So you’re wondering “how to start duck hunting?” Or maybe, “What are the best waders for duck hunting?” Duck hunting is one of the most exciting and rewarding types of hunting, but it requires some specialty gear. It can also be one of the most frustrating. Many new hunters give up quick, or even before they start, because it can be intimidating. Picking the right gear is essential, and I can help you do that. Let’s get started!
Best Gun For Duck Hunting
Obviously we need to start with the most important part of the hunt. Without a good shotgun you’ll just be bird watching. It’s fun, but you can’t eat a picture. This will vary based on budget. You’re going to be shooting large 3” shells, so you’ll need a gun that is chambered for it.
Whether that is you’re old Savage pump your grandpa gave you, or a slick Browning A5 ( one of my personal favorites) they will both work just fine and is entirely up to you. Due to the general conditions of the hunt, I would suggest using a gun that you’re ok with getting wet, muddy, or banged around in the bushes a little. This isn’t the hunt to show off the custom engraved over-under Benelli it took a year to finally get. That being said, a quality firearm will stand up to the tests of the season. Nothing worse than a cheap gun constantly jamming in the cold.
The Best Shotgun Shells For Duck Hunting
Like I mentioned above, you’re going to want 3” shells, and honestly I have shot every brand and don’t have a personal preference. I’m a fan of Hevi-Shot, Black Cloud, and Migra is doing some really cool things with stacked loads . What does matter is you need steel shot, due to the regulations and laws, at least in my area. Check your local regulations. I prefer 12 gauge in a #2 or #4 shot for ducks. Having a box of BB or T shot is never a bad idea in case you find some geese that want to buzz the tower. Hunting ducks and geese are very similar set ups so it is an easy transition back and forth.
Do You Need Waders
A quality pair of waders is absolutely essential. Prices can range from $100 to $1000, my advice is, get the best you can afford. Everyone has wondered “what are the best waders for duck hunting?” Insulated neoprene are the best. The water is hovering around the freezing mark, the air temp can be even colder, and with the wind blowing you do not want to get wet. One suggestion for waders would be the Rustic Ridge here. They will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. In duck hunting, with some of the temperatures, that is the difference between a great day, and hypothermia.
What To Wear Duck Hunting
The next major piece of gear is going to be a duck hunting jacket. This should be waterproof and warm. A good jacket will also have large pockets for calls, shells, and other small gear. Banded makes some great jackets for the price, or you could go up to Sitka if the budget is there. Again, get the best you can afford. There are more affordable options but it is not a piece of gear to skimp on. With staying with the warm clothing theme, a warm hat, and layers under your jacket will make the day much more bearable. Killik makes a full range of camo and they are a perfect mid layer option too.
Just like with waders for your legs and body, good gloves to keep your hands warm and dry will make sure you have a great day of hunting. I like having 2 sets of gloves (and an extra option is never a bad idea) I wear one pair of gloves while handling decoys and being wet. A good decoy glove would be a neoprene glove, but they can be bulky. After I’ve got decoys out I switch gloves to a nice pair of Sitka’s. They are a little pricey, but the quality is is a step above most.
Are Duck Calls Necessary
So you’ve got your waders on, guns loaded and in your hand, but why aren’t the birds coming? Well they don’t know where you want them to be. You need duck calls. Prices can range greatly from entry level to customs. Some good calls to have on hand would be calls like the Echo, Primos, and Buck Gardner. You can get them at any big box store like Cabela’s or Sportsman’s Warehouse.
An even better option is stepping into some calls from companies like Slayer Calls. They’ve got you covered with Duck calls, Goose calls, and for my fellow Elk hunters, they’ve got us covered too. I have multiple calls from Slayer, my favorite is the Single Reed Drake Slayer. You can check out my full review of the Drake Slayer here.
What Kind Of Decoys Should You Get
You can spend an insane amount of money on decoys. In the future you will probably want to pick up a few more advanced decoys, but in the beginning something like this 6 pack will get you seeing ducks. I suggest getting the 6 pack of Mallards, Teal, and couple Shovelers, RedHeads, and I’m a fan of having a couple Geese. Obviously it all depends on your location, and what’s flying. Now once you’ve got your decoys, you’ll need a bag haul them around. I promise you don’t want to skip it. The number of decoys you put out will change by location, size of water, and time of year. So have fun and experiment with it, because there is no definitive answer.
Duck Boats and Blinds
Now I know, this isn’t an option for everyone. If you are able to get a duck boat, it does help in a lot of ways, just like a fishing boat helps get you off the shore. If you aren’t able to pick up a duck boat, you will be just fine. Another option is a canoe, or kayak. Just be carful with the amount of gear you load up. Freezing water temps in the middle of winter is not a place you want to fall in.
As far as blinds go, I am a fan of the natural. If I’m on the shore, I prefer to clear a small place to sit and use the natural vegetation around me to build up a nice little blind. You want it to look natural. Ducks have great eye sight and if they don’t like the way your set up looks, they’ll just keep on flying.
Chances are you’re not going to want to put extra gloves, beanies, hearing protection, extra shotgun shells, drinks, lunch, cellphone, camera, etc… all in your pockets. A well built and preferably waterproof bag is an extremely nice bit of gear to have. Check the sizes and make sure to pick one that will work well for your needs. Something like this one here will get the job done very well.
Get Out There
If you asked 10 hunters how to call ducks, where to go, or “what are the best duck decoys” you will get 10 different answers. Some valuable resources are free online videos. Amazon also has some very informational books and videos to help get you started, and to fine tune your skills. The more you learn, and practice, the better you’ll be. At the end of the day, that translates into more birds in the bag, and a lot more fun. Be safe, and maybe I’ll see ya out there this season.
While you’re here go check out some other articles like our Fly Fishing guide.
