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Duck Hunting Success: 5 Basic Scouting Tips

A born and bred Texan, Dennis Loosier spent his youth hunting ducks, squirrels, and hogs. As his passion for duck hunting grew, Dennis educated himself on how to access public lands for hunting opportunities. Through the years, he has learned, firsthand, the importance of strategic planning and scouting. Dennis is a partner with Dr. Duck Co., a company that equips people with rugged, durable gear for hunting, as well as the host of the Dr. Duck YouTube waterfowl hunting show, and an Ambassador for RETAY Shotguns. Despite this full plate, he still makes time to enjoy his passion for duck hunting on public lands throughout Texas.

Dennis lends his expertise with Duck Hunting Success: 5 Basic Scouting Tips, the first entry in RETAY’s new monthly blog.

First off, why is scouting for ducks so important?  It’s important because there are so many variables to scouting. This include ducks being adaptable to weather conditions; they are always on the move between feeding, to a loafing area, and a final destination of the day which is their roost. All of these elements must be considered in your scouting plan.

Second, when you have the basic location, you plan to hunt in, the next step is to watch the ducks and see how they fly in and out of the water hole they are using. Remember to check wind direction too. Ducks like to land into the wind, so you want to make sure the wind is good in the direction you will have to set up in.

Third. Now you have found ducks. Planning on how to hunt them is very important. I never hunt the roost, but use this location to find the feeding area. Hunting the roost will make your ducks move from the area and push them to find safety somewhere else. Personally, I look for feeding areas and try to set up there.

Fourth is another very important step in duck hunting success. Decoy arrangement. It varies from scouting but is key to a successful hunt. You need to make note of how many ducks are in the area you are hunting and try to simulate how they are using the area. In other words, try to copycat what they are doing as closely as possible.

Finally, the fifth key to a successful hunt, and probably one of the most critical steps, is your concealment. Ducks are looking for one thing wrong, and it doesn’t matter how many things you have right. That one thing wrong will make them lose confidence and move on. So, make sure your hide is good from above. Most people do a great job of hiding at eye level and below, but ducks are looking down on you most of the time.

Good luck on your duck hunt!

Dr. Duck

Off-Season Training for Duck Hunters: Staying Sharp When the Ducks Fly South

Duck hunting is often considered a seasonal pursuit, bound by the migratory habits of the waterfowl we seek. But for those committed to their craft, the end of the hunting season does not signal a time for rest; rather, it provides an opportunity to hone skills, build strength, and prepare for the seasons ahead. This blog delves into the importance of off-season training for duck hunters, offering tips to stay sharp even when the ducks have flown south.

Table Of Content

The Importance of Off-Season Training

While the thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie of fellow hunters are part of what draws us to duck hunting, there’s no denying that it’s a physically demanding activity. From trudging through wetlands with heavy gear to setting up blinds and decoys, and from the patience required to wait for the perfect shot to the precision needed to take it – duck hunting tests both our physical and mental mettle. Therefore, it’s essential to remain in peak condition throughout the year.

Physical Fitness: The Key to A Better Hunting Experience

Physical fitness plays a pivotal role in hunting, particularly when it comes to duck hunting. The harsh weather conditions, the need to carry heavy gear, and the often challenging terrains you’ll be navigating can all take a toll on your body. Thus, maintaining a robust fitness regime can significantly enhance your hunting experience, improving your stamina and strength, safety, and efficiency. Let’s delve into the three key aspects of physical fitness for duck hunters – cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and balance and flexibility.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular health is one of the most critical aspects of physical fitness for any hunter. Regular cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming are excellent ways to build endurance and improve heart health. Stamina is essential for long hunting sessions, often requiring long treks carrying heavy gear, setting up decoys, and waiting patiently for ducks to appear.

Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of cardio into your routine, five times a week. Cardio workouts also have the added advantage of promoting weight loss and reducing fatigue. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be particularly beneficial as it combines short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.

Strength Training

Duck hunting is a physically demanding activity. Whether it’s hauling a bag of decoys, setting up a blind, or handling the recoil from a shotgun, strength training plays a vital role in preparing your body for these challenges.

Upper body strength is crucial for carrying gear and shooting, so exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and weight lifting should be part of your regimen. Lower body strength will aid in stability and endurance during long treks; squats, lunges, and deadlifts can be beneficial here. Don’t forget your core, which aids in overall balance and strength; exercises such as planks and crunches are a great way to develop these muscles.

Resistance band exercises offer a versatile, space-saving option for strength training that can target several muscle groups at once. They’re also excellent for joint health, which can be essential for hunters as they age.

Balance and Flexibility

In the field, duck hunters can often find themselves in awkward positions. You might be shooting from a boat, crouching in a blind, or navigating through wet and uneven terrains. Therefore, balance and flexibility are as essential as strength and stamina.

Practices like yoga and pilates can significantly improve your balance, flexibility, and overall body strength. They can enhance your stability, help prevent injuries, and promote better posture and coordination. Yoga poses such as tree pose, warrior series, or dancer’s pose can help improve balance, while poses like downward dog, pigeon pose, or child’s pose can enhance flexibility.

In conclusion, maintaining a holistic fitness routine that includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and balance and flexibility work is crucial for a successful hunting experience. It allows you to withstand the physical challenges of the hunt, leading to enhanced performance and increased success in the field. Remember, your body is the most important piece of equipment you have – take care of it, and it will take care of you on the hunt.

Shooting Practice: The Cornerstone of Off-Season Training

Shooting is the essence of duck hunting; no matter how seasoned a hunter you are, there’s always room for improvement. Off-season training provides an ideal platform to perfect your shooting skills and keep them sharp even when the ducks have flown south. Here’s how you can maximize your shooting practice sessions during the off-season.

Sporting Clays

Sporting Clays, often called “golf with a shotgun,” is a form of clay pigeon shooting and an excellent off-season practice for duck hunters. In this sport, clay targets are thrown in ways that simulate the flight pattern of game birds in their natural habitats – a duck flapping its wings over water, a pheasant rising high into the air, or a rabbit darting across a field. This variability challenges your shooting prowess, tests your reaction times, and improves your target tracking and shooting accuracy.

To practice, find a local range that offers sporting clay courses. As you traverse these courses, you’ll encounter a variety of shooting scenarios that mimic the unpredictability of actual hunting. Over time, you’ll learn to anticipate the clays’ flight paths, and your reaction times will improve, translating to a higher success rate in the field when duck season rolls around.

Skeet Shooting

Skeet shooting is another effective practice technique that can help duck hunters improve their skills. This discipline throws targets from two fixed stations or “houses” at opposite ends of a semi-circular field. The clay targets fly across the field, intersecting in front of the shooter like ducks crossing over a blind or decoy spread.

Skeet shooting helps you practice your swing, follow through, and timing. It also teaches you to calculate leads – the distance you need to aim ahead of a moving target – which is a critical skill for duck hunting. Remember, every round of skeet shooting brings lessons that can be applied to your hunting experience.

Target Practice with Decoys

While sporting clays and skeet shooting are excellent for honing your shooting skills, there’s no substitute for the real thing. Target practice with decoys offers a more realistic hunting scenario, getting you closer to the conditions you’ll face when the season starts.

For this form of practice, head to a location similar to your usual hunting spot. Set up your blind or boat, place your decoys, and start shooting at targets. This practice will help improve your shooting accuracy and refine your decoy placement strategies, blind setup, and concealment techniques.

To make the training even more effective, try to mimic hunting conditions as closely as possible. Wear your hunting gear, use the same shotgun and ammo you would in a hunt, and go through the same routines. This will make the transition to the hunting season seamless and more successful.

In conclusion, regular shooting practice during the off-season, whether sporting clays, skeet shooting, or target practice with decoys, is crucial for maintaining and enhancing your hunting skills. By challenging your accuracy, reaction times, and decision-making skills, these practice methods ensure you’re ready when the ducks fly into view. Remember, off-season training separates the good duck hunters from the great ones. Make the most of it, and you’ll reap the rewards when the hunting season begins.

Scouting and Knowledge Building: The Intel for Success

Scouting and knowledge building are often underrated aspects of duck hunting preparation. However, they are instrumental in planning successful hunting strategies. These components involve getting familiar with your hunting environment, understanding the behavior of ducks, staying updated with migration patterns, and networking with fellow hunters. Here’s how you can leverage these aspects during the off-season to elevate your hunting game.

Habitat Scouting

Familiarizing yourself with the areas you hunt in is a crucial first step in preparing for the hunting season. Regularly visit these sites during the off-season, observing any changes in the landscape, water sources, and food availability that may affect duck behavior and patterns.

For instance, note if there have been significant fluctuations in water levels or shifts in food sources like aquatic plants and grains. Keep an eye out for new or abandoned nests, which could indicate changes in duck populations. These details can help you pinpoint areas where ducks will likely congregate during the hunting season.

Consider using technology to aid in your scouting. Trail cameras and drones can help monitor remote areas, while apps and maps can assist in marking potential hotspots and tracking changes over time.

Research

Staying informed about duck behavior and migration patterns is another key facet of off-season training. Understanding why ducks move, where they go, and what influences their behavior can provide valuable insights for your hunting strategies.

Reading scientific articles, watching documentaries, and following wildlife organizations on social media can help broaden your understanding of these birds. Pay particular attention to studies on how weather changes impact duck migration and habits. For instance, knowing that ducks tend to move ahead of cold fronts can help you plan your hunts around weather forecasts for increased success.

Networking

Finally, connecting with other hunters is a vital part of off-season training. Fellow hunters can be a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing first-hand insights that you won’t find in any book or article.

Join local hunting clubs or online forums to meet like-minded individuals. Attend hunting expos, seminars, and events to stay updated on the latest techniques, gear, and regulations. Share your experiences, learn from others, and leverage these relationships to stay informed about local and regional hunting conditions.

In conclusion, scouting and knowledge building are as integral to your off-season training as physical fitness and shooting practice. Investing time in understanding your hunting environment, learning about duck behavior and migration, and networking with other hunters will equip you with the intelligence necessary for successful hunts. Remember, a well-informed hunter is a successful hunter. So use your off-season wisely, and you’ll be well-prepared when the ducks fly back north.

Gear Maintenance and Upgrades: Ensuring Your Arsenal is Ready

When it comes to hunting, your gear is just as crucial as your skills and knowledge. Well-maintained equipment can mean the difference between success and disappointment in the field. Furthermore, being open to upgrades can significantly enhance your hunting efficiency. Here’s how to ensure your gear is in top-notch condition and consider potential upgrades during the off-season.

Cleaning and Storage

Cleanliness and proper storage of your gear are essential components of maintenance. This starts with thoroughly cleaning your shotgun after every use, ensuring that it’s free of dirt, debris, and moisture, which could cause rusting or other damage. A clean gun is not only safer, but it also ensures optimal performance when you need it the most.

Your decoys, blinds, and other equipment also need attention. Clean them to remove dirt, grime, or any leftover scents from the previous season that may deter ducks. Make sure your items are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Storage plays a pivotal role in maintaining the longevity of your gear. Store your equipment in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Use protective cases or covers when possible to shield items from dust and damage.

Equipment Checks

Regularly checking your gear for any signs of wear and tear is equally important. Look for cracks or breaks in your decoys, examine your blinds for rips or weak spots, and ensure your shotgun functions correctly. Early detection of issues can save you from unwanted surprises during hunting season.

Consider creating a checklist for each piece of gear. This way, you can systematically inspect each item, repair what can be mended, and replace what cannot. It’s better to find out that you need a new decoy or blind during the off-season rather than discovering it on the first day of the hunting season.

Upgrades

The off-season is the perfect time to think about upgrading your gear. Advancements in hunting technology are continually providing hunters with equipment designed to increase efficiency and success rates.

Consider upgrading to more realistic decoys that mimic the movement and sound of ducks or using an advanced shotgun that offers better accuracy. You might also want to invest in more comfortable and warmer waders, a more portable and rugged blind, or more efficient calls.

Make sure to stay updated with the latest trends in hunting gear. Reading reviews, participating in hunting forums, and visiting hunting expos can help you discover new and improved equipment that could be a game-changer for your next hunting season.

In conclusion, the off-season is the perfect time to ensure your gear is in the best shape for the upcoming hunting season. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and routine checks are crucial steps in maintaining your gear. Meanwhile, considering upgrades can significantly enhance your hunting experience. Remember, your gear is an extension of your hunting skills, so keep it in prime condition, and it will serve you well when the ducks return.

Safety Training: The Cornerstone of Responsible Hunting

Safety should always be at the forefront of any hunting expedition, making it an integral part of your off-season training. The ability to respond effectively to emergencies, handle firearms responsibly, and survive in challenging situations is fundamental to every hunter. Let’s delve deeper into these three areas of safety training: first aid, firearm safety, and survival skills.

First Aid Training

Accidents and emergencies can occur without warning, especially when hunting in remote areas. Therefore, being equipped with first aid knowledge is not just advantageous but essential. Enrolling in a first aid course allows you to learn how to respond promptly and efficiently to various health emergencies like cuts, fractures, hypothermia, or even snake bites.

Taking a course tailored to outdoor emergencies or wilderness first aid is advisable. These courses focus on injuries and illnesses unique to outdoor activities and teach you how to improvise when traditional medical resources are not available.

Remember to always carry a well-stocked first aid kit on your hunting trips. It should include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, a thermometer, and specific medication if needed.

Firearm Safety

The safe handling of firearms is non-negotiable in hunting. Regardless of your experience level, refreshing your knowledge about firearm safety should be a regular part of your off-season training.

This includes the basic rules like always treating the gun as loaded, never pointing it at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. It also extends to properly cleaning and storing firearms, checking the barrel for obstructions, and understanding the right load for your shotgun.

Consider attending a firearm safety course, reading up-to-date material, or watching instructional videos to refresh your knowledge. Remember, a responsible hunter is a safe hunter.

Survival Skills

Despite careful planning, unexpected situations can arise when hunting. In these instances, basic survival skills can be lifesaving. Skills such as building a fire, finding and purifying water, navigation, and emergency signaling are crucial.

Courses in outdoor survival can teach you these skills, focusing on practical, hands-on training. They often cover how to use a compass and map, how to build a shelter, and what to do if you get lost. Remember to always carry basic survival gear like a fire starter, a compass, a signal mirror, and a sturdy knife.

In conclusion, investing time in safety training during the off-season is wise for every duck hunter. Acquiring first aid skills, refreshing firearm safety knowledge, and learning survival techniques prepare you for unforeseen circumstances and ensure that you are a responsible and respectful participant in the hunting community. Hunting is an adventure – make sure it’s a safe one.

Best Waterfowl Hunting Locations Across the U.S.: Ultimate Guide for Hunters

Waterfowl hunting is a time-honored tradition in the United States, with enthusiasts flocking to prime hunting locations to take part in this challenging and exciting outdoor pursuit. The U.S. is blessed with several major flyways that attract an incredible diversity of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl species, making it a veritable paradise for hunters who enjoy the sport. A variety of factors, from geography and climate to local regulations and resources, make some regions particularly renowned for their waterfowl hunting opportunities.

The vast landscapes and pristine wetlands found across the country provide hunters with plenty of options to choose from. Many of the best hunting locations share key features, such as abundant food sources, reliable water supplies, and expansive wetland habitat, which make them irresistible to migrating waterfowl. Some of the top destinations span from Southern Saskatchewan in Canada to various states within the Central Flyway, such as Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

As hunters prepare their gear and plan their next waterfowl hunting adventure, it’s important to consider the many locations across the United States that offer exceptional opportunities for unforgettable hunting experiences. From coastal marshes to sprawling prairies, there’s a wealth of options to explore for both novice and experienced hunters alike, allowing for the creation of lasting memories and unique stories to share for years to come.

Best Waterfowl Hunting Locations by Flyway

Atlantic Flyway

The Atlantic Flyway offers a diverse range of waterfowl habitats and species to hunt, including eider off the Maine coast and redheads in the shallows of the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most popular hunting spots in this flyway is Chesapeake Bay, located in Maryland. The bay provides a wide variety of public hunting areas for dabblers, divers, and geese.

In addition to the Chesapeake Bay region, North Carolina’s Outer Banks is another renowned waterfowl hunting destination in the Atlantic Flyway. These barrier islands host a diverse array of duck and goose species, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking variety.

Mississippi Flyway

Stretching from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi Delta, the Mississippi Flyway boasts some of the most abundant waterfowl populations in America. Stuttgart, Arkansas, is well-known as the “ Duck Capital of the World” due to its vast rice fields, flooded timber, and prime duck habitat. Many hunters flock to this area to enjoy exceptional waterfowl hunting experiences.

Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas also offer remarkable hunting opportunities in the Mississippi Flyway. From the “Duck Factory” of North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region to Louisiana’s coastal marshes, waterfowl hunters can find an assortment of species and habitats in this diverse flyway.

Central Flyway

The Central Flyway, which includes parts of Kansas and North Dakota, is home to numerous public hunting opportunities for duck hunters, such as the Ducks Unlimited projects in Saskatchewan. These destinations feature fantastic diving duck hunting on areas open to public access and are ideal starting points for hunters searching for high-quality hunting spots.

Another noteworthy location in the Central Flyway is North Dakota’s Devils Lake, which provides excellent opportunities for hunting diver ducks and puddle ducks. With its vast shoreline and numerous marshes, this location is a desirable choice for avid waterfowl hunters.

Pacific Flyway

Spanning from Alaska down to California, the Pacific Flyway has an abundance of waterfowl hunting locations. In Washington, the Columbia Basin attracts hundreds of thousands of puddlers and divers during the migration season. The year-round open water and cropland in this region provide ideal conditions for both ducks and hunters.

California, on the other hand, boasts the legendary Sacramento Valley—a hotspot for waterfowl hunting enthusiasts. The numerous wildlife refuges and state-operated wildlife areas in the valley make it a popular destination for duck and goose hunters across the Pacific Flyway.

In summary, each flyway offers unique and exceptional waterfowl hunting locations across the U.S. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, hunters will find an array of species, habitats, and unforgettable experiences in these destinations.

Prime Waterfowl Hunting Destinations

National Wildlife Refuges

National Wildlife Refuges offer unbeatable opportunities for waterfowlers seeking both high-quality hunting grounds and a vast diversity of waterfowl species. Arguably the most famous refuge is the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. This bountiful waterway serves as an essential stop on many migratory routes, providing the perfect habitat for a variety of duck species.

Another excellent refuge for waterfowl hunting is the southern region of Saskatchewan, which boasts North America’s most important breeding area for mallards, pintails, and other dabbling ducks. It’s not only a vital breeding ground, but this Canadian province also acts as a staging hub for Arctic geese and other waterfowl raised further north.

Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide public hunting opportunities and often host large numbers of waterfowl. The Columbia Basin in Washington, with its year-round open water and diverse cropland, holds hundreds of thousands of puddlers and divers during migration season.

Additionally, the onX Hunt article lists numerous WMAs across the United States, each offering unique waterfowl hunting experiences. Waterfowlers should invest time in scouting these areas and familiarizing themselves with local regulations to maximize their hunting success.

Top Private Land Locations

Access to prime private land for waterfowl hunting often comes at a premium. However, many hunters find it worthwhile to pay for expert guide services or join private hunting clubs to gain access to these exclusive locations. For instance, some dedicated waterfowl outfitters in the United States offer all-inclusive waterfowl hunting packages that provide clients with guided hunts on prime private land. These packages usually include lodging, meals, and access to hunting blinds.

Hunting on private land requires extra preparation and research, but the payoff can be significant. Beyond ensuring compliance with local regulations and establishing relationships with property owners, hunters who invest in private land access will often enjoy a less pressured environment, leading to increased waterfowl activity and success.

Overall, by exploring National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas, and private land locations, waterfowlers will enjoy diverse hunting experiences and a greater abundance of waterfowl species.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Hunting Location

Diversity of Waterfowl Species

When selecting a waterfowl hunting location, it’s important to consider the diversity of species available. Areas like the prairie potholes in Alberta and Saskatchewan offer significant dabbling duck populations, including mallards, pintails, and green-winged teals. In contrast, Alaska provides hunters with an opportunity to target sea ducks like long-tailed ducks and scoters.

Hunting Pressure

Hunting pressure can greatly impact the behavior of waterfowl and the quality of a hunting experience. States such as Arkansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois are known for their high mallard harvest numbers, but the sheer number of waterfowl hunters can lead to greater pressure on public lands.

Scenery and Natural Beauty

The setting of a hunting location is another factor to consider. From the natural timber marshes in Nebraska to the picturesque potholes of the prairie provinces in Canada, each area offers unique scenery. For example, hunting in the rice fields of California’s Butte Sink provides beautiful landscapes and plentiful waterfowl resources.

Ease of Access

When evaluating a hunting location, consider the ease of access to the hunting grounds. Some premier waterfowl hunting destinations, like the Susquehanna Flats in Maryland or the Mississippi River in states such as Missouri, provide easy access due to their proximity to rivers. Alternatively, more remote locations like Alaska may require special permits and transportation arrangements.

Public vs. Private Land

Different states offer varying opportunities for public and private waterfowl hunting. South Carolina, for example, provides limited public hunting opportunities, while other states like New York and Ontario are known for their ample public lands available for waterfowl hunters. Recognizing the differences in these opportunities can be crucial in determining the best hunting destination for your needs.

Availability of Guide Services

For those who may be inexperienced or looking for a more guided experience, the availability of guide services can be an important factor to consider. Many bucket-list hunting destinations, such as the flooded timber areas in Arkansas or the prairie potholes of Alberta, offer professional guiding services to help hunters maximize their success in the field.

By considering these six factors, waterfowl hunters can better evaluate the best hunting locations to create a memorable and successful hunting experience.

Whistlers- Hunting Golden Eyes

By: T.J. Rademacher

Golden Eyes are great shooting often from the shore

Goldeneye are typically a bonus bird for most diver hunters. They are typically more drawn to their own kind and are not as likely to fully commit to a spread of mixed blocks. Many shots are taken at passing ranges for folks more interested in the other diving duck varieties. For the Last few years I have ended up on waterways chasing divers on both the Mississippi and Central flyways. Out of necessity I was forced to figure out the goldeneye game because the other birds were stale or not moving as much. Here is what I know now after spending some time targeting these birds specifically.

              When scouting a hunt for these birds you are looking for where they are headed to eat just like any other diver. The process is really the same as anything you might encounter looking for bluebills or redheads. The difference is in my experience is you are looking closer to rocky shores or open water bordering this type of area. In my experience you encounter goldeneye in rafts smaller in size than other divers. They seem to end up strung out loosely in areas they are feeding or loafing in. they are primarily feeding on mussels, clams, snails, crustaceans and sometimes small fish from the birds ta hive inspected while cleaning them. Once you find a concentration you can either push them out gently and set up for their return or you can traffic them. The main thing is covering water and finding a few different spots to try out or make a strategy for future hunts

Use any means necessary to get to the X

              Getting on the X is tough. The X is usually a place where the birds can’t be targeted in most of the places I hunted. Most if these waterways include large areas that are off limits and are waterfowl refuges. So you instead find yourself looking for the soft X. This is usually less predictable and changes daily. Most of the times I did find a concentration of birds it was a mid-day loaf spot. We would leave them be and come back later the next morning and set up after having a go at the more un cooperative rafts of other divers. Pushing them out seemed to do more harm than good on this type of spot because they were not actively using it as a feeding spot so the pressure of gently bumping them usually had them picking the next least pressured spot and not many coming back. We would typically set a spread of 8 or so oversized GE decoys and nothing else. This typically did the trick for birds returning to the area. For trafficking we would pick the best spot to get in their way. If shore hunting, we would try and get one point the they swing close to. The use a layout boat to get in their way in spots where they were moving to and from spots to eat and loaf has become the main way to consistently kill these birds. We also used up to 3 dozen GE decoys to get birds to decoy. We had very mixed results with having comb spread with the most success coming from GE only spreads. It’s a lot of work in general to layout hunt diving ducks but this technique paid off big time when the going got tough. We a were able to scratch out enough birds to fill in with our bluebills to make the effort more worthwhile.

Here’s another thing I learned about Goldeneyes. They are not trash ducks. They are excellent table fare. I’m not talking about plucking the and preparing them with the skin on like puddle duck. We all know this is probably a silly idea given their diet. However, the typical breasting method turned out great poppers and stir-fry’s. I was careful to remove all fat and silver skin from the meat. I also typically brine the breasts as well. It seems help with the taste of the finished product. Another way to prepare them is by braising them down in a crock pot. The final product to a tender pulled pork type of protein that goes great on sandwiches and my personal favorite Korean barbeque sliders. Whoever tells you can’t eat goldeneyes or says they are not edible probably got ahold of some that were not prepared well. Prep is king with wild game meat especially with animals that have a specific diet.

Scratching out birds in places you wouldn’t typically think of

              Learning to nail down a measurable amount of success taking goldeneye consistently was a very rewarding experience. Sometimes the adaptations we make to figure out a path to success when the conditions aren’t exactly ideal are what we look back on the most fondly. I remember being very frustrated at times during their navigation of this learning curve. As is the case with most types of water fowling staying persistent and making the best decision you can based on the info you are receiving from the environment around is what will typically make you a little more successful. Now go and get after the whistlers.

Hunting Season Prep: The Physical

By: Justin Hunold

Working to be in good shape physically and mentally hunting becomes more enjoyable.

Physical preparation for hunting matters. Let’s face it Hunting season is a grind. Most of us never really have an “Off season” but the actual in season life is hard on your body and the older you get the harder it is. When I was younger in my twenties I ran on caffeine, bad food and beer. I’d hunt every morning, go to work and work until about 10pm and then get home prep, decompress and get up between 2-4 am to do it all over again. Somedays I would fit schoolwork into that mix too. Now that I’m 40, this schedule seems like a pipe dream. 

What are some ways to make hunting season easier? Do you have to be  Cameron Haynes?  How about someone like Steve Rinella or Janis Putelis instead? How do we stay in good physical condition for hunting season? Here are tips for being in tip top shape for your hunting season. 

Meal planning- We aren’t talking macros and micros or any real hard science here. Most of the year let’s think about clean eating for most of the time. Concentrate on the basics, proteins, fats, vitamins, healthy carbs, fruits, veggies and if possible something fresh and not pre packaged. I try to stick to this for most of the off season, with some cheats here and there. The guideline I heard somewhere a long time ago is “If you can stack it, don’t snack it” . Basically if it comes in square packaging try to avoid it. 

As far as this diet goes, I still have beer, the occasional snickers, potato chips or even ice cream. I have an almost four year old and we try not to waste food, so I eat a lot of half eaten PBJ’s. I’m not saying to be a nazi about your diet, but trying to eat right is better than not. You will feel better. The thing is if you cut all junk out how will those gas station meals, weird diner breakfasts and other foraging opportunities hit your stomach during hunting season if your stomach isn’t used to junk at all? 

But meal Planning goes farther than that. During the season, rather than scrolling through social media for far too long try to get the coffee maker ready for the morning, make some healthy food and get it in your blind bag for the next day. Have a plan for those meals and have them ready. This leads to less gas station snacks, more money in your pocket and more sleep when it’s needed most. 

Sleep- I am not a great sleeper, I wake up most nights for a span of at least an hour. What I do well is fall asleep and wake up. I never snooze an alarm, and my lights go out as soon as my head hits the pillow. I use this to my advantage. I know I can push my alarm to the last possible second because I always get right up, no snooze. I also hit the hay when I feel tired to maximize that pre middle of the night wake up. Meaning during the season if I’m tired at 7 if possible I go to bed. 

Being in good physical condition helps you make heavy work into light work

We all have a life. We all have more stuff to do than time to do it in. So, sleep is often the thing we sacrifice. But, there are a lot of credible folks that say it’s the most important thing we can do for our health. What are we to do?

Firstly, if you have sleep apnea , get that taken care of. I know lots of guys in camp that have it, and they all feel better when they have it under control. Just listen to your buddies snore through the night at camp sometime. Listen to the pauses and gasps. The sooner you get that under control the better off your health will be. For some folks its a machine, others its a mouth piece and for some it’s losing some weight, all of these work together in combinations or even singularly and separately. I know some folks that “didn’t have the energy” to work out but once thye got their apnea in line they suddenly started working out. That sort of sleep deprivation matters. 

The other thing is learn your sleep patterns, learn what your body needs. I know my sleep strengths so I play to them during the season. I also know I can run full bore for about ten days before a crash, but then I will need one whole day to recover. I try to plan trips, days off and hunting times around these factors. 

You may never get eight hours of sleep in a night, but look at getting the best possible sleep you can for the time you can. Know your own sleep patterns and needs. If you snooze, the first alarm needs to be earlier and if you are a third shift worker, afternoons may be your best option. 

Exercise- Ugh, this is the one that goes out the window during the season. I run, ruck, hike and lift all off season, then season hits and my work out is the walk into some far flung hunting spot with all my gear or paddling a kayak a mile or two for the same reason. I need to be better about this, and I should incorporate some stretching. 

You don’t need to be Cam, lift, run shoot. You can be Steve and Janis, load pack hike around. I’m not going to tell you I look like a Greek god either. But I try to keep a minimum standard and that is this – The Navy SEAL minimums for Physical Screening (sans the swim).  42 push ups in 2:00 mins 50, Situps in 2:00 mins, 6 pull ups and a 1.5 mile run in under 11:00 mins. These won’t get you into the program but they are a baseline I find useful. 

At the end of the day you will be less tired, better mentally, sleep better and hunt better if you’re in reasonable physical condition. Everything is harder in the water and we spend a ton of time wet in waterfowl hunting. Start with a walk if that’s tough for you and go from there if you think the SEAL minimums are a breeze take a look at the Competitive standards and do them for time. 

Supplements- Over the past three years we all had decisions to make in regards to our health. One of those decisions for me was supplementing my vitamins and minerals. I also incorporate nootropics on a semi-daily basis. 

As Hulk Hogan used to say ” Say your Prayers and take your vitamins.”

Surprisingly, those athletes taking things like Glucosamine, Fish Oil and Turmeric for their joints are shining the light down the path of more comfort for us hunters. If you hear one complaint at camp about being sore it’s generally joint related. Why not supplement for that the whole year?

Nootropics used to be regarded with voodoo but caffeine is a nootropic and most of us use it daily and likely can’t function as well without it. I use all sorts of nootropics specifically on hunt days and I feel they make a huge difference. I feel sharper and more focused. 

Probiotics- Eat some yogurt, take probiotic supplements and figure out the things that don’t agree with your stomach. Many hunt plans have gone awry because of thunder guts and the runs. Get out in front of that. Give yourself enough time to go before you get your waders on if possible, carry imodium in your rig and blind bag….worth it. 

These are just a few simple or not so simple things I do through the year that will probably help your season go a bit smoother, make you sharper and a better hunter, and hopefully lead you to be more successful. Listen, every single one of us has a different life, different stressors, different physiology. None of this will be a cure all for everyone. But I bet if you take one of these and tailor it to your own self your hunting season and life in general will be better for it. 

Waterfowl Gear You Need

What should you buy now to get ready for next year?

By : Justin Hunold

First Birds, on the First Day

The early bird gets the worm, or something like that. Listen, as waterfowl hunters we are constantly in a quest to be the first, or the earliest or chasing that prime opportunity. First at the ramp, first to a spot, first fresh birds, first shooting light, opening day, first season, early Teal, early goose….you get the point. But listen, right now, as we creep into seasons closing, you should be first in line to fix or amend the shit that broke or didn’t work this past season. You can never be too early to start getting ready for next season. Here are some things you should be looking at getting right and tight for fall’s first flight.  

We all have gear on our list. Right now is an amazing time to scour those clearance sales and find next year’s best gear at a discount. Will it be the newest pattern or the coolest thing on the block, maybe not, but will you or the birds actually notice? Also probably not. Here’s a secret its not just changing of the seasons that prompt good prices for consumers, but also for retailers on the wholesale level. So, check those sites for chances to get gear at amazing prices. Maybe someday I will go over the pricing theories at a retail level, but let’s just say at some point that old inventory is costing more than it’s worth to not discount it. 

Decoys are hard to store for retailers and normally get a big late season discount for sake of floor space.

Decoys- Decoys are big, bulky, heavy and hard to display. Think about it this way, how many Lucky Craft lures can a store fit in the area that a box of full body Canadas take up? The answer is a ton, and they retail for $15 a pop. So, decoys are something that gets discounted heavily quickly.  Keep an eye out for whatever you need to fill out your spread. I promise if they fooled birds the past few seasons next year’s model probably won’t do it any better. 

Camouflage Clothing- So, the model here is let’s have some legacy products, think Bottomland, and then let’s release the new stuff every few years because hunters are trendy and like to match. When those new patterns hit they may look great, they may help you blend in better, but they certainly boost sales for the camo company releasing them. When this happens you will see deep discounts in the flagship camo from the year before. You may also see this when an apparel company loses the licensing rights to that particular camo, or a sponsorship change on a major player of the prostaff. Whatever the reason, jump on last year’s clothing now in prep for next year. 

Hunting Accessories- Calls, Choke Tubes, Blind Bags, Muffs, Blinds, Decoy Rigs the list goes on. Remember that in a lot of retailers the waterfowl aisles turn over into the spring turkey aisles. That change over normally leads to some chances at high end gear at a lower price. Full Disclosure, I worked in big box retail for a long time and some of my most expensive and best sounding calls came out of the display cases when it was time to turn those aisles over. The sweetest sounding turkey call I’ve ever owned was an Original, first production year Primos Power Crystal and that was because it was good and broken in when I bought it out of the display case for next to nothing, even though that call isn’t expensive to begin with. Don’t get me started on my Original BGB Wide Open…

My Muff straight up unraveled on me on its second hunt this year. You know the kind that hold shells and some gear and snaps to the D rings on your waders? Yeah mine came apart on hunt number two and I just never replaced it this year. I tried to limp it along with paracord and zip ties like any good redneck but man it sucked. I’ll be getting a new one from somewhere else this off season.  Some other things I will be packing in my blind bag before I put it up are a few pairs of elbow length rubber gloves, because they are light, cheap and totally waterproof, and at least one extra headlamp and a pair of inexpensive sunglasses. I’d rather bring the extra couple ounces out on every hunt and always be prepared than not have the stuff when I need it. Kinda like a side arm. Also most of this will have reviews from the previous season, and post on social media and videos showing use in the field on YouTube.

Just like voting, you should be using your gun early and often

Now, between waterfowl and turkey season is a great time to get more familiar with your gun. I have specific guns for both of these seasons. Now that I am done chasing quacking birds and will shift to chasing gobbling ones I will be taking my Masai Mara apart and cleaning it thoroughly. I will also take my Gordion Turkey out and check the optic and make sure it’s pattern and point of impact is still as perfect as last year. If I want to make a change in chokes, optics, ammo or slings now is the time. 

Since I will be shooting my turkey gun I will also bring out my waterfowl gun and check all of the same stuff. I want to make sure I’m very familiar with where my guns shoot, if I need to make any shim adjustments, choke changes or even if the shells I bought mid season on a suggestion are doing what I’m thinking they should. 

If I were you I would be looking over Market Place and Craigslist for a new to you boat or watercraft if that’s on the books. This is the time of year people start to unload that stuff. The reason the timing of now is important is because people are generally looking to get out of that stuff at a reasonable price. In two months spring will be here and they will want a premium on watercraft, they’ll take less in January and February in most of the country. 

Is any of this earth shattering? No. But I’m covering it because today I hung up my decoys for their spring and summer slumber and thought about what I should be using with them next season. I pulled my Masai Mara out of its case and set it out in line for a good cleaning. And I threw that piece of shit muff into the garbage where it belonged when I took it out of the box. This season is done for me as of today. But next season started as soon as I typed the first word of this article. I’m so happy it’s always hunting season.

Tools of The Trade

Revolutionary Tools In Waterfowl Hunting

By: Justin Hunold

A bit ago we talked about the advent of percussion caps and the advancements in shotgun shells after that happened. We also looked at the point in time that we could pluck a hunter out of , put him into a modern duck blind and he’d fit right in. That seemingly happened in the 1960’s, but if he were in that blind what are some things he would see that would maybe astonish him. Tools that we look at on a daily basis as common but just a short 50-60 years ago would be revolutionary, if not altogether foreign?

This is a list of innovative tools for waterfowl hunting that have taken place in the last thirty years or so, that we take for granted when chasing ducks and geese. 

Modern Shotgun Finishes are almost impervious to natural conditions

Shotguns-Let’s start with something near and dear to our hearts here at Retay, shotguns. While the hunter from the 1960’s may have been toting a good semi automatic there was a higher probability that he was using a pump, side by side or an over under. With the advent of astoundingly reliable semi automatics like our Gordion or Masai Mara it’s becoming rarer and rarer to see anything other than a fast cycling, reliable and nimble semi in the blind. 

That’s not to say that a good pump like the Retay GPS XL doesn’t have a place because, it certainly does but the push in Inertia operated shotguns was nothing that the hunter of the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s could have ever predicted. In those days it was commonplace for a semi to be more of a problem than an advantage but our industry has sought to move past that. Retay is at the head of the pack with the Inertia Plus bolt design. 

We could go over the normally stated advancement in magnum shotguns, making 3 and 3.5 inch offerings the norm but that horse has been beaten to death. And a lot of folks are back to shooting 20 gauges for waterfowl and to great effect. So, let’s look at something that is overlooked and undervalued, shotgun finishes. 

When “Plastic” guns started to make appearances back in the 1980’s traditional hunters scoffed at them but the synthetic stocked guns started to impress with their ability to operate in any weather condition, and the owners lack of fear of scratching the gun. Now it’s a talking point to see a wood gun out on a hunt.
With the advent of synthetic, hydro dipped guns came next. With the plastic and matte finish of the modern shotguns these guns became great testbeds for all sorts of camouflage finishes. With these coatings the guns became very weather resistant. Again, camo guns are now a normalcy. A lot of the time the guns will have aggressive texturing and molded sling attachments as well. These camo finishes are great for ease of maintenance. Wipe em down with a Dude Wipe and some oil on the moving parts and you’re good to go, but there is one more that is now the gold standard. 

Cerakote is a baked-on hard finish that bonds to the metal of the gun. Now your gun can be whatever color you choose, and be basically impervious to all weather conditions. My own Masai Mara is the Grey Light version, I don’t worry about any weather conditions. I’ve dunked it and put it right in the case for travel without a second thought. The 1960’s hunter had absolutely no option to do that with his blued and wood gun. Again, all we have to do is make sure the internals are cleaned out when we get home after a hunt in a salt marsh or freezing rain and that Cerakote gun will be good to go the next time we call it up to bat. 

When spinning wing decoys work nothing works better

Spinning Wing Decoys -Spinning wing decoys were REVOLUTIONARY when they hit the market in the late 90’s and hunter’s have more versions to choose from now than ever. They are so good at drawing ducks they aren’t legal everywhere. Think about that for a second. Now imagine that hunter from the 1960’s seeing a spinner for the first time. Imagine when you turn it on with a remote, and then kill it when that first swirl of birds locks up, ready to light into the spread, what is that 1960’s dude thinking? 

In a time when people are searching out hand carved decoys and vintage decoys to use in their spreads our retro hunter would be totally at home, but if there was ever a magic bullet when it comes to decoying birds it is likely a spinner or maybe some other form of battery powered motion. 

This has become a double edged sword though, currently we often opt out of spinners for a more subtle motion in the decoys. But make no mistake they still work and the old timer would try to fit that thing in his Delorean to get it back to his mid century spread. 

Lighting makes us more successful and safer when working predawn

LED Lighting-Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Modern hunters aren’t the almighty but there are plenty of times our modern lighting options are a miracle in comparison to even twenty years ago. We light up the predawn as if we were running and gunning in broad daylight and we are better for it. 

Whether it’s a simple headlamp with multiple color lights or LED Deck, or LED Light Bars and spots these things are awesome. I remember when a Mag Light was the goto, or if you were a cool guy you might have one of those military style angle head D cell flashlights. Now, you’d never think about taking anything other than a headlamp out for personal use. 

We underestimate how much more successful and safer we are because of these lights. We are able to be more precise in all of our set ups with our personal headlamps. We are able to get in with long walks or paddles because of the little gems and light up some back water in a way that would have taken a car battery and a spot light just a short time ago. 

We are safer in those pre dawn races to the “Spot” because of the relatively inexpensive investment in on board lighting for our boats. And from there we are able to see where we are going and what we are doing. 

The deck lighting is not only great for general use, but let’s not forget we are out there with firearms. We are always responsible with our guns but the rules of firearms safety always apply. When we can see what’s going on with those guns we are safer. So, deck lighting adds safety in ways we might not even think about.  

Would these be the only things our “old timer” would notice? Absolutely not! He’d probably mention that computer phone thing you have attached to your hand, face paint, camo, waders, and a million other observations, but these things are worth mentioning first. They are often overlooked in different ways. We will probably dive into some of the others in upcoming articles. So next time you turn your lights on, put you spinner out and load your Retay before the first flight of the morning, just nod your head to how good we have it. And don’t forget to occasionally lose yourself in this thought experiment -Would you be out there if you didn’t have it so good? Would you do it the way that hunter from the 1960’s did if you had to? Do you love it like that? 

I Ain’t Got The Words

Thanking the people who make your hunting season happen

By: Justin Hunold

It only takes a few words and a second to let someone know you appreciate them

In a day where we are constantly looking for content to fill our brains and spare moments of boredom with information and entertainment I wanted to take a second and step away from that. This will come out on 12/23/22 or the day before Christmas Eve. I just wanted to take a second to say Thank You for joining us, and also to remind you to take a second and reach out to maybe some folks you might forget to call or text “Happy Holidays” or ask how their Christmas was, cause you see them a lot. Your hunting friends and family. 

Well, first let’s start off at home. This time of year is a great time to just take a second, look at your spouse and tell them how much you appreciate them holding it down for the past few months. They pick up the slack while you’re out there chasing bucks, ducks, bulls, bears and geese. Take a second and let them know how much you appreciate it. Acknowledgement goes a long way. 

While you’re at it, if your parents and siblings are in your life, thank them too. You put off their parties, holidays and used vacation to get out into the field instead of spending it with them. Again, a tip of the hat and a heartfelt thank you means more than a gift card. A lot of the time just validating the fact that they understand how important hunting is to you is a way to show them that same love in return. 

 Let’s not forget those land owners. Drop off some cookies, meat or something you know might actually help them. I kinda treat this like I treat my friends who have kids or just got married. I give them a gift card and in the card I put it in I direct them to do something fun and frivolous with it. They either let you or choose you to hunt their land. It’s not an obligation to do something for them, but I would think that most people want to. 

Now we are into the tough ones, Your hunting buddies and your dog. Which are basically one in the same. They both care about you, they are normally loyal, there for the trials and tests of hunting season, and there for the celebrations and stories from all that hard work. So, let them know that you appreciate them. 

Take an extra second and get your dog in for post season care.

Your dog is not going to associate the holiday spirit and treats, pets, love or any other pampering. They are smart but not capable of that thought. What they can process is that you’re the center of their world and their reason for being. Maybe get them a few extra treats for Christmas and give them options on what to play with. Also, schedule up a postseason Vet check, just because you don’t see anything wrong doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get looked at. Throw a rod on your truck, changing the oil won’t help after. I know that the vet can be tough for dogs, and hard for owners, but that hesitancy is your emotion, not necessarily about making your pal feel good. Better to catch a foreign body from some green briars that could potentially turn into an abscess, or even a weird infection from the muck and the mud. Get them in, out and some more treats, pets and play. 

Your hunting buddies, man there is a lot to unpack here. We as tough dudes and chicks can really struggle to put into words what our hunting partners mean to us. I think it’s important to let them know the best we can. So, there are two routes you can go and here they are. 

Route one, this is my go to, tell them flat out. I will normally try to let my hunting buddies know how much fun I had on a trip, in camp or on a hunt and that I was happy to spend the time with them specifically. I often try to tell them why they are a good hunting partner and how much I appreciate our friendship. One of my favorite movies is Tombstone. There is a scene, after the Curly Bill shootout in the river, when Turkey Creek Jack Johnson asks Doc Holiday why he’s out riding with Wyatt. Doc answers, ”Wyatt Earp is my friend” . To which Creek answers “Hell, I got lots of friends” and Holiday says “I don’t”.  This tends to be my philosophy in letting people know. I don’t have a lot of friends so they’ll know they are important for sure.

Hunting is not as fun as without your hunting partners.

Route two, for you tough asses. I have multiple hunting partners who will not reciprocate these complex thoughts and emotions. It’s hard and isn’t in everyone’s nature. So, I often think about it like this. In that very same movie when Wyatt and the Immortals split up  and the same Turkey Creek looks at Wyatt and says “ I ain’t got the words”. The feeling is conveyed through his lack of ability to express it. This actually seems to be the underpinning to most of the relationships we have based around hunting. They are there with you before sunrise to after sunset. Lost key, lost gear, lost animals. Success and failure, bad or good mood. All of those actions speak louder than words. So maybe less, is indeed more. Maybe on Christmas day just reach out, tell them that you thank their spouse and kids for letting them get away and that you’re looking forward to the next time you guys get out. 

Sometimes it is just the little things. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and best of luck in the New Year.  And thanks for taking the time to visit with us. We appreciate you all. 

The Best Duck Decoy tips and Tricks for Pressured Birds

By: Justin Hunold

Make sure your decoys are visible but you are well hidden

A lot of days when we venture into the marsh we find ourselves in competition. We aren’t just going head to head with Mother Nature and Father Time but also other hunters. And although some of us might be contest winning callers or crack shots there is one aspect of duck hunting that makes a difference time and time again…Decoys. You can call well but normally ducks won’t light into a hole unless you are on the X and shooting doesn’t matter unless they come in. More times than not though decoys are the money maker in the equation that is duck hunting. Here are five of the best duck decoy tips and tactics for hunting wary waterfowl. 

Keep it Clean- Keep Your Decoys in Working Order 

When you look at ducks on the water, on the shore or just out in nature what is one tithing they do a lot? Ducks preen, they clean themselves. Waterfowl by nature of both temperament, and anatomy tend to prefer to be clean.

So, it stands to reason that muddy, scuffed, and just overall scroungy looking decoys aren’t optimum. Sometimes the ducks will not care, other times they will flare the second they see a mudded mallard drake. You can’t know on which day and which ducks will react in which way.

I would venture to say that the realism of the decoy paint, shape and detail matter way less than them being clean and in overall the correct color patterns. I’m not saying a flocked head isn’t better but I think a clean, bargain bin decoy with bright, basic, paint will draw birds just fine in most cases when they are well taken care of and not all crapped up. 

This is not to say that high end decoys with immaculate paint schemes aren’t worth the money, because they can make a difference. Just make sure if you’re going to spend the extra to get the extra draw. Natural looking decoys are meant to look natural and in nature most ducks prefer to be clean. 

Keep it Moving- Adding Motion To your Decoy Spread 

We have covered the idea of motion in the spread in previous blogs, but the principle of movement in the decoys can’t be overstated. When we watch ducks being ducks and duck things what we see is a lot of movement in a natural flock. We need to be thinking about this is our decoy spreads too. 

Spinning wings are normally step number one in folks’ thoughts of adding motion to the spread, and a lot of times they are a great bet. Keep em clean, keep em charged, use your remote, and make sure to lean towards using them on the outer edges of the spread rather than in the pocket or X you want the birds to touch down in.  If there is overhead cover available to mask the spinners, even better. Remember ducks see spinners from opening day to day 60, use some tact and reserve when employing them. 

Swimming or Feeding decoys are a great addition as well, but again I like these more towards the middle of a group of decoys and more to the outer edge of the overall spread. I want the birds to see the movement but I want them to have an open landing zone. At an airport the runway is always cleared for landings but the taxiways and terminals are always buzzing with aeronautical activity. The same thought applies to decoy spreads. 

A place where I will apply movement near the X is with a jerk rig. There are lots of ways to skin the cat with building a jerk rig, and all of them can work. Those differences are depth and water dependent. But if I could only have one source of movement it would be a jerk rig. And I don’t hesitate for the dekes on that rig to be close to the landing zone. 

Two more caveats on motion in the decoys. First, don’t tie off all your decoys from the front tie point. When you have a consistent wind all the decoys will end up facing the same direction. There are two holes for a reason. Secondly, a jerk rig or remote on a motion decoy is a great way to get a new hunter, or bad caller involved in the hunt in a real tangible and important way. That motion can probably lead to as many ducks as your calling. The same motion will definitely lead to more ducks than bad calling or an inexperienced hunter watching the sky because they don’t have anything else to focus on.

Spread ‘em – Space Your Decoys Out More

This is a great example of naturally spread out ducks .

If there is one thing running long lines taught me it’s that spreading the decoys out can make the raft of ducks look much larger than the number of decoys would make you believe it could be. This is true in puddlers too. I generally carry somewhere in the ballpark of a dozen to a dozen and a half duck decoys on a lot of my hunting trips. 

Shy away from using the typical U shape with your 3 dozen decoys and replace it with a split spread with a few more spread out dekes. The ducks have seen the U and the J, they will work, but the ducks can’t spell and if they can, who knows if they speak english. I have taken to placing two separate pods or groups of ducks with a landing zone in the middle. A few decoys in each group will be very close to each other but the others will be spread out to look like a much more numerous group of birds. This setup has become my goto. I write for a living but I am not using phonetic symbols to dictate my decoy set up. 

With that more spread out for fewer decoy ideas at play, I normally run a pile of Mallards and then a couple Black Ducks or Shoveler decoys to add some contrast and visibility to my spread. I like to group those ducks a bit closer together and in the middle of the group of mallards. 

Take Your Time- Place Your Decoys

Listen, we all run on very little sleep during the season. I understand that a lot of times you’re hitting snooze and letting the set up happen however it may. I beg of you, give yourself a few extra minutes to place your spread out rather than toss it our in haste. 

This is a tip I’ve seen work in action a lot. When everyone else is tossing their blocks out early and getting them soaked so by the time shooting light rolls around they are shining with ice, I have killed ducks over decoys that I painstakingly hand placed so as not to splash them. This gives them a more natural, less plastic and frozen look.

Decoys not having ice on them doesn’t always matter. I have seen it matter in very high pressure situations. I’d love to tell you those times it was my calling that made a difference, but in my opinion I’m a slightly better than average caller but my attention to detail in set up tends to be better than slightly better than average. 

This tip is a lot like keeping your decoys clean. There are times when real ducks are covered in snow and ice, but that’s when it’s snowing and the November gails are blowing, not when they were in clear skies on a frosty morning. So, take a second and gently place your decoys in the water. You may be surprised how much difference this can make. 

I See You Hiding- Hide Your Boat

Use your craft to get you near the spot, then ditch it and hide it well.

This tip comes from watching people not shoot ducks that should be landing in their decoy spread, hide your boat. We all generally do a great job of hiding ourselves, our dogs, and our other gear but for some reason folks seem to act like their boat is Wonder Woman’s invisible jet and ducks will never notice it. You’re not Linda Carter or Gal Gadot, hide your boat. 

A lot of the time folks will choose to hunt from the boat, a little patch of aluminum heaven, dry ish and comfortable ish, but I choose to stash my vessel somewhere else close by. I learned this trick from our mutual friend TJ and I stick with it no matter if it’s a boat, kayak or canoe. I don’t hunt from the boat, I take time and effort to hide it. 

Picture you’re a duck cupped and coming into a nice group of your friends. As you drop down and begin to focus on the whole you see a green mass where there isn’t normally one. Or you’re circling over and as you make a pass you see a boat on the opposite side of the point from the decoys you were about to land in. They shouldn’t be there! It’s not safe! There’s hunters! 

I personally like to use a stool or seat and build a nice stick blind, or use a layout or just tuck myself in the natural cover over the timber or vegetation. When I do this I have stashed my watercraft within easy walking distance but it’s covered with grasses, burlap, camo mesh and sticks. It might not be there everyday but I make it look as normally natural as possible to the overhead birds. 

I believe more birds get saved by boats that look like boats than maybe anything else. Take a second and hide that thing. I promise your friend doesn’t need to hear your story that badly. If you’re alone, what the hell else do you have to do? It’s your job to do stuff right!

Closing Time

This isn’t to say you can’t kill ducks with a dirty, no motion, tightly packed, J shaped, soaked looking decoy spread from the comfort of your boat. You truly can. But why risk it? Isn’t part of the fun of waterfowl hunting the details, the constant adjustments, and doing your best to fool those flying survival machines? We hope these tips and tactics give you something to think about and maybe bring you a little extra success when the ducks are pressured and don’t want a typical spread.

2 is the Magic Number- What Shot Size Should You be Using for Waterfowl Hunting

By: Justin Hunold

Empty hulls signifying a successful venture onto the back water. A 12 gauge 3″ #2 will handle this sort of work marvelously.

Let’s start by saying there is no one size fits all situations in waterfowl hunting. A lot of “Gospel Truths” to some folks maybe hocus pocus to others. 

“I only need half a dozen Mallard Decoys and a Jerk rig.” – Not on the coasts of North and South Carolina.

“ Canada’s are dumb over water.”- Not if you shot em up where they roost over the same water. 

“ You gotta have spinners out to add visibility.” – Not if you’re way down South and those birds have been shot at over Spinners for a few thousand miles. 

I’m going to stick my neck out here and give you a truth that I and a few of my friends cling to, if a hunter shows up with a 12 gauge loaded with  3” #2’s in anywhere from 1 ⅛ to 1 ½ Oz of steel shot they can handle just about any waterfowl situation they might get thrown into.  We are focusing on steel shot and not other non toxics like Bismuth or Tungsten. This will be a matter of KISS or Keep it Simple Stupid. Because let’s face it we all get out smarted by birds so the stupid part applies and keeping it simple makes you a more efficient killer. 

When Not To Use #2

Let’s look at some reasons you might not want to be shooting #2. If there is one argument against #2 in all situations, everything is a nail if all you have is a hammer argument…kinda. Shot size and choke constriction work together and can be very situational. So, it stands to reason that although a #2 might be great at a lot, it’s not optimum for some applications.

Early Season Teal, Gadwal and Woodies might be very common in your area. In fact a lot of places have a “Teal Season”. This is a place where a #2 can work but shouldn’t be the first choice. These ducks are small, fast and maneuverable. Most hunters will opt for a #3 or #4 in Steel for this sort of hunt. Likely this will get paired up with a bit more open a choke as well.

In areas of extremes either especially big or small birds a #2 sits in the middle of the bell curve. There may be better choices but it will certainly work.

Most of the time when taking on the little ducks we will be expecting them in close with shots over decoys. With this in mind small ducks in close calls for smaller shot with good pattern density. The little guys aren’t as hearty as say a diver and a hunter will be better suited with less holes in their pattern. This isn’t to say a #2 won’t work, it just isn’t the best option. 

The other extreme is late season geese. I’ve hunted Canada’s coming off the Finger Lakes that had what seemed like inches of fat on them. When it came to those birds we were starting our shot size choices at BB and going up from there. These are big tough birds that have plenty of cushion for the pushin so to speak. This is a time you’d find a lot of us running full charge 3.5” shells stuffed full of BB or BBB. We killed a lot of birds with those loads, but looking back a 3” #2 probably would have done fine at the distances and circumstances we were putting birds down at. 

When to use #2

Firstly, if I was limited to one steel shot size for all waterfowl hunting situations it would be a #2. This shot size is about as big as you can go without hampering ballistic performance, it holds reasonable pattern density, and carries enough kinetic energy for most waterfowl work. So, it’s a great choice for a lot of hunters who might be in crossover seasons with ducks and geese, or situations like I was in last Saturday where I was as likely to get a shot at a Blue Bill or Bufflehead as I was a Mallard or Black Duck. 

Big Puddle Ducks are what most waterfowlers chase. Mallards, Blacks, Widgeons, Shovelers, and Pintails will all be reliably taken with a 3” #2. I know a lot of folks like a #3 for this sorta work but let’s face it the ducks don’t know the difference and #2 are easily found at Walmart if need be. Normally, when I head out to some backwater and I am expecting to encounter the likes of any of these birds my Retay will be stoked with 3” 1 ⅛ #2 of some brand or another. I’m confident that I am not leaving anything to chance with that shell selection. 

Divers, you might love em, you might hate em but man are they fun. So, here’s a confession, TJ Rademacher and I have been hunting partners for a long time. And have been Long Line hunting partners. We chased Divers when every other person in the piedmont of NC was out looking for Green Heads. We would be out setting twelve dozen decoys, that’s 144 for you mathematicians out there. After all that work we would wait for some ducks with little wings and big feet to come circling in and try to land in our lines. We generally did that with 3” #2’s ready and willing. 

We killed a few Diving Ducks back then, and I have no reason to shoot anything other than #2’s at them. They are tough and we were the school of shooting until they stopped moving. Shot size matters in the world of tough ducks built to disappear so, this is where the majority of my thought on the best shot size for duck hunting came from. I never met a puddle duck that was half as tough as a buff even if they were normally twice the size. Number 2’s were my go to. 

In most of the places I inhabit there is a September Goose Season for Resident Canadas. When those 30 days roll around you can bet your bottom dollar that my gun has #2’s in it. In one of my previous articles I talked about a hunt where TJ and I crushed some local Canada’s on an island. We were shooting #2’s. In that same article I talk about my stupid head flairing geese , well we killed our 4 man limit that day and we were shooting #2’s. In all my Goose hunting experience I believe that a majority of birds were taken with a #2 and I see no reason to change. For more about that check out this article about shot size for geese. 

Stoking a couple Retay’s with your favorite 3″ # 2 steel shot is a near perfect combination.

In the famous words of Austin Powers “Who does number two work for?”  The simple answer is everyone. This shotshell combination isn’t the end all be all. It’s not the best for all situations but there are few other options for a shot size that can realistically take on most waterfowl situations. If you’re going out with a guide or experienced friend and they tell you to grab something else for a specific situation, take note, grab a box and pattern it and then run it if it makes sense. But I would advise grabbing a few different boxes of 3” #2’s and patterning them all. See which shoots the best and then buy as many as you think you’ll need for the season and then add some. None of us are as good a shot as we believe ourselves to be and no matter what situation you end up in during the waterfowl season you can’t go wrong with the best shooting 3” #2 you can find. This stuff just works.