Hey guys, I have decided to take up duck hunting this year. It looks to fun to pass up, especially since I have a river right beside my house. I was wondering whats a good duck to hunt for beginners? I bought a couple wood duck inserts to make calls. Also do you guys prefer setting up on a pond or river? Any help getting started would be MUCH appriciated
If you live near a river, you should have some wood ducks. They are great eating and more than a challenge to hit when bustin' thru the trees! You can pass shoot by just waiting early in morning, but if you can float the river in a canoe/boat you'll get some great shooting later in the morning when the birds are resting. Here in MI the rivers are great late season hunting for all species. Good luck and shoot straight!
:smiley-patriotic-flagwaver-an
I myself hunt ponds, rivers and swamps. My preferred method of hunting is Jump-Shooting, which simply involves sneeking around with my gun and a vest full of shells and other little supplies. When Jump shooting the rivers, I start at daybreak set up near a fallen log on a bank, and wood duck call a bit. This usually works for a bird or two. I then get up and start moving down the edge a bit, looking for pockets and ravines that may be creeks spilling out into the main river. Spots like that are good for getting the drop on Mallards, Woody's and any number of other birds that like to take advantage of being hidden by the brush and out of the open. If I am Jump Shooting, and not using my Kayak, I take a telescopic fishing rod with me that has 20lb Spiderwire on it and a GIANT Treble Hook. I use this to cast past downed birds and reel them in. Just remember to try and keep your shots rather close to the bank you are on, if you are unable to wade across the width of the river.
Here is a link to a little story that may help you out
http://www.quakerboy.info/stand_deliver.cfm
Find someone in your area who is a competant duck hunter, hunt with them as much as possible.
Quote from: muddy on October 13, 2011, 02:32:11 PM
Find someone in your area who is a competant duck hunter, hunt with them as much as possible.
I live in PA, and in PA there are very little duck hunters... If any in the town I live in. I may be on my own on this one. thanks for the info guys!
Dont start out buck wild. Instead of buying a bunch of gear, spend the money on gas to go SCOUT. You can kill plenty of ducks with no calls and just a few decoys if you find where they want to be. Go early and late.
Learn proper duck hunting etique. Many dont, and hunting near those guys isnt fun. You dont need to shoot a full choke if you almost let their feet hit the water.
Quote from: muddy on October 13, 2011, 02:32:11 PM
Find someone in your area who is a competant duck hunter, hunt with them as much as possible.
This is one of the best ways. Most folks will help you. You will see what you need and the best way to hunt them around you parts. Get you a good LM or M choke and have some fun.
Your going to need waders, and start out with a few cheap decoys. Ducks really dont know the difference when they are flying at Mach8. Get with Sumtoy for a good choke, his LM is really good. A call is really optional, as long as you are on or near the "X", you will be fine. Then you can see if you really enjoy it. If so, next year you can more stuff. Just be prepared to lose your mind if this bug really bites you. Next thing you know, you will be like us. 5 dogs, three boats, 18 gazillion decoys, layout blinds, more calls than mouthes to use them, etc
Quote from: MarkJM on October 13, 2011, 04:05:27 PM
Quote from: muddy on October 13, 2011, 02:32:11 PM
Find someone in your area who is a competant duck hunter, hunt with them as much as possible.
I live in PA, and in PA there are very little duck hunters... If any in the town I live in. I may be on my own on this one. thanks for the info guys!
Where in Pa are you?
I hunt the Poconos a lot each year. The Deleware river and surrounding area is where I get a lot of action and like to hunt most.
Welcome to the addiction. I am in FL and we hunt ringnecks, woodies, teal, and a few others mixed in. Be safe is the first thing I would tell you. Waders are dangerous and so are boats, don't be too cool to wear a life jacket. Start out slow and like they said before, scout. Ducks imprint on an area and will normally come back to the same place year after year. We take probably 2/3 of our birds from the same couple holes each year. Its a great sport, I shoot cheap x-pert shells from Macks PW, they have the best prices and I shoot a factory Mod. choke. Before you know it you will be hooked, just like we did. Started out with a 10ft jon boat in the back of a Toyota, paddling. Now we have mud buddys, custom built boats, decoys by the hundreds, Benelli shotguns, but it took 15 years of doing it to invest that kind of money. There is something special about watching the sun rise and having woodducks zip through the oak trees looking for that fallen acorn. It has always been a borderline spiritual experience for me, and if you are lucky enough to take a big drake of any species you will have something that is absolutely gorgeous. Especially a big woody drake, God took some extra time in designing him. Natures beauty in your hand...
Quote from: TrophyTracker on October 14, 2011, 02:12:02 AM
Quote from: MarkJM on October 13, 2011, 04:05:27 PM
Quote from: muddy on October 13, 2011, 02:32:11 PM
Find someone in your area who is a competant duck hunter, hunt with them as much as possible.
I live in PA, and in PA there are very little duck hunters... If any in the town I live in. I may be on my own on this one. thanks for the info guys!
Where in Pa are you?
I hunt the Poconos a lot each year. The Deleware river and surrounding area is where I get a lot of action and like to hunt most.
thanks for all of the info guys! I live in a small town called Parker. about two hours north of pittsburgh. I know where a lot of ducks hang out and i see them there every time i go. So I think i'll start out there. i would love to hunt some woodies. I have a pond on my property that they sometimes fly into.
Well good luck, brother.
Get in there and roll that gun! There are good numbers of birds still making their way down to you, so you are in good shape.
What # of shot do you guys use for ducks? I have HV #3 steel shot, high volocity... Is there a shot thats over dose on those smaller ducks such as mallards, woodies, teaks, ect..
The 3s should do you just fine. I generally use 2s on big water, 4s on smaller water.
Just another question, if you accidently flush ducks the evening before, is there a chance they will be there the next morning? the ducks I flushed were Mallards. I plan on trying my luck on shooting a couple tomorrow morning.
They will most likely come back. Just get in there early and chill out. See what goes on and try to kill any that pop in on their own. Once you break the ice, then I would say give some calling a try and get more comfortable with it. You won't be second guessing yourself as much if there are a couple birds floating face down already :you_rock:
Good luck and keep us posted!
Went out this a little late this morning and didnt see a thing. I dont have any duck calls yet so I didnt do any calling. I have called ducks with my natural voice before. I was wondering if ducks are like deer. just like a deer has its fields, do they have their ponds they like to feed on in the mornings and evenings?
Most important is finding a good place to hunt , if there is nearby hunting get dialed in with it asap and hook up with any local knowledge possible -
Your gonna need some gear , avoid all the gadgets and such in the beginning until you figure out what you need badly -
1) Shotgun , I assume you have one already so your okay with that
2) Most likely you will need some waders - Cheap ones will get you by until you find some nicer ones - take good care of them !!!! and they will last ----, unless you will be doing a boat only tactic
3) You may need a boat , the most practical boat for you is whatever works best this can be anything from a simple canoe all the way to a powered boat - check local craigslist listings
4) Decoys.... don't scrimp on these get the best ones you can afford and take care of them and they will last you - Buy a dozen or two each year until you build up your spread - Buy they species that is most common in your area and everyone hunts -
Quote from: Old Gobbler on October 18, 2011, 08:28:29 PM
Most important is finding a good place to hunt , if there is nearby hunting get dialed in with it asap and hook up with any local knowledge possible -
Your gonna need some gear , avoid all the gadgets and such in the beginning until you figure out what you need badly -
1) Shotgun , I assume you have one already so your okay with that
2) Most likely you will need some waders - Cheap ones will get you by until you find some nicer ones - take good care of them !!!! and they will last ----, unless you will be doing a boat only tactic
3) You may need a boat , the most practical boat for you is whatever works best this can be anything from a simple canoe all the way to a powered boat - check local craigslist listings
4) Decoys.... don't scrimp on these get the best ones you can afford and take care of them and they will last you - Buy a dozen or two each year until you build up your spread - Buy they species that is most common in your area and everyone hunts -
well i've got the gun, chest waders, and boat. I need to get me some good decoys. I have been seeing some on ebay.. I'll post the link and tell me what you think of these decoys. we have a vast amount of mallards so I think they will be the prey
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-AVERY-GREENHEAD-GEAR-GHG-HBII-MALLARD-DUCK-DECOYS-NEW-/400245051876?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3076d1e4
Two words for you, "JERK STRING." I made mine out of a boat anchor, 3ft bungee cord, and black twine, same stuff I used on my decoys. Don't go out and buy a majo, if it's legal in your state. Rig up a few decoys to the jerk string and it works like magic. I had a mojo, sold it. I have killed more birds over a dozen good looking decoys and a jerk string than any big spread I put out. I mainly hunted smaller waters, and rivers. Also once you get the hang of calling it's easy to call way to much and way too loud. Might be able to find a DU chapter close with some guys willing to take you.
Well you guys have helped answer a few questions of mine as well. Good input.
Quote from: savduck on October 13, 2011, 05:42:30 PM
Dont start out buck wild. Instead of buying a bunch of gear, spend the money on gas to go SCOUT. You can kill plenty of ducks with no calls and just a few decoys if you find where they want to be. Go early and late.
Learn proper duck hunting etique. Many dont, and hunting near those guys isnt fun. You dont need to shoot a full choke if you almost let their feet hit the water.
X10,000