Duck hunting season will commence as soon as the weather chills. This will see the fanatics enjoy themselves as they take on the real challenge of waterfowl hunting. Just like the deer season, duck seasons know a lot of followers.
For duck hunting, it’s not easy, especially for a beginner, as it requires special skills. Sitting in the frozen water and getting a perfect shot is not easy. As a beginner, you likely have questions like where to go, what attire to wear among others. The following article will give you a complete guide as you start your wild world of duck hunting.
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Get Proper Gear
This will depend on where one is going hunting. Having the right camouflage jacket is essential in duck hunting.
One has to choose the gears depending on where the hunting will take place. For example, if hunting in a dead grass area, a grassy camouflage is appropriate, while if hunting in a layout blind, camouflage isn’t needed since the area is closed.
Be prepared to get wet since ducks like water. Good insulation that is suitable for the temperature is suggested. A breathable wader is good since one can add layers of additional clothes.
Find the Right Gun
A decent shotgun will do the work as you start. A 12-gauge shotgun is mostly recommended as long as one can handle the frame. An automatic gun is faster and easier to aim thus more suitable for a beginner.
Getting the Right Load
In order to reach for far away ducks, an alloy in bismuth or iron is best.
Select a Good Decoy
The right decoys play a substantial role in duck hunting. To avoiding missing chances, match your decoys with the ducks available at the duck hunting area. A mix of decoys is suitable if unsure of the ducks in a field.
The shores or brush piles are the best places to put your decoys.
Hunt With Experience
A friend or a relative who has hunted before would be suitable to tag along. This is because they have vast knowledge and the best way for you to learn is by observing what they do.
Find the Ducks
Watch out for fields and waterways that have ducks. Most ducks have a partial home called a roost. A roost is not an excellent area to hunt since the ducks will find a new one as soon as you hunt them down. A traffic way, loafing or feeding area are the best sites to hunt.
Best Hunting Time
As long as the ducks are active, it’s always a good time to hunt. Mornings are good since the ducks are more active after sunrise. During cold and windy seasons, ducks are very active hence it is also an excellent time to go duck hunting.
Duck Calling
As a beginner, duck call can be challenging as it may actually scare the ducks. The practice is the key since duck calling is like an art. YouTube videos may help you get better but the practice is everything when it comes to duck calling.
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Taking the Shot
To make sure you don’t scare the ducks, take your time before you shoot. A trailing duck is more easier to shoot as you have ample time to aim.
Don’t fire at a crowd to avoid upsetting your hunting friends.
Always Hunt Legally
High regulations are set for duck hunting. You are likely to incur high fees if this regulation is broken. To avoid this, make sure you always hunt legally. Hunter’s education is also important. Ensure you have your permits. Understand and follow all the rules set an example, the bag and possession limits.
Final Word
Though duck hunting is challenging considering the weather, the skill and knowledge required, it is also the most rewarding. By bringing a duck down, you gain skills to apply even in other aspects of life. The most important thing about it is having fun while hunting.
Every hunt with friends, family or even alone should be done with joy. It is an important pastime to pass out even to the future generation. Though one may put in a lot of effort or resources, it will all be worth it when you see that duck go down from a well-executed shot.
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