, Dan. I’ve been meaning to write about these oyster men on foot I’ve seen from my new window on Cockenoe Drive. Always assuming, of course, they were wizened old timers, survivors from an era before Main Street was clogged with chain stores. But no! You’ve revealed him to be young Hunter Peterson, still with a plastic retainer across his front teeth. That he’s actually going to maintain this maritime harvesting tradition (most to them involving reaping where they have not sown) with classes is terrific. Do you suppose he can teach me how to shuck a little neck or at least an oyster? Nice job.
Thank you Bill! I will be offering group classes in the near future where participants will learn how to shuck oysters and clams. My cell is 203 803 5006 if you send me a text, I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
Thank you,
Hunter
Malia Enright used to put out lobster pots in the summer, then sold them for 2.75$ a lb. Those were the days. We had boiled, grilled & salad.
My friend in Georgia loved crabbing so much. On questionnaires, when asked her favorite sport, she would put crabbing.
JoAnn Risher
Very cool!
a very unique interesting hobby. Don’t be selfish Eat shellfish
Love it!
I would be interested in knowing what the process is to obtain shellfish harvesting (clamming) permits. I remember as a kid they were limited in number and hard to get. People would line up at Town Hall before the crack of dawn.
Hey Eric! You can obtain a Shellfishing permit either in person at town hall during business hours (room #109) you can also apply for a permit through the mail. Here is a link to the 2025 application:
https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/100308/638701323898470000
Sounds great Hunter. As I related, it wasn’t that easy in the 70’s. This is as it should be. Congratulations and best of luck in your ventures.