Waterfowl Gear & Technique

Duck Hunting for Beginners: A Veteran's Guide to Getting Started

Getting Started

Why Duck Hunting? Duck hunting is more than just a sport; it's a cherished tradition that connects us deeply with nature and each other. In the early mornings when the wetlands come alive, the thrill of outsmarting a keen-eyed bird, and the camaraderie that builds as you share these experiences with friends and family, are difficult to reproduce. Regardless of why you're picking up duck hunting, it’s an experience that offers unparalleled adventure.

Waterfowl Shotshells Explained

Waterfowl hunting is a challenging and exhilarating activity that requires precision, patience, and the right equipment. Among the essential gear for a successful hunt, the shotshell plays a pivotal role. Selecting the right shotshell can significantly impact your hunting experience and success rate. Let’s dive into the intricacies of waterfowl shotshells and help you make an informed decision when selecting the best shotshells for your next waterfowl hunting adventure.

Choosing the Best Waterfowl Shotgun

Selecting the right shotgun for waterfowl hunting is more than just a simple purchase; it's about finding a trusted companion that will stand by you in the early morning mist and through the chill of a late-season storm. With so many options available, it's essential to consider factors such as action type, gauge, barrel length, chokes, stock materials, ergonomics, and overall reliability.

How to Prevent Decoy Damage

Waterfowl hunting is a cherished tradition that brings hunters close to nature and requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. One of the most essential pieces of equipment in waterfowl hunting is the decoy. Decoys are used to attract ducks and geese to your hunting area, but they can be costly and easily damaged if not properly cared for. As a waterfowl hunter, understanding how to prevent decoy damage can extend the lifespan of your decoys and save you money in the long run.

Duck Decoys: Static VS Motion

When it comes to waterfowl hunting, the right decoys can make or break your success in the field. Decoys are essential tools for attracting ducks and geese within shooting range, simulating a safe and inviting environment for them to land. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, understanding the role of decoys is crucial to improving your odds.

Inside the Duck Hunter's Blind Bag

All the Hunting Essentials You’ll Need for a Day of Waterfowling

Back in the day, duck hunters didn’t carry blind bags into the field. I know my pop, now 75, and I didn’t. And the reason was simple: We didn’t need them because we didn’t carry much stuff.

Top 10 Waterfowl Destinations

Like anglers, duck hunters have their home waters they know well, but, just like fisherman, they dream of other places, destinations famous for the opportunities they offer. Sometimes those stories are just rumors, but in the case of these ten waterfowling destinations, the reality is often even better than their reputation.

10. Beaver Dam, Mississippi – Made popular in the early part of the last century by Nash Buckingham, this flooded oxbow still holds its own today as a great place to fill the bird strap with a mixed bag of mallards and gray ducks.