the gear to create the perfect hiding spot, set up duck decoys, and take the prey. They are ready for any situation that may arise with the help of their equipment without compromising their safety.
Becoming the ideal hunter isn’t impossible with the help of these eight duck hunting gears listed below. With these items in your bag, you can fully experience the excitement of the hunt without putting your safety in jeopardy.
Boat Blinds
A hunter always pursues the best hiding spot – one hidden well by natural vegetation while allowing comfort during the hunt. So, to achieve this, you could create the best hiding spot yourself: your hunting boat.
You could modify your boat to fit your needs. With boat canopy fittings, you could create a blind to blend in with the environment. If you have companions with you, it’s best to purchase a three-to-four-person hunting blind. If hunting alone, you could try a standard camouflage blind.
A boat blind is a vital tool for a successful hunt. Without one, you’d have a hard time concealing yourself, which makes the hunt more challenging. You could even have problems due to harsh winds or rain. Hence, you should never forget to bring one when hunting.
Decoys
Hunting is easier if you have decoys. You can pick up a pack depending on the species you’re hunting or the one you see the most in your area. If your budget allows it, you can also use feeding, motion, or sleeping decoys.
Additionally, it’s best to use decoys that naturally blend in with the surroundings. Since you’re hunting on water, you could also try floating decoys. Buying your decoys is an excellent investment since they can stay in top condition for hunting in the following years.
Shotgun
Among all the hunting weapons, a shotgun is the best one for the job. It’s easier than a rifle because of its wider shot pattern. Not to mention, shotgun bullets don’t ricochet off water compared to rifle bullets, making them safer to use when hunting on your boat.
With shotguns, you have three styles to choose from: break-action, pump-action, or semi-automatic. These three greatly differ from each other, so it’s best to choose one that you’re most particular and comfortable with.
Break-action shotguns have barrels open for you to insert the shells in the chamber, whereas pump-action guns have a tube magazine for extra shells that need to be pumped to move the shells. Lastly, semi-automatic shotguns work like a semi-automatic pistol, which means you can fire multiple shots without reloading.
If you’re a beginner, pay attention to your gun’s stock length for a secure hold and mount. Too much stock can be dangerous for the pocket of your shoulder. You could try a break-action shotgun since they are easy to store and more straightforward. Moreover, your safety is ensured since the gun needs to be manually loaded after every shot.
Birdshot Shells
During your hunt, it’s best to use non-toxic birdshot shells. These are small-sized pellets placed in shotgun shells that hit your target without inflicting too much damage. Moreover, you can choose varying shell sizes, such as the No.2 shot with 97 pellets or the No.9 with 715 pellets.
When getting birdshot shells, you need to make sure it’s non-toxic. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, non-toxic shells should be used when duck hunting since these do not cause sickness when ingested. Likewise, it’s best to use the other 14 approved shots – some of which include bismuth, steel, and tungsten.
Duck Calls
A duck call is a hunting whistle that imitates the sound of a duck. Since duck calls have multiple calls for tones and range, it can be overwhelming to choose only one. So, to make it easier for you, it’s best to choose one based on the number of ducks you plan to hunt. You can also choose the whistle’s material, which could be wood or acrylic.
A single reed call is the most versatile if you’re looking for deep tones and high volumes. Although they require excellent air control, practicing will ultimately get you there. But you could always go for a double call if you want something more beginner-friendly. Although this whistle is more miniature in volume, it is more user-friendly than a single call.
Headlamp
Another must-have gear is a headlamp. Having this on your boat makes seeing through the water and your surroundings easier. The best and most convenient headlamp will be a rechargeable or battery-powered one since you can always bring a portable charger or extra batteries.
Jacket
It would help if you didn’t neglect your safety and comfort when hunting, so it’s always best to bring a jacket. An excellent hunting jacket will keep you warm and dry, so find something warm and breathable. Moreover, you can also get one that matches your environment to provide you with camouflage.
Waders
Aside from your jacket, you should also have waders, which are waterproof overalls that can extend from the hip, waist, or chest down to your feet. The last thing you want in your hunt is a wet boot when hunting through waters, so you should choose a quality wader for the best hunt.
When choosing a wader, consider durability, insulation, and toughness. You should choose one with additional camo as well. If your budget allows it, you could even add hand-warming pockets if you get cold quickly. Nonetheless, it’s best to try on the waders before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner or not, there’s always more to learn when hunting. Moreover, it’s best to prepare and try your gear before the hunt per se. Although having the gear is important, knowing how to use these items efficiently will make all the difference during your hunt. Thus, get to know your gear, see how you perform, and perfect your skills for the best duck hunting experience.