How to Prepare for Your First Waterfowl Hunt
Maren McReynolds for SPLIT REED
If you think hunting elk and deer is tough, it is likely you haven't tried waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl hunting is not for the faint of heart. While you can always take care of the basics like preparing the boats, decoys, blinds, and dogs, you can always benefit from semi-guided hunts. This is especially true if you are hunting waterfowl for the first time.
For first-timers, an afternoon spent pursuing a small game might be ideal. Said hunts are low impact, social, and comfortable. However, if it's waterfowl hunting you are after, it pays to know that it can get better as the weather worsens. In other words, the wetter and colder you are, the higher your likelihood of success is.
Thankfully, expert guides will not only be able to help you prepare the right hunting gear, they can also help mitigate the torment in similar situations. Many seasoned waterfowl hunters are quick to admit there is nothing more exciting than seeing a flock of ducks back-flap their wings and drop into range.
If you are preparing for your first waterfowl hunt, below are some of the basics you need to keep in mind.
One to Three Months Before the Hunt
Courses and Licenses
If you don't have a license, you won't be able to hunt. That said, check the regulations to know the requirements as they can vary from one state to another. For instance, you might need to take a hunter safety course that can take a few days to a few weeks to complete.
Hunting Times and Spots
When and where are you going hunting? State regulations have dates for goose and duck hunting seasons. It is also essential to keep in mind that not all areas allow hunting during the same days. Other public hunting areas will also only allow hunting on specific days of the week. Do your research and don't forget to check the regulations.
Scout
Once you have identified an area, scout it as much as you can. Check it out during the daytime. Often, the area can sometimes look way different during the dark morning hours. While scouting the area, check at least 2 to 3 spots that might be excellent spots for birds and scout the place again once it's closer to the season.
Parking Passes
Depending on the area, a federal or state parking pass is typically required if you intend to hunt on public lands. Some hunting areas have day passes you can buy. Check the stations where you can buy them ahead of time to avoid wasting any time locating them.
Youth Places and Hunt Times
Some states have youth hunt programs where only kids can hunt on specific days. These hunting days typically happen before the start of the general hunting season. A youth hunt can provide younger hunters good opportunities to try the sport without the added pressure of competing with others.
Weeks Before the Hunt
Shotgun
Ensure you spend time familiarizing yourself with your primary tool. It is also a good idea to visit your sporting clay or local trap ranges to learn shooting basics. Trap range shooters are always eager to help new shooters out.
Also, since trap ranges use lower-power target shotgun shells, it would be best to look for a nearby public land that allows shooting. You can also purchase some clays and a cheap thrower, shoot game loads, and practice with a friend.
Gear up
You will need a jacket, headwear, T-shirt, and camouflage waders. It would be ideal to go with a camouflage that mimics the conditions around the spots you have identified. It is also important to remember that things can turn browner as winter approaches.
Depending on the weather in your area, you might also need to bring extra clothing for the drive home. It would also be a good idea to invest in a specially designed blind bag. However, going with camouflage is ideal since birds have impeccable eyesight.
Other essentials you need to bring include:
Ear protection
Hand warmers
Headlamp or flashlight
Gloves
Game strap
Shotgun shells
Water
Snacks
If you are not going hunting with a friend, you are also going to need some decoys. You can visit your local outfitters and ask for good decoy recommendations that will mimic the birds where you intend to hunt. Start with at least a dozen.
It would also be a good idea to get various birds and not limit your options to mallards. Also, don't forget the rigging, which should include weights and lines.
Week Before the Hunt
Scout your spot again
Conditions can change drastically, so it makes perfect sense to head out to the sport you have identified and check out where you can set things up. You can also look for birds during near-season scouting trips.
Brush up on your waterfowl ID
Your state regulations can tell you what you can and can't shoot. However, for inexperienced hunters, it's always easier said than done. On cloudy mornings, ducks can all look the same to hunters with no prior experience. If anything, it's easy to make mistakes, so you should practice identification as much as you can.
Night Before the Hunt
Prepare all your gear the night prior and pack them into your car or truck. It is also ideal that you are at the parking area at least 2 hours before the legal hunt time. This will give you ample time to hike out, set things up, and get settled.
Unfortunately, areas that are first-come, first-serve can be notoriously competitive. This is especially true during weekends. While it's not often allowed, some will hike to their favorite spots and sleep near or in the blinds. It is recommended that you find out what is allowed and not allowed in the chosen spot.
Final Thoughts
Don't let your lack of knowledge or experience hinder you from enjoying what waterfowl hunting has to offer. With the right preparation and expert guidance, you can have a seamless and enjoyable hunting experience you will remember for a long time.
About the Author
Maren McReynolds is the Content Marketing Director of Black Mountain Outfitters, a company that offers world-class guided hunts in New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota. When not working, she spends time swimming with her two kids and giving back to the community.