Duck Hunting - Strategy is key
Duck hunting can be great fun! There are some important things to remember though in order to make it a successful hunt. I’d like to share some of those tips.
When duck hunting, keep in mind that you should jump ducks on small waters such as stock ponds, creeks. Its best to use a canoe or boat for duck hunting and if you’re going out early in the season when the pressure is great, it might be not be a bad idea to drape some camo burlap over the bow of your boat or canoe. Go duck hunting on big water and use a spread of at least 100-200 decoys. Set your decoys out in a cove and extend one long leg of the spread out into the open water. You are bound to attract ducks with this!
Try duck hunting where the ducks can be found. Certain kinds of weather and water levels will divert flocks of the ducks off of their usual paths. Ducks also like to migrate in advance of severe storms and cold fronts.
You might be surprised to find that you go scouting right on the internet. There are websites available that give you scouting reports and even share information with other hunters in your area and state. You can also go scouting along the backroads. Ducks will disappear early in the season after they’ve been chased off the waters. You may want to even talk to any bowhunters who often place their stands near secluded backwaters.
When calling while duck hunting, it’s best not to call to ducks that are coming directly at you. However, if you can see one wing tip and the tail, or both wing tips and the tail, that means that they’re not looking directly at you and it’s okay make the call. Also, point your call down so your sound reflects off of the water. Blowing directly at them will more than likely scare them! When duck hunting and calling, remember that three callers are better than one. Three can sound like an entire flock of ducks.
When ducks are coming in and don’t land after three swings over your decoys, odds are that they probably won’t. My rule is to give them three chances, after that, go ahead and take them when you can.
Finally, when duck hunting, think about where your ducks are going to fall. Shoot only at the ones that are going to drop where they can be retrieved! You don’t want to take shots on a flock and have them land in obscure places that you’ll never be able to get to. Better yet, try shooting where they’ll land directly in the water.
Happy duck hunting!