It is not uncommon for duck hunters to need to walk long distances. We seem to haul everything in the waterfowl section from the nearby outdoor specialty big-name mega-outdoor store to the “X”. Sloshing around in the muck or through precarious terrain lugging a decoy bag in the hopes that no decoy falls out, a shotgun, blind bag, ammo, and maybe a stool for a bit of comfort as we wait for hours for a single duck to fly into the perfect “textbook” spread. Waterfowl hunting can be a physical feat with all the gear we use, or think we need to bring down a duck.

For many of us, as we get older or just out of shape, we are quick to realize that hauling all that gear is exhausting. Yes, you may have a buddy or two to help, but all that translates into is MORE GEAR! The waterfowl or duck-hunting sled is the solution to our problems. And yes, goose hunters it’ll haul your gear too.

A Duck Hunting Sled

Duck hunting sleds are polyethylene totes that are pulled that can be used to transport waterfowl gear to and from hunting locations. This makes them ideal for walk-in hunting situations, lessening the burden of having to carry gear in and out.

These tough plastic sleds can be pulled across various terrains. This makes sleds effective for moving gear without having to carry it. Sleds come in various sizes (think S, M, L, and even XL) and colors, making them easy to customize and camouflage. Below are the average measurements for each size.

. Size Small Dimensions: 44 x 22 x 9"h. / Weight: 8 lbs.

. Size Medium Dimensions: 55 x 24 x 10"h. / Weight: 13 lbs.

. Size Large Dimensions: 64 x 29 x 11"h. / Weight: 23 lbs.

There are sleds that are even bigger than those listed above, however, the bigger a sled is the more gear hunters want to pile on thus making it more difficult to pull, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Affordability

Duck hunting sleds are an inexpensive option that will inhibit the often back-breaking work of carrying gear. Duck or decoy sleds as they are often called, range in price from very affordable, less than fifty bucks to well over a Benjamin ($100) or two for the extra-large sized sleds.

Pulling vs. Carrying

The first question is why should waterfowl hunters consider purchasing a sled? Having a sled can make a difference in how much physical exertion befall hunters prior to getting to that perfect spot. I would rather pull my gear behind me than carry everything like a camel or pack mule. Sleds help consolidate gear instead of making more than one trip.

And guess what…sleds can be pulled rather easily through water, and glided across fields, grass, dirt, mud, gravel, snow, and ice! If that alone isn’t a selling point, then I don’t know what is. I can tell you from personal experience, from the time I started using a duck sled it became less work for me to haul gear. I asked myself why I hadn’t been using a sled before. It was not in the Duck Hunting 101 class.

The Cargo

What can’t a sled carry? Whether the duck sled is being used to transport gear to a blind or hunters are walking into a spot, the sled is more than capable of carrying the essentials. A dozen or more decoys, shotguns, marsh seat, ammo, blind bag, camo netting and concealment grass, a stove, snacks, decoy retriever pole, and of course a limit of ducks.

I typically load all my decoys and gear into my sled the night prior. In the morning I throw the sled in the bed of my truck, and upon arriving at my location I unload it onto the ground while I put my waders on or do any last-minute arrangements before stepping off. If it is a rather long walk, and hunters want to avoid overheating, waders can be packed onto the sled as well.

Choosing A Duck Sled

When choosing a duck sled, there are certain features that should be taken into consideration. The most important thing is that the sled should be constructed of thick, high-quality stiff plastic, made of a durable and rugged shell. A good duck hunting sled needs the thick tough material to maneuver over a variety of surfaces. The second most important feature should be the ability to carry all YOUR decoys and gear and floats easily across all surfaces. Don’t overpack your sled, as this defeats the purpose.

Here are some other key features that although not a necessity but equally important in determining which duck sled.

Tall sides to easily maintain gear inside and to prevent water from coming in.
Enough storage space to hold gear. Most duck hunting sleds that are in the Medium size range (55- inches in length and 13 lbs.in weight) can transport a hunter’s gear while remaining manageable to pull.
Molded and raised runners on the bottom of the sled help protect it from premature wear and tear that could cause leaks. The runners help guide, the sled through mud and water.
Pull cords. I added a piece of PVC through the cord to act as a handle, making it easier to pull the sled. If the duck sled does not come with a pull cord, most come with pre-drilled holes.
Duck hunting sleds that are either camo or earth color will be easier to hide while hunting. Some sleds already come camouflaged in a variety of patterns. Artistic waterfowlers can easily customize sleds to their liking with an array of spray paint cans and vegetation stencils.
Wear bar kits help protect the runners and serve as a sacrificial barrier to increase the life of a duck hunting sled. They can be added to any sled.

Accessories

Aftermarket sled covers attach to the sides of the sled. Adding a cover increase storage space. The cover itself can also be camouflaged by paint.
Kayak Bungee Net Deck Kit. These kits are easily adaptable to duck sleds and are a cinch to install. Most kits come with all the necessary hardware for installation; nylon J-Hooks, screws, and lock nuts. Or use an ATV cargo net kit and purchase the J-Hooks separately.
Universal Sled Hitch

Other Uses

Duck hunting sleds are versatile waterfowling tools that can also be utilized in a variety of other ways and add another key piece of equipment to a duck hunter’s arsenal. Sleds can be pulled by canoe/kayak hunters and ATVs.

Sleds for Kayaks and Canoes. Duck hunting sleds float well and provide a way to transport gear. Sleds can be towed by a kayak or canoe and unloaded at the hunting spots.

ATV Sleds. Sleds can be pulled behind ATVs to reduce trips needed to bring all the gear to the blind. Sleds can be clipped together to create a trail of sleds. Goose hunters would be the group to take full advantage of this option.

Duck hunting sleds also can pull double duty to for fishing, (wading / ice fishing), haul firewood and other materials, and I can tell you from personal experience that duck sleds are THE fastest on the slopes during a good snow. My daughters would scream at how fast they went down hills. Once back at the top, onlookers often asked, “Pardon me, where did you get that sled?” My wife always answered, “It’s my husband’s duck sled.”

The duck hunting sled is a smart solution for those puddle and marsh hunters, and for those hauling gear to the shore’s edge and standing in flooded timber. Sleds are akin to the plastic oxen of the waterfowling world. These tough beasts of burden can transport just enough decoys and gear to the “X” with minimal exertion, making it a lot easier than strapping decoy bags, gun cases, and whatever other stuff needed for a game strap full of quackers. Other duck hunters will envy you as you effortlessly pull your sled across the ground and water, while they trudge along.

Editors Note: This spring snow goose season I myself utilized sleds on a couple of hunts, towed behind an ATV each time. The ground was too muddy to drive through a field in a pickup without risking getting stuck, and without surely leaving ruts. Without sleds we would have been miserable with all the trips we would have made in and out by foot, or not been able to hunt at all. Having a couple of sleds to bring everything in and out of the field over multiple trips allowed us to shoot triple-digit bird numbers and come home with some jewelry, too. They are an essential tool for the avid waterfowler.

For more Split Reed Original Content, Click here

Waterfowl Sleds: The Plastic Oxen of the Hunt

ABOUT | CONTENT | GUIDED HUNTS | MARKETING SERVICES | CONTACT US | SHOP