In addition to learning about duck blinds, calling and principles of conservation, duck hunting requires some specialized gear. In this segment, Jim Nygaard of Ducks Unlimited provides a basic introduction to some of the clothing, gear and equipment you'll need before you take on the sport of duck hunting.
- Duck hunting is a cold-weather activity, so warm, insulated, camouflage clothing is essential.
- For a jacket (figure A), you'll want something that is warm, waterproof and suitable in weight for the temperatures where you'll be hunting. The size of the jacket should allow you to layer warm clothing as necessary underneath. The color of your jacket -- and all of your clothing -- should be dull earth-tones (olive drab, brown, gray, etc.) A camouflage pattern will also help make you less visually conspicuous to wary ducks.
- Reliable waders that don't leak are essential for most types of duck hunting. Traditional waders are made from ordinary rubber, but some newer ones are made of neoprene for warmth and flexibility.
- Gloves are essential, and a camouflage face-mask is recommended (figure B). Ducks can see light reflecting off your face from a long distance, and will be less likely to come in close if they see anything that appears unusual to them.
- A leather duck-strap is used to help carry your quarry in from the hunt.
- Shotguns are used for duck hunting, with the 12-gauge shotgun being the preferred size. Some hunters prefer the smaller 20-gauge.
- Some hunters use semi-automatic shotguns that hold a maximum three shells. Others prefer over-and-under two-shot style. Single-shot guns are also available.
- Shotgun shells come in different sizes of shot (i.e., the pellets fired from the gun), depending on the quarry for which they are used.
- Current regulations require that shotgun shells with steel or other non-toxic shot be used (figure C), rather than lead shot. Spent lead shot that falls into the water may later be eaten by feeding ducks and other wild animals, and thus cause lead poisoning.
- Field binoculars (figure D) are useful for spotting ducks at a distance, and identifying duck species. Duck populations are monitored with respect to individual species. Hunting regulations prohibit killing ducks of some of the scarcer species, or the legal limit may be restricted to only a single duck for certain species. Being able to identify ducks on the wing, or from a distance, is useful knowledge.
- Duck calls and (for some species) whistles (figure E) are used to attract ducks within range, as discussed in a preceding segment.
- Duck decoys (figure F) placed in the water in front of the duck blind (figure G), or in the vicinity where you're hunting, also serve to help attract ducks. Jim Nygaard recommends placing the decoys in a "V" pattern on the water, leaving the ducks a place to land in a location that will give the hunters an open shot.
- Specialized moving decoys (figure H) have extended wings that spin in the breeze, simulating the look of a duck with wings flapping as it lands. These help attract the attention of flying ducks from a long distance, and may help lure them in close.
- According to federal law, ducks taken in hunting must be tagged before transporting. Tags list the species of duck and the name of the hunter. Blank tags are available from sporting goods stores or from Ducks Unlimited. Transporting ducks that are not tagged may result in significant fines.
- Important: Know the applicable hunting regulations in your state -- with respect to licensing, fees, limits, etc. -- before you consider hunting.
- Safety Alert: As with any form of hunting that employs firearms, thorough knowledge of gun safety is essential before you ever begin hunting. Consider taking a gun safety and hunter safety course before you hunt. Your local sporting goods store or hunting outfitter can help you locate one in your area.
RESOURCES :
Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Website: www.ducks.org
161 Waterfowling Secrets: Waterfowling Tips and Advice from Ducks Unlimited Members
Model: 0961727926
Author: Ducks Unlimited Magazine staff, Matt Young (Ed)
Full title: 161 Waterfowling Secrets: Time-Honored, Field-Tested Waterfowling Tips and Advice from Ducks Unlimited Members
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Website: www.ducks.org
Duck Hunting (Hunting & Fishing Library)
Model: 0865730652
Author: Dick Sternberg, Jeff Simpson
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
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