Duck hunting?

[greenflag]

I know this is Texas Bowhunter but I know someone on here knows about this stuff. I have never been duck hunting but have always wanted to go. Any advise? What do I need besides a shotgun? Recommendations on where to hunt?

Thanks,
Garry

[NelsonV]

Up here in Oklahoma with me couple doesn't decoys and a call. Call isn't 100% needed if you can spread your decoys right.

[canny]

I would recommend either going with a friend or going with a guide down near the coast or something. There is alot to learn about duck hunting and the best way to learn IMO is through experience and trial and error.

[hunter123]

some really warm waders!! lol

[Raider Power]

some really warm waders!! lol

that'll be the difference between a good duck hunt and a miserable one.

[Muddy Bud]

Like mentioned above. I highly recommend a guide or hunting with an experienced duck hunter. There are many variations of ducks some of which only one can be harvested and only a couple of the other species "I.E." Canvas Back, PinTail, Red Head, Motled Duck and scaup. Once you can identify each one in flight, calling and taking them is a blast. If your ever down on the coast PM me and we'll go out.

Good Luck

[panhandlehunter]

Decoys, warm waders, a mojo or two and a few calls. The main thing for me, is scouting. If there are no ducks on a pond, chances are you won't be killing many ducks. Scout and find birds and set up on them. Always try to have the wind at your back when you set up.

[greenflag]

Thanks, these sound like good tips so far. On the waders I have seen neoprene and other materials. The neoprene doesn't work like a wet suit does it? I'm thinking I want to stay as warm and dry as reasonably possible.

I was thinking it would be best to find someone to teach me what and what not to shoot. I'm guessing they fly different and make different sounds as well as the different appearance?

I guess I need to find someone who will take me under their wing. (pun intended) :-)

Keep 'em coming guys. I'm totally green on the ducks. I have just seen how passionate many duck hunters are about the sport and that intrigues me.

[gamehunter]

Go down to Winnie and look up the drake plantation I believe the guys name is Brian great guys to hunt with and he's pretty reasonable on the price as well good luck . nothing like a cold morning standing in cold water waiting on the first flight at day light

[panhandlehunter]

If you head down to the coast in the Matagorda area, send me a pm and I'll take you out.

[PBFrijoles]

I agree with MB. Your best bet is with a guide who will do all the calling and setting in decoys. It's not like grunting in a buck. It's hard getting calls down plus good waders are a must.

[TX_speedpro]

I must warn you. You are about to open the door to an expensive hard and very time consuming hobby. Just think you will be standing In waist deep water 25 degrees raining ice and mud on everything and there will be times when You'll think this sucks and is this really worth the hard work and frustration but when it all works out you can't beat it.
Like mentioned above get some good waders good socks and Rain gear and find a buddy or a guide to with your first handful of hunts. Dont get cheap on your gear either ducking can be the hardest on you and your gear. You have to be able to ID all the birds and you better know what the limits are. Before long you will have a couple dozen decoys maybe a boat and duck dog so YOU won't have to be the bird dog. Then everytime you see ducks you start wondering what they are and where there going. Calling is important but can also hurt you the most. I prefer to let my deke's do the work - then again I suck at calling. Just about anyone who duck hunts will tell you that the sound of ducks whistling over your head as the sun cracks the horizon lighting up the spead with a cup of coffee in hand is about as good as it gets.

[Muddy Bud]

I must warn you. You are about to open the door to an expensive hard and very time consuming hobby. Just think you will be standing In waist deep water 25 degrees raining ice and mud on everything and there will be times when You'll think this sucks and is this really worth the hard work and frustration but when it all works out you can't beat it.
Like mentioned above get some good waders good socks and Rain gear and find a buddy or a guide to with your first handful of hunts. Dont get cheap on your gear either ducking can be the hardest on you and your gear. You have to be able to ID all the birds and you better know what the limits are. Before long you will have a couple dozen decoys maybe a boat and duck dog so YOU won't have to be the bird dog. Then everytime you see ducks you start wondering what they are and where there going. Calling is important but can also hurt you the most. I prefer to let my deke's do the work - then again I suck at calling. Just about anyone who duck hunts will tell you that the sound of ducks whistling over your head as the sun cracks the horizon lighting up the spead with a cup of coffee in hand is about as good as it gets.

Perfectly Stated

[Miki]

FED duck stamp !!!!! Water lol.

[Felix40]

I started hunting thanks to help from a fellow TBHer. Gave me a dozen decoys when I was just starting to try to hunt! this is a great place to get help! If you were closer Id say you could just come with me a couple times when the season opens. Im by no means a great duck hunter but I do love it. Just one guided trip with a pro would teach you a TON.

And yeah neoprene waders are the only way to go. Make sure they are insulated and wear some long underwear under them. Also some neoprene gloves would be good.