Yes they have a very special meaning to us old waterfowlers.

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
I am not a waterfowl hunter, I chase grouse and pheasants.
For me it is the collar bell for each dog. Many years ago I bought a string of brass sleigh bells and each puppy gets their own bell. And each one makes a unique sound.
The collars and bells sit on a shelf with pictures and like you if I am feeling down all I need to do is pick up a collar and the memories flood back.
These I will have forever.

I ended last season with a 9 year 482 duck streak without a band.
My last banded duck fell on a hunt with my now deceased friend Larry (RIP) in the Vanderbilt Marsh.
Maybe the streak ends this year! :)

Bands
 

I to had my original lanyard full of bands stolen as they were in my truck. Started to run an add and say keep the truck just mail my lanyard and calls back no questions asked. Had to start over but have only gotten about half what I had, they seem a little tougher to get these days. This lanyard I got a couple years back from RW Coolidge, very high quality.

my 52 years of waterfowl hunting bands, when i cant hunt any more i will have them and my mounts to look at and remember the good times.

What are the guidelines for new topics in this forum? I can't seem to find them.

Thanks in advance.

Never shot a banded duck. The only bands I have are from Hunt Test passes, lol.