Duck hunting is considered a very rewarding outdoor sport. If you’re a beginner, there are many things you have to learn to hone your hunting skills. Along with the eagerness and passion to try duck hunting, check out the many ways you can be successful at this activity below:
1. Know The Basics
If you’re getting ready for hunting season, then you’ll want to know the basics of how to hunt.
- Decoypro.com lists down some of the top hunting essentials, including the gear and tools necessary to help you have a successful hunt.
- Find out where you’re going hunting and whether or not there are any waterfowl nearby.
- Use your GPS to find the area where you want to hunt ducks. Make sure that there are no other land users around your chosen hunting location. Take precautions to avoid getting trapped by baits or traps for other animals.
2. Types Of Duck Hunting Techniques
There are different types of duck hunting techniques, depending on the location where you plan to hunt them. Some of the most popular include using baits and decoys, shooting from a moving vehicle, and hunting from tree cover. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, so depending on the type of water and the type of game you plan to hunt, you’ll want to choose the method that’s best for you.
- Bows And Arrows: Hunting with bow and arrows used to be the most popular way of hunting. When bow hunting became obsolete there was still another popular way to hunt wherein a hunter uses a gun, and goes into the water to hunt the waterfowl with his gun. If you like to hunt ducks the traditional way, then bow hunting is a good idea since it also enhances your archery skills.
- Shooting: Hunting is a lot easier with a gun. Just make sure to choose one that’s comfortable to use and durable. It may also take you some time to break in a new gun.
3. Camouflage Is The Key
Duck or waterfowl hunting usually entails mimicking natural vegetation. You can purchase camouflage materials at your local kayak supply store.
You can camouflage your boat by lining the sides, stern, and bow of the boat with cord sections spaced a foot apart. Secure them in place using four-penny screws, nails, or pop rivets. After that, weave vegetation, like bulrushes, cornstalks, or cattails between the cords. It’ll conceal the outline of your boat. This material should remain in place throughout the hunting season.
4. Late Season Duck Hunting Tactic
An excellent late season waterfowl hunting tactic is to create open holes in frozen lakes and frozen marshes. You can break ice into large solid sheets neatly pushed under the ice, creating a clear, open hole.
Check out following tips duck hunting tactics:
- Bring A Large Net: The ice might be too thin to break up and shatter into smaller pieces that looks unnatural to the birds. An easy solution to this problem is to bring along a landing net. In this way, you can sweep the surface of the water after breaking the ice until you’ve picked up all the floating pieces.
- Use A Heavy Maul: If the ice in the area is too thick, it’s more challenging to break them into sheets. Use a heavy maul or axe to break open a 3 by 3 feet hole. Stand in the hole and stir up the bottom ice sediments using your boots. Kick muddy water surrounding the ice to create an open water appearance. Place silhouette decoys or shell on the muddy water that cover the ice to complete the perfect illusion.
5. General Duck Hunting Tips
Take note of the following tips when you’re out hunting:
- Get Ample Cover: One of the most important things about hunting ducks is to ensure that you get ample cover. It means that ducks should find it difficult to spot you or your hunting equipment.
- Be Wary: Be wary of the ducks’ movements and its attitude in the water. Also, you should try to get close to your duck without disturbing it. In this way, you’ll be able to easily hit it.
- What To Target: Never try to shoot a duck that is either too shy or too aggressive. If it feels threatened, it won’t be able to react in a favorable manner, thus making it a difficult target for the rifle. Also, a duck that can’t easily hide under water will make for a challenging target.
Conclusion
Now you’re all set for a duck or waterfowl hunting. There are many techniques you can employ when hunting ducks, such as the late season hunting tactics discussed above. Make sure to be fully geared up and keep all the above tips in mind for a successful hunting experience.