Duck Hunting Tips For Beginners

Hunting ducks is fun, but not easy. Here are my top ten beginner tips. They can instantly help you become a more successful waterfowl hunter.

Out of all the diverse types of hunting I have done over the years and across many states, some of the best hunts I have been on have been waterfowl hunts. However, it can also be one of the most frustrating and difficult types of hunting. Below are a few tips on what can help you be successful. I’ll try to get you into waterfowl hunting while avoiding some of the biggest pitfalls.

BEFORE THE HUNT

Scouting & Location

Just like with big game hunting you really need to start with some scouting. Get out on the water. Drive to different access points and see when the birds are coming in and out of the area. Pay attention to the directions they are traveling and at what times, as well as to the coves along the lake or other areas in which they land.

Calling Practice

Practicing calling could certainly go in the before hunt preparation discussion but I gave it its own spot because calling is an especially important aspect of waterfowl hunting. Mallards versus wood ducks versus geese have quite different calls they make, and that is only a few of the 120 or so varied species of waterfowl out there. You really would want to identify what species in the waters around your area that you would be hunting, and then get a call that is for those birds. Research some different calls and even buy a couple just to see which one you are the most comfortable with. The internet has a lot of useful information and tutorials out there for learning to call. Learning about the different calls and when to use them will increase your odds.

Shooting Drills

It certainly would not hurt to take your shotguns to the flat range and pattern your shotguns. Try some different chokes, even several types of ammunition and see where your shot is going. This will help you overall. Then get out for a few trips to the trap and skeet range in your area and bust some clays. This will help you get into the swing of things when shooting at something flying through that air.

Weather Preparation

Do not forget, in your preparations it is important to pay attention to your equipment. Especially clothing. Across the country there are vastly different climates and even within the same state what you wear for that early season goose hunt is going to be quite different from the later seasons for ducks and geese. So, make sure you have properly insulated waders, gloves, jackets before you head out. One of the best ways to ruin a hunt and bail out early potentially causing you to lose interest in future hunts is to be cold and miserable.

DURING THE HUNT

Camouflage & Cover

I will admit for deer and other big game hunting I am not really big on the need for all the latest camouflage. I tend to stick to earthtones… and I do pretty well for myself. However, when it comes to waterfowl you are going to want to be mindful of the vegetation and natural surroundings. Therefore, you need to camouflage well.

Boat Blind Setup

If you are hunting out of your boat, you really want to make sure the boat has plenty of natural or natural-looking vegetation on it. Think of setting your boat up the same way you would a blind on the ground.

Firearm Concealment

Don’t forget about yourself and your firearms. There have been plenty of times I have seen ducks turn off at the last minute and I can only assume it was because they saw the sun glinting off a nicely polished shotgun barrel. Also, when a hunter moves from the blind, his or her face is obvious. Let us not forget waterfowl have incredible vision and they are looking down on you, which gives the advantage to the waterfowl.

Group Awareness

One thing I really enjoy about waterfowl hunting is the ability to hang out and chat with other hunters in my group. But be mindful about movement. Again, these birds are looking down on you so they can easily notice even small movements, and these ducks and geese know what looks right and what clearly does not belong.

AFTER THE HUNT

Cleaning & Drying

An often-overlooked part of hunting is the care for your equipment. Waterfowl hunting is normally a wet and muddy hunt. When you get home take a few minutes to clean and dry your calls out. Clean and oil up your shotguns to prevent rust and damage.

Decoy Maintenance

An overlooked piece is the decoys. Sometimes when packing up we are cold and tired. Maybe rushing a little bit so we tend to start just dropping decoys in the bag. I would recommend dumping out your decoys in the garage. Make sure the drop lines are all wrapped tightly around each decoy. Checking your decoys and making sure they are stored properly will avoid a mountain of frustration potentially in future hunts. The last thing you want is to be setting up your spot on your next hunt in the cold and dark and then you realize half a dozen decoy drop lines are all one huge, tangled mess.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Waterfowl hunting can be some of the best hunting you will do. Do not be afraid to try new spots. Explore all the fields and waters in your area. Most importantly, have fun. Just take a friend, a relative, or even your kid and get out there.