Waterfowl Advice Needed

fisherwoman · #1 10-23-2011, 10:31 PM

After my first (unsuccessful) duck hunt, I am ready for some advice.

*Would I have better luck setting up a blind and just waiting?

*What shot size should I be using in my 20 gauge?

*I know I shouldn't shoot a duck who is swimming, I should flush it first, but why?

*Are some species easier to hunt than others?

*Any other tips for a gal just learning to hunt?

Thanks Guys!

slough shark · #2 10-23-2011, 11:28 PM

setup your decoys and setup the blind, full camo is rather important (facemask included) as ducks will often circle or not come straight in. If you blend in well with your blind and you have decoys out in a place where you have been seeing ducks landing you should get opportunities.
For shot I use 2 shot for duck, bb for geese, I use 3 inch shells normally out of the 12 gauge but the 20 should do ok.
Shooting a duck when swimming is just plain not sporting, how do you miss a stationary target with a shotgun??? As well I have seen ducks shot while swimming wounded sometimes, pretty much always hit but often wounded I suspect the reason being unless you hit them in the head or neck the shot can actually glance off the wings as the provide a little "armour" and the rest of the body is in water.
One species over the other have their advantages and disadvantages for easae in shooting, teal will come in easily but hard fast and low as well they seem to take evasive manuevers when the shooting starts. Mallards are often in bigger groups so you have more eyes to fool but when you do they are easier to hit, (larger targets, often flaring as opposed to powering through with evasive manuevers)
good luck out there!
oh yeah and get a dog they make recovery rates much higher if you hunt water.

saskbooknut · #3 10-24-2011, 06:27 AM

Last Tuesday late afternoon, an hour NW of Saskatoon -
19 old G&H goose shell decoys, 10 old pressed cardboard Canadas, 12 floater Mallards in the stubble, one baby Mojo decoy spinning its wings -
Small groups of Mallards landing in the decoys at 10 to 15 yards repeatedly.
Retrieving ducks is sure easier on a field shoot.

Canuk · #4 10-25-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisherwoman

After my first (unsuccessful) duck hunt, I am ready for some advice.

*Would I have better luck setting up a blind and just waiting?

*What shot size should I be using in my 20 gauge?

*I know I shouldn't shoot a duck who is swimming, I should flush it first, but why?

*Are some species easier to hunt than others?

*Any other tips for a gal just learning to hunt?

Thanks Guys!

blinds are good as you may get closer shots but sneaking and jump shooting are also very effective. don't lose heart.

for ducks you can use lots of differnt shot sizes... maybe 2-3 or even 4. #4 limits your range more so than 3 and 2...

If you want to shoot a swimming duck then you go right ahead. the "ethical" debate is only valid within yourself. If it will make you happy to harvest the duck then do so. many many people will shoot ruffed grouse on the ground or in a tree as most people dont have a hope of hitting one on the wing zig zagging through trees... I don't seem many ethical debates there.

when hunting ducks I wouldn't target a species so much as hunt in an area with lots of ducks if possible. If you do it well you will have opportunity at many species.

Other tips might include using a few decoys if you aren't already. but, as mentioned already, jump shooting can be quite effective and fun.

good luck!

Stewie · #5 10-25-2011, 08:57 AM

Scout Scout and Scout...

watch where the ducks are headed and want to be... and set up... a blind will work well but there are always other options depending on where you are hunting...

For shot size, I usually use Kent 3 shot... in the later season might want to move up to a 2 when the Northern birds move in...

hunter0968 · #6 10-25-2011, 06:12 PM

Mojo duck

greylynx · #7 10-25-2011, 06:16 PM

Go hunting with the experienced, and learn.

densa44 · #8 10-25-2011, 06:49 PM

The boy's advice is very good, ducks can see everything so be in tan or camo, what ever works in the area you are hunting. Ontario Green is no good.

Hold the call in your mouth and 2 hands on the gun. They will keep coming as long as you call. The primus wench is very good and I have a few old Faulk's that work very well.

Over water you need a dog.

The best set ups are over land.

catnthehat · #9 10-25-2011, 07:15 PM

I throw out either a larger spread or a smaller one depending on the water I am hunting, and many times do not use decoys at all, but simply position myself where they are coming in if there is a pattern.
That being said, i DO have a mess of different decoys as well as several MOJO ducks, but only started using them a few years back, noraml decoys work fine.
I use a canoe for transporting decoys and retrieving birds. - a cheaper kayak will do as well for retrieving birds.
I would not want to shoot out of a kayak however unless it was anchored well with an outrigger.

If I am wading with waders I make sure I get low in the weeds when they are coming in and try to drop them in the water - bull rushes can often mess up even the best retriever , let alone a human, and recovering the bird is my main objective after the hit.

As far as shotshells for the 20 gauge there are dozens of choices, I normally use Kent Fasteel #4's or #2's, but I have used most of the brands and have found as long as you are in the velocity ranges of 1,500 FPS or better there is no problem with the ammo- the problem is being able to sustain the swing as you lead them otherwise you are going to be behind them.

Many people swear by camo but i prefer my old canvas jacket and Jones style canvas cap - movement and face shine is what will give you away first.
Cat

ontario gunner · #10 10-25-2011, 09:02 PM

First rule.. be where the birds want to be! 95% of the time spent by consistantly succesful waterfowl hunters.. Is spent with a windshield and steering wheel infront of you! Ive spent hours upon hours driving around or "baby-sitting" a shoot, just to have the actual shooting part be over in 10 minutes or less.

Find a pothole that the birds are coming into to get a drink before or while they are feeding. If you find one of those you dont need decoys or any calling. Camo is very important,, limitting movement is more important. Dont give up,, just be prepared that this could possibly turn into an illness,, that can cost many thousands of dollars to get everything you "need"

GooseHunter 667 · #11 10-25-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saskbooknut

Last Tuesday late afternoon, an hour NW of Saskatoon -
19 old G&H goose shell decoys, 10 old pressed cardboard Canadas, 12 floater Mallards in the stubble, one baby Mojo decoy spinning its wings -
Small groups of Mallards landing in the decoys at 10 to 15 yards repeatedly.
Retrieving ducks is sure easier on a field shoot.

that it is,i enjoy a puddle shoot but a field shoot is the caddilac of duck hunting for sure.

hiddenwalleye · #12 10-26-2011, 06:29 PM

If you are interested I can set up a hunt, I live in Edmonton, Send me a private PM with your email and will email you pic's of this past

Saturday and this Monday's hunt's and we can then talk about doing a hunt and hopefully give you some insight on how do go about doing it!!

Thanks

HW

fisherwoman · #13 10-27-2011, 10:32 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys!
I do live in southern Alberta, so Edmonton is a bit out of my range. But thank you.
I will try out some of these tricks and hopefully get my first duck this fall. As for the dog, I think my Lab needs a training lesson and maybe then he will be of use on the hunt.