To answer directly: when two duck hunters sit back-to-back in a boat, each hunter typically has a 180-degree zone-of-fire in front of them. This arrangement is common because it allows both shooters to cover a broad area while keeping their lines of fire separated and minimizing cross-fire risks. It’s crucial that each hunter stays within their assigned hemisphere of fire and maintains clear situational awareness to avoid shooting outside their zone. Context and safety notes:

• The back-to-back setup aims to maximize coverage around the boat while preventing someone from swinging a firearm into a partner’s line of fire.
• In practice, many hunter-education resources describe a 180-degree front-facing zone for each person when seated back-to-back, though actual guidelines can vary by jurisdiction, boat size, and the shooting environment.
• Before any hunt, it’s best to explicitly agree on each hunter’s shooting zones, establish communication signals, and confirm that no one will shoot outside their assigned zone. This minimizes the risk of accidental discharge and injuries.