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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.

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed on Your Next Hunting Trip

By : Justin Hunold

I’m in the middle of an out of state hunting trip with some family and friends. And even though this is a deer camp and not a duck camp I can tell you what, the list Jesse put together on our Youtube Channel @retayusa came in handy when I was packing to come here. Let’s take a look at five items you should be packing to bring to a hunting camp, no matter what you’re chasing. 

  1. Dry Bag– Jesse says he likes to keep his extra clothes in a dry bag to get into after he’s soaked from a morning chasing birds, and I couldn’t agree more. Yet, I use a kayak and other watercraft to access whitetails no one else seems to get to. And when I do that I use a drybag to put my tree saddle or safety harness and day pack in. I don’t like wet gear, and when hunting around water there is no dry. It’s all varying degrees of wet, so a dry bag helps you keep your stuff ready to go so you can sit in comfort. 
  2. Pain Reliever– Advil, Tylenol, Aleve or my personal go to Excedrin. Really, we are talking about fighting off headaches and body aches from hunting hard and maybe hanging out harder. For general pain relief I’ll go with an NSAID but for the headache from celebrating a successful hunt a bit too much give me the big E. Plus it has a large dose of Caffeine so there’s that too.
  3. Ear Plugs– Guns are loud, boats are loud, camo is loud but when it’s time for bed snoring is louder. As I am here in camp with my buddies I realized none of us are young and spry anymore. And a few of us have sleep apnea. Or snore when we are plugged up or even snore if we’ve had a couple brews with dinner. My ear plugs stay under my pillow and get put in the second I lay down. This is the one thing on this list I wouldn’t compromise on or give up. If I forgot them I’d go buy more.
  4. Battery Pack– Let’s face it we all use our phones a lot. Hopefully the hunt is action packed enough to keep you off of it. To be honest I’m writing the bulk of this on my phone while in a tree. A spare battery pack or charging bank can save your life. There might not be enough outlets in the camp, you might be in a tent, you might be writing a blog for the best shotgun company in the world, hell, you might even be using your phone for useful things, navigation , flashlight or communication. Any which way a spare battery pack is a life saver for those little computers we walk around attached to our hands. 
  5. Bucket, Trash Bags, paper towels, Toilet paper and a Gallon of Water– Um, this isn’t exactly one thing but kind of a system. You can use the bucket to clean birds, fish, small game or the like. Paper towels and water help with those things too. But the real MVPs are the striker paper and garbage bags. Don’t litter. Pick your trash up. But after too much coffee and gas station cuisine you better believe you’ll have to talk to a man about a horse and a bucket with a trash bag can be a better option than a roadside John or a tree lean.                                          

 Remember, these trips are supposed to be fun, and this list lines up with that. Most of the things on this list aren’t make or break but they are items to keep you comfortable and taken care of. We all know the “gear” gets all the headlines in the hunting media but I’m staring at a box of gear I haven’t used on this trip, I promise I’ve used everything on Jesse’s list. 

Initial Impressions: How to Keep Your Gun Operating by Setting Yourself Up for Success

By: Justin Hunold

Imagine you’re there on a premier hunt in the hallowed timber of Arkansas or maybe a two mile paddle back to a slough on public waters that have a horsepower restriction,  or even taking a friend or family member out for their first goose hunt over 5 dozen decoys placed with care in a cut corn field. All that money, time, effort and most importantly experiences relying on your gear. And arguably the most important piece of actual gear you have is your gun. If it doesn’t go bang you can’t do the damn thang. 

Let’s start off by get the obvious out of the way, we firmly believe we offer the best waterfowl gun on the planet here at Retay USA. This article will be centered around to keep our guns  delivering performance boldly redefined. This isn’t a sales pitch. This is about how to help keep your gun running when it’s needed most. And although these procedures will concentrate on Retay USA shotguns, the practices are basically universal. 

Number one, read your owner’s manual. I know “Men don’t read instructions” and that’s great in theory. I mean if you really want to skip this and you wanna go straight to youtube for instructions at least use our official videos. But take the time you’d get lost on Instatokbook and read your owner’s manual cover to cover. You will be able to troubleshoot almost all in the field issues you will run into if you understand your individual gun and not just guns in general. 

Since you cracked the box to get out the instructions you will now be looking at your new GPS, Gordion or Masai Mara you will see some residual grease or oil on the gun. You’re going to see some of the other stuff that comes with your gun like choke tubes, shims, the optics base, lubricant and even sling swivels. The next step  is getting that gun out and getting any residual stuff off that gun.

So, the lubricant and a nice gun cloth will help do this and for most folks this will be the end of the initial clean up process. I personally like to bust that manual out, and break the gun down to as many pieces as I feel comfortable putting back together correctly. You don’t want the first time you take the bolt assembly apart to be in that flooded timber we mentioned above. You know over eighteen inches of water, in the dark, with ducks pouring into the x. 

I personally prefer to strip all residual oils, dust and crud off of the entire gun. I use G96 Crud Buster Aerosol for this process. It strips all the stuff off of the gun surfaces and you can use the straw to get into the nooks and crannies of the bolt assembly. I prefer to strip my bolt down and clean each piece, but some folks won’t want to do this. Once I spray everything off and wipe it down with a gun cloth I let it air dry for a bit. If you’re using a CLP style product you can just reassemble from here. After air drying, I reassemble the gun. I follow the owners manual and check proper function as I go. I will manually operate the bolt, bolt face, trigger assembly and safety. 

“Thanks to its extreme simplicity and excellent materials, the Retay Automatic Shotgun requires no special maintenance.”

This comes directly out of the maintenance section of the Retay USA Owner’s Manual. Basically what it’s saying is oil what seems like it needs oiled. Your bolt assembly, lightly, trigger assembly lightly and if you’re feeling really really froggy maybe the recoil spring assembly. On a GPS look at the action bars.  I like a general lubricant like the one included with your gun for most times and it should be great in most conditions. 

When I hit the colder months I like to find a lube that is built for colder temps and not freezing up. I again turn to G96 but the Complete Gun Treatment. I like it because it performs the operations of cleaning, lubricating and protecting. It maintains viscosity down to -50. Meaning I can run this when I am hunting the Great Lakes or the Finger Lakes during the coldest months with no issues. For most conditions the High Tech Gun Oil that comes with your Retay will be fine.

This will all take place before my gun ever sees the field. Or in a post/preseason general maintenance. There are a lot more in the field and post season and volume shooting maintenance tips to follow this. This is the best way I have found to set myself up for success when it comes to running and gunning with my shotguns. It is the set up. 

I worked at a gun counter for about ten years, all of them at very high volume firearm retailers. I can say that anecdotally when a customer came in with a new gun that was malfunctioning, nine times out of ten it was because they skipped this step. When you go on a long road trip and kinda sit in the car, driving, putting miles on the road, maybe spilling coffee, crumbs and just kinda sitting in your own crud you likely are looking forward to a good shower when you get home. Treat your new gun the same way and it’ll be a lot happier when it wakes up for use. Set yourself up for success. Retay USA shotguns are the best waterfowl guns on the planet. So, do yourself a favor and treat them like it, even though they will work even if you don’t.   

Nerd Alert: What Gear Guys Bring to the Woods

By: Justin Hunold

I will fully admit that I am a gear nut. If it’s a gadget that isn’t needed but looks cool and serves a very particular purpose I probably own it. What’s funny when you do a gear dump of some very experienced outdoors folks the similarities become apparent. Some stuff is techy and a cool piece of kit and some not glamorous at all but makes the cut because it just works. What items do you need to go camping? Let’s take a look at some of these items.

When I started with the idea for this article I texted some friends and asked them what they always bring camping. Some lists were very basic and some were very gadget heavy but they all came from a place of experience. Anyone I reached out to spends at least two to three weeks camping a year. I cherry picked the items with general tent life in mind. You can have these items whether car camping at a campsite, picking your way through a boulder field in the Brooks Range, taking your favorite pack animal into the backcountry or through hiking the Appalachian Trail. There may be some overkill items but to me they are worth the weight. 

Let’s start simple, ziplock bags. Yes, you read that right. Gallon size ziploc bags can help you ration food, keep injuries dry in a pinch, keep funky clothes isolated, contain anything you might forage from nature, the list goes on. These buggers are very useful. Along the same lines I would venture to say fill one of them with some zip ties, batteries and leukotape(blows the door off duct tape). This is all simple and very useful stuff. A note on the batteries, try and get gadgets that all take the same batteries when possible.  

On the top of the list for everyone was a knife, some of us preferred a folding pocket knife and others a fixed blade, the Kershaw Ken Onion series knives were a popular choice. I personally carry a Ontario Knife Company RAT2, it has a liner lock and the clip can be moved to carry how the owner prefers rather than being fixed from the factory. This is a nice feature for a lefty. I also carry a Morakniv which is a vaunted all purpose, full tang, impact resin handled knife from Sweden. Morakniv are basically indestructible and can be made exceedingly sharp. I will also be found with some sort of multitool more often than not when camping, when I’m in the back country I will replace my folder with a multitool like a Leatherman Wingman.  

So, one of the problems people have when camping is lack of good sleep. Tylenol PM will help that and I keep it in my first aid kit, but so will a good inflatable pillow like any of the offerings from Klymit or even the under $20 jobbers on Amazon. Skip the stuff sack full of clothes or those tiny crushable pillows, spend a couple bucks and get an inflatable pillow.

Food is essential, so it is a good way to cook it. For basic cooking there are three routes I will send you down. Car camping calls for a Coleman Camp Stove like their Duel Fuel stoves. The option I prefer for car camping or pack animals is a Camp Chef Explorer two burner stove. I like the optional griddle top because breakfast is my favorite meal and that option facilitates pancakes. Next would be a Jetboil style stove, these are self contained canister fueled cookpots. They are great if you are trying to find space in your pack or if you are meticulous about cleaning or using it. I can’t seem to keep my Ramen out of the coffee so I don’t use these. I run a MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and have since it was a Pocket Rocket 1. You will need a pot or mess kit to use these but they are exceedingly light and reliable. 

Coffee goes with camping, no analogy needed. Some dudes will go with an enamel percolator, like in the western movies of yesteryear. Can I be honest with you? Percolator coffee isn’t good, it looks cool on the fire but yuck! I bring a Lexan French Press. My buddy runs instant coffee, the Starbuck Via isn’t bad but I prefer the Black Rifle Coffee Company Instant coffee. Leave that Folgers instant at the supermarket, I’m a coffee snob not a coffee drinker. 

A more and more common situation in the field is keeping your electronics charged and ready to go. Between general phone use, mapping, taking pictures and taking videos of your adventures getting that phone back to 100% is important to most folks. We have had some suggestions ranging from Goal Zero battery banks, charging from a JBL Charge or Flip to a basic power banks from Amazon. They all work. I prefer the basic banks from amazon. I can store a few of them in different places rather than having a big heavy unit with zero redundancy. Plus you can get two of these with 10000 MHz each for about $25. This is plenty for quick pick me ups during a day in the field.

This list is not complete or comprehensive. It’s a simple “Hey don’t forget this stuff ” list. Most of the things on this list I keep in my vehicle in some form or fashion at all times. With Good sleep, a good blade and good coffee I can make a go of anything else that Mother Nature throws at me, isn’t that the fun?!

To the Break of Jawn: Top 4 Ways to Figure Out Hunting Access in a New Area

By: Justin Hunold

Every morning I wake up in the sunscape of some of the largest cities in the United States. I live about smack dab between New York City and Philadelphia. I have also lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. One thing that has always been a priority to me was figuring out the best way to get out in the field and hunt. Even in the largest urban scapes on the East Coast I find a way. Here is how to figure out hunting access in an urban center. 

We hear about the three R’s in the hunting community a lot these days. Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation. This is one place where a lot of Organizations, that may be totally in opposition in a lot of ways, crossover. Recruitment tends to be the easiest R. Retention and Reactivation on the other hand, those are the points of pain. Most folks, anecdotally, will point to access as the main reason they choose to stop hunting or just fade out. This has never been an option for me, hunting is burned deep in my soul and I will never be the person who can fade away. 

So, how does an urbanite or suburbanite find access to hunt? I am not going to take into account things like very oppressive firearms laws, or limited travel options such as trains, buses and subways. These situations are too varied to try to even attempt. If I were in those situations I would be figuring them out first. But here is how I go about getting out to hunt when everything is pointing at turning in my camo for white sneakers and cargo shorts and mowing the lawn or watching sports and reality TV on fall weekends.

Mapping-Traditionally, when I have moved, I have immediately looked up all of the public hunting land near the area. This could be done old school with county plat maps, a state gazetteer or USGS scale maps. I would advise using a simple mapping app on your smartphone these days. There are multiples but I personally use Spartan Forge. The mapping is very accurate, has multiple layers and weather built into it. It’s the best I’ve used. 

From the apps you can find the closest public land, launches, piers, water access and who owns what properties in the area. Now, match this up with your state’s outdoor regulation books, be them hunting, fishing or trapping. But don’t just look in your home state, look in the surrounding states if applicable. I for instance hunt New Jersey a lot more than Pennsylvania (where I live) because I can hunt Sundays in NJ, the license and tag situation is a lot more simple and the public land in NJ is much closer to me than the public land in PA. Think outside the boxes and borders. 

Organizations– Remember those organizations I mentioned earlier? Find a few that align with your personal views and join them. I belong to Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Project, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and The National Rifle Association. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Whitetails Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation and many more are all great. These are tax deductible, generally, and they will have events. The events matter. 

From huge banquets to simple Pint Nights, or public land clean ups I have done them all. And with some networking at these events I have gained some good friends, and sometimes in a new area they’ll take you hunting. At the very least most times they’ll give you information that might be key to your hunting or give you a better understanding of the landscape and hunting culture in the area. 

Local Agencies– We also mentioned the state agency regulation books. Often those same state agencies will hold events, great networking opportunities there. They will also show special hunt opportunities, and give you phone numbers to the local offices and biologists in the area. Use these numbers. I’ve never heard of a state agent that wouldn’t take time to help a person better understand the land, the game or the regulations to make sure that the individual has the best possible time outside. 

Social Media– This last statement pains me in a way, find local groups on social media. Normally they will say something like “ Smithville Duck Stackers and Whackers”. As much as I don’t wanna be called a stacker or whacker I sign up. You can be an active participant or a lurker, but you will start to understand the local hunting scene from this group. You may even find hunting buddies in the group. Just a warning they will normally have Trolls, Know It All’s, and posts that are complete dumpster fires. These are the reasons I put this last on my list.

These tools are listed in the priority order for me. If I had to count on one it would be mapping and my own boot leather. What outdoors person doesn’t like spending time outside, in the off season, to figure out a new place or two to watch the sunrise and maybe a spot or two to watch it set too. I have had good luck setting up my own success through my own hard work. 

The kindness of strangers is something that has helped out a lot too. And paying a bit of cash to these organizations make sure that outdoors folks have a seat at the table. Don’t forget to take note of whats happening around you in your own neighborhood too. At a barbeque, why not mention hunting to someone that might know someone? Wear some camo sometimes? 

Do us a favor and put the food first in these conversations, this tends to be very widely accepted and brings people into the conversation. And if Barbeque Bob’s tip helps you harvest a few animals make sure you practice some game meat diplomacy and invite him to have a bite or two. Just because you might be looking at some new cargo shorts and matching holiday pajamas doesn’t mean you have to hang up hunting. Don’t Fade Away, you need hunting and it needs you. 

The Weight of a Snowflake : Traveling to Seattle and Hiking Mount Rainier

By: Justin Hunold

14,411 feet, that is 2.73 miles above sea level. Two and three quarters miles of responsibility. Four and four tenths kilometers jetting into the sky, above all other peaks, feeding an entire region from North America’s Largest Glacier, Emmons glacier and the other twenty four that follow it’s icy lead to pour down the rocks to form five major rivers systems through the Cascades to the Pacific. Mount Rainier is the epicenter for all things Pacific North West. 

As life changing hikes go this can be an easy one to get to, provided you enjoy beautiful scenery, amazing food, culture, libations and technology along with a bit of gum and the smell of fresh fish. My partner Mila and and I decided to take a summer trip to Seattle, home of Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, The Storm, The Seahawks, The Sounders, the team my cousin Tom plays catcher for the Mariners, Starbucks, Pikes Place and my favorite band Pearl Jam. This all exists in the shadow of a dormant volcano turned National Park. 

Mount Rainier is omnipresent when you’re in King County. You can see it from the Ferris wheel. You can see it from the Space Needle and even when its presence is shrouded by the thin veil of the sprawl of buildings and bustle of the city and her surrounding suburbs it is apparently around you with the water that slips down its shale. 

You may hike the mountain, but you may not conquer it. Make no mistake, I will tell you how to get to the base, how to plan a hike and how to put yourself on the top of the world, but the mountain will put you in your place and give you some perspective you didn’t start the trip with. You are the mountain’s guest, and if you do not follow its house rules you can pay the ultimate price. Since the Park opened in 1897 over 400 people have died on Rainiers slopes. Nick Hall, Margaret Anderson, Phil Otis and Sean Ryan ; those are the names scribed into Stone Obelisks on the Valor Memorial for sacrificing their lives to save and protect others. 

We landed in Seattle from a long, thankfully direct, flight from Philadelphia. We started off from the airport in our rented Toyota Yaris to our Airbnb. We had picked a prime week in July to be in the area. It was an unusual hot streak for the Puget Sound. Mila and I travel a good bit, and we have made a habit of using AirBnB as often as possible. This gives us a chance to be lowkey tourists, often we can check out stuff that other tourists miss. I cannot suggest this path enough.

We got to the Mother In Law suite and unloaded our gear. For the next day or three we went to a few breweries, including Lauganitas, Stoup and Locust Cider and Ballard sampling drinks and food trucks at each. We dined on street food, Biscuit Bitch and seafood everywhere. We checked out the fish ladder, the Museum of Flight and the  Starbucks Foundry.  We like cuisine and cocktails for sure. We enjoyed those days, taking public transportation, jay walking, feasting and drinking with little concern other than our heads hitting those nice pillows in the evening. 

On the third morning we got up at about 4 am, and left for our hike. Rainier isn’t in Seattle, it’s not in Tacoma either, although it looms over both. You can see its ice face from these cities even though it is about a 2.5 hour drive to the south. 

We went from a city whose traffic is intimidating, even to the two of us who live about an hour from either Philly or New York City, to towns with one light and a gas station. We saw horse pastures and municipalities you would miss if you blinked driving through. We stopped at a grocery store and picked up some snacks and drinks for the hike. On we went, we saw loggers, locals and even some elk. 

We had decided to try our hand at hiking a lot of the mountain in one shot. We drove up to the White River campground and began our hike there. This is the beginning of the Glacier Basin trail. This trail leads to about 1280 feet of elevation gain and is about 7 miles long. It’s about a four hour one way hike, then obviously quicker coming back down.

Planning to hike Rainier is easy, the National Parks website has all the trails marked from start to finish, with distances, directions and elevation changes listed as well. You won’t have cell phone service for a while before you get there, download the maps.  You will need a full tank of gas to start up the mountain, NOT JOKING. You don’t need a lot of gear. Hiking boots, wool socks, sunglasses, sun screen, pants, a fleece with layers under it and a day pack. Obviously dress for the weather, but remember we were there during a heat wave in July and we had to cross snow banks at some points of the hike. My day pack had some small first aid supplies, ibuprofen , lip balm, sunscreen, snacks and about two gallons of water. I do not suggest trying this hike in any other season unless  you are an experienced hiker. 

As we ascended we started to catch glimpses. A peak here, a lake there, huge scree fields, larger coniferous  slopes and sky. We began to realize the magnitude of Rainier. I try to use visual aids to gauge my insignificance. I will pick a pine tree in the distance, because I know about how much larger that is than I am and then I will truly understand how much mother nature cares not about me.  

On our trek we explored lean-to’s, rock faces, elevation markers and lakes. We got passed by a guy running the trail in sandals and we saw families that made it that far in vans and on buses. We saw people looking for mountain goats and finally the Glacier. 

Emmons Glacier is over four miles in circumference, the white is so bright it would hurt unshaded eyes, and even from a few thousand feet below its peak I then felt its weight. 

The thing is I am from Syracuse, my hometown receives over 200 inches of snow annually. I may be insignificant in size in comparison to a mountain, any mountain. Now take the tallest one in the continental United States and put a single snowflake on the top. I can picture one snowflake. I know snow. I’ve been buried in snow when a snow tunnel collapsed on me. I have no idea how many snowflakes are in a ten foot square area that is four feet deep, but I know the weight. Now I was taking that mass and multiplying it by four and a half miles squared and forty three feet deep. I try to measure the weight but it is a fly trying to measure a house. There is that perspective I spoke of. 

At the end of the day, finding Rainier isn’t hard, planning this was one of the easier hikes I’ve planned but to understand it, that is something different. You will end up on the tallest peak in the tallest mountain range in the contiguous United States. You will see what the sky really looks like, you will understand that the earth allows us to live on her and that nothing is forever. I have taken a great many things for granted since then. I think that every time I do I should remember the power of a snowflake at 14,411 feet and the power of the people who scale it, for at least one day that July Mila and I were powerful in the exploration of our scale. 

A Waterfowlers Preseason Checklist

By T.J. Rademacher

We are now basically a month out from being able to get after them again fellas. In my home state of North Carolina, we are allowed to start hunting resident geese on September 1st. It’s a great way to shake off the dust and get back after it. The key to having the best possible experience in any waterfowl hunting scenario is being prepared for as much as you can be. It’s like laying down a really good paint job. The key to success is all in the prep work. Here are some things you probably should have already done if you are a month away from getting back into the grind.

If you are a field hunter, you should already know where the hot fields are going to be. Local farmers rotate crops yearly, so you should be riding around looking for fields that will probably hold birds when it’s time to start cutting. This is a good strategy for both geese and ducks. If you have been in an area for a while you will have picked up on roosts and heavily trafficked  fields in these areas.  These are high percentage options for good hunts throughout the season. I Try to do this early. If I can catch a farmer out without totally holding him up from something important I’ll try to introduce myself or if we know each other make sure to get permission on his land again. If you’ve treated his land with respect in the past you will likely have your spot held for this season.

If you hunt over water or moist soil units both public and private, you should already have been out looking for the places where the food is going to be. You should be knowledgeable on what ducks actually eat naturally in wetland areas or areas that flood seasonally. So, when you break into a clearing and find it choked with smart weed you can put a mark on your GPS. This is going to be a place to be looking at when the birds get here. Again, you should already have permission knocked out on private land. If you haven’t done this, you are behind and you need to go and do this to salvage what’s left. Being proactive rather than reactive is key so you can broaden your options this season.

If you hunt out of established blind sites you should have already made sure they’re still there and if they are in hunt-able condition. Go ahead and remove overgrowth to create holes for birds to land in. You’ll be way ahead of the game when it’s time to be in there enjoying your time afield. Also clear this with a landowner to make sure it’s okay. Verify that this is legal on the piece of public land you are planning to hunt. Do not just assume if your name is not on the deed. You should be scouting boat lanes and channels to make sure there isn’t going to be something that blocks your access. Again be prepared.

You should be washing decoys now if you didn’t do this before you put them up last season. Go through every one of them and make sure they are clean and any small repairs are made before they need to be in the water.  All of the weights, stakes and other required items for functioning decoys should be inspected and any necessary repairs on rigging need to be made now. You should not be running to Walmart for stuff at 10:00 pm when you need to be up at 3:30 the next morning. Check batteries on your motion decoys because the lithium ion batteries may not hold a charge if you do not periodically charge them during the off season. Believe me I learned this the hard way. There is still enough time to get new ones and install them. Check your remotes on the spinners and ensure they function properly. Everything should be bagged and read to go. I label bags so all I have to do is grab and load things as I need them. It saves time and frustration when it’s late and you are trying to get ready for the next day’s hunt. 

Your outboard or surface drive should have been running all summer while you were catching fish but if it has sat around for a while make sure the plugs are new and the carbs are cleaned and ready to go. You don’t want to be rebuilding carbs the night before a hunt or waiting on parts when the birds get her and it is time to be on the water. You should already have a few spare parts for items that routinely need to be replaced. I’ve learned this the hard way as my current outboard has aged. You should be constantly inspecting and doing proper maintenance on your motors, boats, ATV/UTVs, and hunting wagons because they’ll take care of you if you look after them. Stop using ethanol gas in small engines, it’s not worth it even if you’re a college kid one budget. It destroys fuel lines and will clog jets on carburetors. 

Your blind bag should have that 5-month old granola bar stash cleaned out and restocked. You should already have a Ziploc bag of toilet paper ready to go. For further information, refer to my article about blind bags earlier this year. It will get you squared away in a hurry. Layouts and frames should be prepped and function checked. Get that first layer on the blinds so all you have to do is blend them the morning before. Your hedge trimmer should be ready to go for grassing blinds now and all your brush cutting items should be located and in your truck box so you aren’t digging though the bottom of a trailer for them when it’s time to use them.

Check your gear. Make sure it’s still in good shape. If you have a pair of waders make sure you function test them before opening day so you can repair them or get a new pair. Make sure you have some wader patch kits available. If you can afford it, have a backup pair if waders. This is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. It’s a huge save when you find that briar patch or forgot about that barbed wire fence.

Long story short you should have never stopped working on stuff after the season ended. If you are under the gun it’s time to prioritize and get stuff taken care of so you aren’t chasing your tail for the next month. The off season is just another season for you to be keeping the excitement alive. Also you should have been shooting your shotgun during the summer so you are ready to take advantage of your opportunities when they present themselves. Don’t be shaking the dust off with that first group of birds. It’s time to get after it boys and girls. Here’s to another successful season!

A Moment

By: Amber Casey  

Leaves rustle to the right as the last few minutes of shooting light approach. I roll my eyes, knowing it’s too dark to see what just came into shooting range with the naked eye. The .450 rests quietly against the pine tree. I reach across for it, making every noise possible – the rubber sling getting caught on a twig and lifting up every pine needle and leaf surrounding it, the fabric of my jacket scraping against the bark as I turn, and resting the gun a little too hard on my knee after raising it up. I find the dark blob in my scope, and the deer is facing me around 80 yards, ears up and very alert.

After four hours of sitting, you’d think seeing that deer would be the highlight of the hunt. That is far from the truth.

For a moment, my eyes only see rolling hills covered with towering pine trees that give a beautiful contrast against the bluebird sky. They only see the sun peeking through the boughs that periodically hit the tree trunks making it look like the soft glow of a fire. They only see a distant branch that looks like a whitetail buck causing my heart rate to spike. What they don’t see is the glow of a computer screen or television. They don’t see a highway filled with tail lights heading to the hustle and bustle of the city. They don’t see people that have been taught to panic and live in fear.

For a moment, my nose only smells fresh dirt from pulling away the bed of pine needles and leaves for a quiet spot to sit. It only smells the inside of my fleece buff that hasn’t been washed all hunting season. It only smells the damp oak leaves packed on the forest floor and that distinct aroma of a wood stove that comes from nearby dwellings burning wood to heat their barns or homes. It doesn’t smell the exhaust fumes on busy city streets. It doesn’t smell the musty office building. It doesn’t smell food cooking in the kitchen at 5:30 PM – reminding me of the monotony of everyday life.

For a moment, my ears hear that annoying rustle of leaves that can only be made by a fox squirrel, tricking you into thinking it’s the biggest buck of your life walking into your shooting lane. They hear a doe bleat can that sounds like a dying goat being put to use by another hunter a couple ridges over – maybe he’s here for the same reason as me though. Instead of getting frustrated, I smile. They hear the deafening silence of the evening as the sun sets and the breeze dies down to nothing. They don’t hear the radio playing in the kitchen/office for eight hours and fingers typing on a keyboard. They don’t hear the chatter of people in the grocery store or the news stories that make me cringe.

For a moment, I feel at peace. I feel my head rest on my pack for a quick minute as the sun kisses my face before prime time hits. I feel my toes going numb even with 2,000 grams of insulation as Raynaud’s disease takes effect. Even though I can feel the chill of the evening come through my clothes, I feel my body relax. I feel the thermals start to drop as the sun descends. I feel my nose being turned on like a faucet, dripping into the fleece buff that needs a good washing. What I don’t feel for a moment is anxiety. I don’t feel trapped. I don’t feel overwhelmed. I don’t feel the buzzing of a cell phone because, thankfully, there’s no service out here. I don’t feel like I’m only existing. For a moment, my mind slows down. It stops overanalyzing every situation. It stops worrying and wondering. It stops reflecting on the good, the bad and the ugly throughout my life. It focuses on what’s in front of me right now – what I can see, smell, hear and feel.

For a moment, I’m in the moment. I let down my gun as it gets too dark to see, even through the scope. The deer nervously walks away, then I hear bounding. I can only assume that damn white flag is up too. I pack up and wait, giving the other hunter time to do one last scan at last light and enjoy the final moments of the evening – alone and without me intruding on their quiet walk back. My heart sinks as I make my way off the ridge, knowing my four hours of therapy is over. I savor the walk back to the truck. As I come out of the woods and make my way across a field, I stop and look back. The last light of the day in the western sky contrasts with the sparse clouds and treeline. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, enjoying one last moment.

Should I Buy a Wall Tent?

By: Justin Hunold

Scrolling through Instagram, thumbing down through all of the images of the outdoors that help inspire my adventures, I see it. The wall tent at night, backlit from the lantern inside, stripped trees for the lodge poles with a set of moose antlers above the door, I swooned with idyllic romanticism. If this sounds like as great a picture to you as it did to me, let’s talk about the upsides and tips for camping in a wall tent.  

All things being equal, camping is an amazing way to take in the outdoors. Whether you spend the night in a camper with AC or in a bivy under the stars, waking up to the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world does wonders for the human spirit. For the past few years I have spent a few weeks during the late fall in a canvas wall tent. Though the one I have been using doesn’t harken back to the image painted earlier, it does fall in a great spot between the camper and the bivy. 

My cousin Marc did a bunch of research, separately of my tent lusting, and decided to pull the trigger on a Davis Wall Tent. He also purchased a wood stove for it and so began our soiree of primitive camping for hunting season. This is a quick overview of why you may want to look into a wall tent setup, and some points to think about once you decide a canvas vacation home is for you. 

Let’s first look into why a person would want a canvas wall tent. Room is the first deciding factor for most folks. Unlike a nylon dome style tent, a wall tent is built for maximum height and, with straight walls, actual capacity for people and gear. Next, canvas wall tents are still portable but it can be the size of a typical cabin that one might stay in at a campground, very convenient. You can set up a full cabin anywhere you may need it. That may be the woods for a week during hunting season, or it can be for a garage sale or graduation party at your home. 

If I were to guess, the number one reason most folks go to a wall tent is overall comfort and protection from the elements. Canvas wall tents are built with stove jacks to host a wood stove. Canvas tents are naturally waterproof and insulated. Unlike propane heaters, wood is dry heat, and outdoors folks can use it to actually dry out clothing and gear. This alone is next to impossible with any other sort of non-radiant heat. Canvas is a great insulator. Everyone will stay warm with the stove in the winter, no wind cutting through the tent, no water building up.

I know, the saying is “cotton kills”. In this case, that blend of cotton or polyester is great protection from the elements, hot or cold. Wall tents are naturally waterproof and make amazing wind barriers. In the summer you can open the windows for a crosswind and stay very cool. It’s definitely not the aforementioned camper with air conditioning, but it’s markedly better than a nylon dome tent for sure. 

We’ve covered the why’s of a wall tent, so let’s take a dive into some of the how’s, tips and points of interest. The how’s are pretty simple: most companies will offer kits that have poles included or just corner brackets and you go to a hardware store and have conduit cut to length (provided in the instructions). To build the tent you frame out the roof first then install the wall poles. Tie down points are sewn into the tent in key positions. Use all of the tie downs- they exist for a reason. There are a few options for floors, with the two most popular being pallet bases with plywood for a semi-permanent feel or waterproof canvas tarps. After much experimentation, we chose canvas tarps, leaving an open spot in the corner for the stove. If you decide on the wood floor, you will need a fireproof mat for that area. 

If you plan for a few people to stay in one tent, there needs to be rules. One of our big rules was no air mattresses. This came about in year two, just like the canvas tarp floor, after we realized how much room they take up. Cots elevate the sleeping area, meaning that the user can stow gear under them. They can also double as a seat if needed. Also, designate areas to hang drying gear. You don’t want your sleep system to get soaked because someone else hung a wet jacket over it. 

As far as the stove goes, you’ll need welders gloves or the like to tend to it often. A kettle of water should be a constant companion of the wood stove for both a source of hot water and a bit of moisture in the air. Some wood should be stacked inside, this way there isn’t a reason to open the doors unless it’s to relieve yourself. There should also be an assigned person to cut the stove off when the party leaves and someone else should double-check! Stoves are not to be taken lightly in a tent, as the wind can move the cover or in the extreme, disconnect the stove pipe (chimney). 

A small folding table is an amazing piece of kit for a wall tent. It generally turns into a catch-all but it’s nice to have. We would generally stack our non-perishables in rubber totes under it. Again, singing the praises of the wood stove: you can cook just about any stovetop meal on the wood stove so don’t skimp on the cuisine just because you’re roughing it. We keep a thermometer above the table, mostly because it’s fun to see it reach the mid-seventies when it’s in the single digits outside and we are having a few drinks. 

Another friend of mine uses an ice fishing sled and a solar shower to shower inside his wall tent after a day of hunting. We never went that route, although, by the end of the week we probably should have. With the ability to have hot water and dry out your garments, this means a person can actually wash clothes if needed. Speaking of friends, if you want to stay on speaking terms with anyone you’re sharing a wall tent with for extended time you’ll want a pair of inside-only shoes. Any kind of shoes will work, a lot of people will wear slippers or a Crocs style shoe. Tarps will be clean but you’ll still need shoes. 

A few more necessary items include a lantern or two, a decent hatchet, a cast iron pan, fire poker, and tongs. I would also suggest a few pots for water or a tea kettle, a French Press or percolator, and a wind-up alarm clock. 

Marc chose to have an awning built into his kit and a window stitched in opposite the door. Both of these were clutch points of customizations. We can keep wood, gear, and our coolers under the awning and when need be get some air moving through with an open window. He decided to forgo the stakes that the company offered. The first time we tried to use it in high winds we realized quickly that normal tent stakes weren’t going to cut it. From there we decided to use pressure treated 2”x2” cut to a point and notched an inch up from that point. Tie the rope to the stake around that notch and then drive the pointed end of the ten inch stake down into the ground. This action sucks the rope into the ground as well and makes that thing as steady as a Pennsylvania coal miner. 

If you’ve tent camped before, everything you’d bring with you for that applies in the wall tent world. It’s all about what makes you happy. Try it out a few times and you’ll be surprised what makes the cut and what doesn’t once the comfort side is taken care of. 

A wall tent isn’t for every situation, you’re not packing this thing into the backcountry in your backpack. When you’re able to access the campsite from the road, by vehicle, horseback, or bike with a trailer, a wall tent is tough to beat. If you’ve been thinking about that camper and you just aren’t sure, take a look at a wall tent. Camping with friends or family and wanting some space, or maybe to feel comfortable solo camping for a long period you need to make a canvas wall tent a consideration. If nothing else you might get to post a cool picture of it on social media. 

What to Carry for Waterfowl Hunting: Make Your Blind Bag Work For You

By T.J. Rademacher

A well thought out blind bag is an essential tool for waterfowl hunting

Every seasoned public land waterfowler knows that there are all sorts of things that get thrown into blind bags. If you are new to this sport, there is an excellent chance that you will get bogged down on all sorts of details. Your basic list of blind bag contents should not be the thing to overthink. You can bring what you want, but remember to look at each item objectively.

 Most public land hunters walk in or are limited to what they can carry in their boat. One time of a shoulder strap cutting off your airway for 300 yards, through shin deep muck will help you understand that less is more. This is aimed at the guy or gal who doesn’t have private blinds, a huge boat or an enclosed trailer to get your stuff to the X. It’s not that we don’t want to bring a stove to cook our breakfast on… it’s that we can’t. You will get opportunities to be frivolous with items that come with you on a hunt sometime, but for now keep it simple. Do yourself a favor and  take some of what I have to say into consideration. It all comes from a bit of trial and mostly error. 

First let’s talk about the blind bag itself. This bag should be made from a waterproof or highly water resistant material. The things inside should be shielded from the elements by quality zippers and taped seams. Either one works. This costs a little more coin on the front end but will pay you back when you miss judge your tossing distance to a buddy on the other side of the ditch you need to cross… Believe me I’ve been there. Remember your time is limited;  a few hours in the field on most waterfowl hunts. Your bag should be small enough to be super mobile but have enough capacity to hold the essentials. Some folks choose a backpack style while others choose a more traditional duffel bag style.

So let’s talk about the essentials. Shells should be limited to two or three boxes max. Right here is the bulk of your bag’s weight. I was not blessed to grow up in an area where people shoot limits on public water very often. Even on the bucket list hunts I’ve been on to other places throughout North America there was never a need for more than 50 shells.  I can count on one hand the times I’ve shot more than a box of shells. Most of the time it’s less than ten that get used. I carry two boxes because it completely covers my requirements and allows for swatting as many cripples as I can handle, without ever worrying about ever running out. Plus, sometimes you can come in clutch for that buddy who forgets important things like shells… sometimes.

Having everything you need for both you and your friends gives an added level of security to your adventures. Those friends might have two legs or four.

Aside from shells you need something to drink or eat most likely.  Lickies and Chewys are super important to have on hand. The last three hours of a hunt can be super tough to stick out for those late morning opportunities. They are especially tough if all you can think about is where you are going to eat after. Besides food I keep a small med kit with basic comfort items like chapstick and Motrin and trauma items for both me and my dog. Most common things like a headache, a small cut for the dog or myself can be handled with this kit. 

One maybe unusual thing, I keep a tourniquet on hand. A tourniquet may sound very extra at first thought but terrible accidents happen around firearms sometimes.  I’m hunting  areas off the beaten path with no immediate help. Having a quality tourniquet and the knowledge of how to use one could literally save someone’s life. 

Some of the smaller items are important as well. Your calls and game strap are pretty obvious must-haves for the hunt. But what happens when you dump your shotgun in the mud and need to get your trigger group pins out of the gun to clear an obstruction and get it running again? A quality multitool is worth its weight in gold for fixing guns and tons of other problems you might encounter.  After said trip into the mud you might find your barrel plugged. I keep a 12 gauge bore snake and a cloth at all times. It is better to know the bore is clear than to have a barrel detonate because you left something in it. Also bring a small bottle of your favorite gun oil or maybe dry lube in the winter. It’s magic when you have it and can be a show stopper for your favorite fowling piece when you don’t. A choke wrench and an extra choke, when conditions call for a  change, can come in handy. These items are optional, but highly recommended. 

I always have a couple ways to keep warm. Typically, I’ll have a couple sets of hot hands for stiff fingers. In addition I always carry two ways to make fire. I keep A lighter and small magnesium striker with oiled cotton balls to make sure I can get something  lit and keep it burning if conditions are damp. Dryer lint works  very well as a starter too. Keep them in a vacuum sealed bag to have them ready to go. This way they won’t be  water logged when you need them. I’ve had the pleasure of spending more time than I had planned for in the field due to motor issues or getting wet in cold weather. These moments let me know the value of these two items. You are welcome in advance.

You can bring some other small creature comforts like extra gloves or other items you feel you can’t live without but the above mentioned gear is what I’ve found to be just what I need without wanting for  more when I’m focused on killing birds. Focus on what’s essential and adjust what you carry as you gain experience. Your ideas of essential and mine may differ and that’s fine. I’m just trying to help you  prevent the pack mule effect that ends up dragging a lot of new folks down. 

Whether walking in or taking a watercraft a blind bag keeps you organized, equipped, fed, hydrated and can be a real life saver.

Remember to swing through

T