15 replies to this topic

[Rcw0001]

I went on my first duck hunt last year while I was away at school and I want to get serious. I have registered for my hunter safety course so I can get my license. I want to plan ahead and get everything in order so I am not scrambling to get everything together when the season starts. What kind of gear is necessary and what do I need to start?

[clampdaddy]

Here's my list of what I carry.Waders-the breathable kind. I hate neopreneLight rain jacket-large enough to layer clothes underCalls-two mallard calls of your choice (incase one gets wet and locks up) and a wingsetter whistleRain proof backpack or shoulder bagThermos- not a necessity but hot coffee is nice to haveMulti-toolFolding stoolHead lamp + a flashlightSunglasses in a hard caseCopy of legal shoot times + a watch or cell phoneDuck strapDecoysI also keep a large ziplock bag to store anything that I don't want to get wet like my wallet and cell phone. For gloves I use thin glove liners and then cover them with black latex gloves, you can get those as most auto parts stores. The mirror in a camo make-up compact is handy for getting the occasional bug or gun powder kernel out of you eye. And I like to carry my gun to and from the blind in its case so I use a floating case with a shoulder strap.I'm probably missing something but that will get you started.Things you'll want to bring but you'll leave in the truck will be a full change of clothes just encased you take a dunk, and a pair of sneakers for the ride home.

[Rcw0001]

I have been looking for some calls i figure I can practice in my truck while I'm driving, but there are so many out there, Will a you think a $10-$15 one will work for now while I'm learning how to call? Also what is your take on instructional cd's do you think they are worth the $10?

[Old timer]

Don't forget the Shells

[Frank]

IMO instructional "DVD"'s can be Excellent... on any subject! Key word being "can" (but not necessarily), mostly depending on WHO is teaching and HOW well done (quality) they are made. Normally, Primos puts out excellent quality dvd's on all types of hunting, and would be at least one that I would check out.Good LuckFrank

[clampdaddy]

I have been looking for some calls i figure I can practice in my truck while I'm driving, but there are so many out there, Will a you think a $10-$15 one will work for now while I'm learning how to call? Also what is your take on instructional cd's do you think they are worth the $10?

That's exactly what I do for a month or two prior to duck season. Just don't do it next to a cop because it kind of looks like you're puffing on some kind of funny pipe. There's nothing wrong with low dollar duck calls. In fact it seems like nine times out of ten the guys with a lanyard full of $150 calls have no idea how to use them. My two favorite cheap calls are the quack head double j and the duck commander green mile. They are both double reed calls, they don't do as well when wet as a single reed but I like the sound of a double reed better. That's why I carry two calls. If one sticks I just grab the other one. The primos yo' sista' and phat lady are cheap and pretty good sounding single reed calls. As far as instructional cds go, I just go to the ducks unlimited website and listen to their sound library and try to imitate the sounds of real ducks. The main ones you need to learn are mallard, teal, pintail, and widgeon. Pay no attention to sound bites or instructions from any competitive duck calling champions. They sound nothing like any duck I've ever heard. Last year I added a hen teal call to my lanyard and it worked great but it is the easiest call to make awfull sounds on so if you get one practice a lot with it before you hit the marsh.

[fishandhunt4ever]

Also check out youtube to get some ideas. Best thing in my opinion is to get out as much as you can. You will really learn what works for you and also be surprised. My best day of duck hunting came when I forgot my lanyard with calls at home, and all I had was a gym whistle.

[clampdaddy]

.......... My best day of duck hunting came when I forgot my lanyard with calls at home, and all I had was a gym whistle.

Yep. I have a cousin that actually uses two different gym whistles for teal and sprig.

[fishandhunt4ever]

I couldn't believe it.

[fishandhunt4ever]

Most importantly lead em', lead em', and lead em'. One of my common and frequent mistakes is that when I pull the trigger I stop the lead right there.

[clampdaddy]

Dove season always ruins my first couple days of duck season. I get used to leading dove with a load that's going 1200 fps and then I have to change up for leading ducks with loads that are moving out at over 1600 fps.

[fishandhunt4ever]

And then throw a slow moving honker into the mix...

[bzzrd feedr]

Dove season always ruins my first couple days of duck season. I get used to leading dove with a load that's going 1200 fps and then I have to change up for leading ducks with loads that are moving out at over 1600 fps.

Rookies

[fishandhunt4ever]

Maybe to to some, but either way I sure have fun doing it.

Rookies

[HOG]

find a skeet or sporting clays range and spend some time there.

[clampdaddy]

Rookies

Maybe when I'm as old as you are I'll have it figured out......but we'll probably be shooting lazer guns by then.