Duck/Goose hunting tips.
October 3, 2011 10:11 AM Subscribe
Any tips for a first time duck and goose hunt?
This Saturday I am going with a group of avid duck/goose hunters. It will be opening weekend and they usually always max out their bag limit for the day. Our spot is already scouted and ready to go. We will be going around Agency Lake in Southern/Central Oregon north of Klamath Falls. We do have a boat but was told we could do shooting from boat, bank, or wading. We are calling and using decoys as well.
I have hunted before (Not birds), shoot trap a couple times a year, and love everything outdoors. Any tips? I am borrowing some neoprene waders, purchased some good new wader boots, borrowing a good jacket/hat/gloves as well. Will be shooting a Benelli Nova 12g pump if it matters. Not sure what to expect really so anything that you think could be helpful, post away!
This Saturday I am going with a group of avid duck/goose hunters. It will be opening weekend and they usually always max out their bag limit for the day. Our spot is already scouted and ready to go. We will be going around Agency Lake in Southern/Central Oregon north of Klamath Falls. We do have a boat but was told we could do shooting from boat, bank, or wading. We are calling and using decoys as well.
I have hunted before (Not birds), shoot trap a couple times a year, and love everything outdoors. Any tips? I am borrowing some neoprene waders, purchased some good new wader boots, borrowing a good jacket/hat/gloves as well. Will be shooting a Benelli Nova 12g pump if it matters. Not sure what to expect really so anything that you think could be helpful, post away!
This is one brand of hunting where all those usual hunting rules apply: stillness, camoflage, and quiet are actually very important. Good news is scent is not a factor this time. As mentioned, it can be really, really, really cold. Unlike above, I find standing in neoprene waders up to my crotch in 32 degree liquid water much better than the parts that are damp and exposed to below freezing temperatures and wind chill above the water line. It gets worse if you have to wade a bit (getting wet) and then get into a chilly boat or blind to sit very still. Make sure the gun is kept dry as possible, the last thing you will want is to have it freeze up right as a flight finally comes in!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 10:40 AM on October 3, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 10:40 AM on October 3, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ya got to lead those little bastards.
posted by Buckshot at 10:48 AM on October 3, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Buckshot at 10:48 AM on October 3, 2011 [1 favorite]
Funny, I went duck hunting for the first time two days ago. Our spot was on a bank, so we didn't really get wet. We just had regular rubber boots so we didn't get wet when getting in/out of the boat (our spot was only accessible by boat).
My cousin and I were also with experienced hunters, so we let them handle the calling and all that. We just concentrated on our shooting technique. Just remember to shoot a little bit ahead of the ducks. And don't forget to disengage the safety lock like I did when a flock of ducks came real close from behind while I was distracted.
Oh, bring a lot of snacks, cookies, etc and share with everyone. It's a special day and no one wants to eat vegetables that day.
The only thing I wish I had brought was a pair of binoculars. Sometimes it helps when you try to figure out where your duck went down.
posted by kag at 11:09 AM on October 3, 2011
My cousin and I were also with experienced hunters, so we let them handle the calling and all that. We just concentrated on our shooting technique. Just remember to shoot a little bit ahead of the ducks. And don't forget to disengage the safety lock like I did when a flock of ducks came real close from behind while I was distracted.
Oh, bring a lot of snacks, cookies, etc and share with everyone. It's a special day and no one wants to eat vegetables that day.
The only thing I wish I had brought was a pair of binoculars. Sometimes it helps when you try to figure out where your duck went down.
posted by kag at 11:09 AM on October 3, 2011
One more tip: be REALLY careful where you walk in waders. If you step into a hole (or are walking on a submerged log or sand bar and don't know it) and the frigid water goes deeper than your waders, they fill rapidly and you can quickly drown or develop hypothermia. If you are not sure of your footing DO NOT STEP. If you do find yourself in this situation, try to remember to take the damn things off as quickly as possible!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:57 AM on October 3, 2011
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:57 AM on October 3, 2011
The whole thing about your waders filling up and drowning you is, as near as I can tell, a myth. (The cold water may give you hypothermia later, yes, but that's another problem entirely.) It's easy to prove: put on your waders and go for a swim with someone there to monitor you. You can quite easily swim, right yourself, etc. with chest waders entirely full of water. I did this countless times when I used to do a lot of fly fishing here in Virginia. The first time was an accident (I believed the myths) but then I had to test it.
Now, getting the water out of your waders is amusing, which is mostly why you should bring a friend. Make sure they have a camera handy to record you laying on your back on the bank/rock, lifting your heavy legs up and dumping a couple gallons of water onto your armpits.
The worst thing that filled waders can do is make your lower body unnaturally heavy when getting out of the water. If you had to lift yourself up a rock face, into a boat, etc., it would take more work, but I've never been hunting or fishing where I didn't have a sloped shore or similar exit. As always, caveat emptor.
posted by introp at 12:22 PM on October 3, 2011
Now, getting the water out of your waders is amusing, which is mostly why you should bring a friend. Make sure they have a camera handy to record you laying on your back on the bank/rock, lifting your heavy legs up and dumping a couple gallons of water onto your armpits.
The worst thing that filled waders can do is make your lower body unnaturally heavy when getting out of the water. If you had to lift yourself up a rock face, into a boat, etc., it would take more work, but I've never been hunting or fishing where I didn't have a sloped shore or similar exit. As always, caveat emptor.
posted by introp at 12:22 PM on October 3, 2011
At least in Washington, it's generally illegal to hunt with lead shot. Most off-the-shelf hunting loads are steel, tungsten-iron, or some other non-lead material. These loads fly, and often pattern, differently than lead, so you'll have to adjust how you lead, and perhaps go up a shot size vs. what you would have used in lead. If you have the chance before this weekend, it would be great to not only shoot some trap with your steel loads, so you can fine-tune your aim, but also to pattern them. Steel often patterns quite differently than lead; in my Beretta it is noticeably tighter, which requires all the more precision on your part, to ensure a kill instead of wounding. Shot size for shot size, you'll generally get more pellets per load with steel, compared to lead, which means your steel loads will be a bit more dense. Also, again, size for size, steel usually has a higher initial velocity, which means you lead the bird just a little bit less, so adjust accordingly.
Of course, if you're borrowing this shotgun and its owner already has a preferred load for it, you are probably good to go.
posted by xedrik at 1:39 PM on October 3, 2011
Of course, if you're borrowing this shotgun and its owner already has a preferred load for it, you are probably good to go.
posted by xedrik at 1:39 PM on October 3, 2011
Speaking of steel shot: chew carefully.
Lead shot will give in a way that steel shot does not.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 2:09 PM on October 3, 2011
Lead shot will give in a way that steel shot does not.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 2:09 PM on October 3, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks guys. Shotgun is mine and I have shot it (trap) many times. However never with steel shot, good point. It might take me a couple 'misses' before I can get the hang of it. Due to it getting darker and the rain, no chance to shoot some trap before this weekend.
OR is same as WA, required to use steel or other 'non-toxic' shot.
No dogs, the 'new guys' will be the dogs I hear.
It shouldnt be near freezing, even at night really. Luckily it is still mild here.
I will have to get used to the waders then as it sounds like a fun adventure.
posted by NotSoSimple at 4:25 PM on October 3, 2011
OR is same as WA, required to use steel or other 'non-toxic' shot.
No dogs, the 'new guys' will be the dogs I hear.
It shouldnt be near freezing, even at night really. Luckily it is still mild here.
I will have to get used to the waders then as it sounds like a fun adventure.
posted by NotSoSimple at 4:25 PM on October 3, 2011
Best answer: Here's a list of useful things to consider from a long-time duck hunter.
The eyesight of ducks cannot be underestimated. Staying as still as you can is imperative. DON"T look up when the caller says "they're right above us." Take his word for it. Wear a camo headnet & bring an extra for the guy that didn't. Bring something to sit on to help avoid fidgeting.
Let the dog's owner give the dog commands.
You'll want to discuss who is going to call the shot(s) when the birds come in. With my group we usually designate the first shooter ahead of time, but someone in the blind should take the role of calling the shot throughout the morning. It's usually the person doing the most, or best, calling.
If you can afford it, the non-tox, non-steel shot is way better than steel & shoots a lot like lead. Hevi-shot is my go to shell, but they're about $1.50/shell even after the rebates. IMO, it all works out because your shots are much more effective, so you shoot fewer times. I typically shoot hevi-shot #6 for ducks, but have also used it on geese effectively. If I was only going to shoot geese, I'd use #4 or #2 Hevi-shot.
Bring an extra pair of cotton gloves for after you soak the first pair.
Swing through the shots. If you have the opportunity to double, take the last duck first then swing through to the one in front.
The ideal setup has the wind directly at your back because ducks prefer to land into the wind. The decoy spread should have a 'hole' where you'd ideally want the ducks to land. If ducks are avoiding you, take a walk into the decoys and look at your blind & spread. The smallest bit of chrome on a shotgun, if not concealed, can be seen from a 1/2 mile or more away. Make sure you always bring your gun when you're out walking the decoys. If birds appear (they will), just stand still.
These last few tips are the go-to strategy for when you really want to make things happen.
1. Set your shotgun down and rummage for something in your bag.
2. Walk out into the decoys and start re-arranging them.
3. Light a cigarette.
4. Take a whiz.
5. Eat a sandwich.
6. Pour some coffee.
6. Forget to reload your gun. (don't forget to reload your gun after you shoot your 3 shells)
Lastly, when it's time to leave and pickup the decoys always have one guy stand guard to watch out for the birds that will buzz your spread as you're pickup up the decoys. They always do this.
Have fun! And once you're hooked & have all the gear yourself, take a kid.
posted by bricksNmortar at 6:55 PM on October 3, 2011 [2 favorites]
The eyesight of ducks cannot be underestimated. Staying as still as you can is imperative. DON"T look up when the caller says "they're right above us." Take his word for it. Wear a camo headnet & bring an extra for the guy that didn't. Bring something to sit on to help avoid fidgeting.
Let the dog's owner give the dog commands.
You'll want to discuss who is going to call the shot(s) when the birds come in. With my group we usually designate the first shooter ahead of time, but someone in the blind should take the role of calling the shot throughout the morning. It's usually the person doing the most, or best, calling.
If you can afford it, the non-tox, non-steel shot is way better than steel & shoots a lot like lead. Hevi-shot is my go to shell, but they're about $1.50/shell even after the rebates. IMO, it all works out because your shots are much more effective, so you shoot fewer times. I typically shoot hevi-shot #6 for ducks, but have also used it on geese effectively. If I was only going to shoot geese, I'd use #4 or #2 Hevi-shot.
Bring an extra pair of cotton gloves for after you soak the first pair.
Swing through the shots. If you have the opportunity to double, take the last duck first then swing through to the one in front.
The ideal setup has the wind directly at your back because ducks prefer to land into the wind. The decoy spread should have a 'hole' where you'd ideally want the ducks to land. If ducks are avoiding you, take a walk into the decoys and look at your blind & spread. The smallest bit of chrome on a shotgun, if not concealed, can be seen from a 1/2 mile or more away. Make sure you always bring your gun when you're out walking the decoys. If birds appear (they will), just stand still.
These last few tips are the go-to strategy for when you really want to make things happen.
1. Set your shotgun down and rummage for something in your bag.
2. Walk out into the decoys and start re-arranging them.
3. Light a cigarette.
4. Take a whiz.
5. Eat a sandwich.
6. Pour some coffee.
6. Forget to reload your gun. (don't forget to reload your gun after you shoot your 3 shells)
Lastly, when it's time to leave and pickup the decoys always have one guy stand guard to watch out for the birds that will buzz your spread as you're pickup up the decoys. They always do this.
Have fun! And once you're hooked & have all the gear yourself, take a kid.
posted by bricksNmortar at 6:55 PM on October 3, 2011 [2 favorites]
At least in Washington, it's generally illegal to hunt with lead shot.
That's a Federal law.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:18 AM on October 4, 2011
That's a Federal law.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:18 AM on October 4, 2011
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posted by introp at 10:13 AM on October 3, 2011