1st year duck hunting

[mrmoskillz]

This post might be a little early as I have not done all my home work yet.  My 10 year old Son and I want to try duck hunting this year.  I have never done it and am not sure if we got started to late.  I live in SW Washington and heard there is birds around Vancouver lake(still need to find out if its legal to hunt there).  I have a boat and have a basic idea of what to do.  I just need to know how many decoys I should start with or can you kill ducks without them?  What type of calls should I buy and are they a must have?  He and I have camo and we are going to camo our boat.  He has a 410 but I am going to surprise him tomorrow with a new gun as the 410 isn't big enough.  I looked at a Remington 20gauge yesterday that would fit him nice.  Is a 20gauge good enough for ducks?  Any tips or pointers would be very appreciated.  If you think we have started to late this season to get a few birds please let me know.  I am starting my home work now(late I know) but you guys have been great in helping us out so thought I would ask and see what happens.

Happy hunting everyone!!!

[92xj]

Go out on the lake before opening day and see what the birds look like on the water.  If they are in groups of 12, only put out a dozen decoys and so on.  Also, if you get out there and see tons of hunters with all the same size spread, make yours different.  A lot of decoys is not always better. 

Calls, get whatever you can blow.  Do not use them this season.  Practice for next year.  While you are out hunting this year, listen to the ducks.  Go home and try and sound like them with your call.  Go to a non hunting area with your duck call and listen to those ducks and blow your call to try and sound like them and see what they do. 

[Odell]

.20 ga is great for ducks. Do buy a duck call and have fun with it. I would get two cheap double reeds, like a primos wench. But realize that you are probably going to scare the ducks off with it so if any ducks seem interested be aware that your call might scare em off. Lots of guys will say leave the call at home until you are a pro. But let your 10 year old have some fun, just don't be blowing like crazy especially if you are set up near other hunters. Be considerate, watch some calling videos, practice.

If you have a boat, get a few dozen decoys. Or just pack in a dz or less. You can have great results with just a few. I would start getting in the wait line at ridgefield. Easy access by foot for a 10 yr old. A few regulars who will show you the ropes. Make sure you apply for the next set of draws at ridgefield.

I have never hunted around vancouver but there are some legal hunting areas there, check the WDFW site and they will let you know.

Lots of guys who duck hunt a lot are excited to help new people, especially kids. Just be aware that there is a code of respect, don't hunt spots they show you without permission, don't post pics or too much details online, common sense stuff. Duck hunting gets competitive and we have all had spots ruined by letting people know about them.

Go pattern those shotguns and spend time busting clays. The hardest part for a youngster is the timing of standing up, mounting the shotgun correctly and taking a good shot at a bird. They are either too slow in getting up and the bird flares out of range, or they just stand up and blast in its general direction and hit nothing.

Whats your boat set up?

Good luck and have fun!

[mrmoskillz]

Odell, I have a 12' row boat.  I also have a 15' glasstron but think I will use the row boat as I can camo it.  You guys are great and thanks for the help.   What is the ridgefield list?  Is that a good area that has lots of hunters so you need to be on a list? 

[92xj]

You dont always have to hunt out of your boat.  I use mine for transportation only 75% of the time.  I even go out, at times, in a white fiberglass boat, get to my spot, set up, then take the boat away and hide it as best I can then walk back to the spread.  So, if you dont want to row or want to motor to a place farther than you want to row, take the big boat and hunt off the bank. 

[mrmoskillz]

thanks 92xj.  I was wondering if you can walk the banks and shoot ducks you see just floating around or is that unethical?

[92xj]

Only you can determine your ethics.
I hate that word when it comes to hunting.  As long as it's legal, you do what you want to do.  Jump shooting is a legal activity and many folks do it.  With any decision you make out hunting, all I ask is that you be aware of others out there hunting. 

[ducklab]

I you see them and they see you, they will almost always fly. Its a personal choice if you wanna get them on the water ( I personally don't and dont think many people do, I find it unsportsman like, but I pass no judgement). I have always called it sloucing? Jump shooting ducks however is great fun and a good way to get ducks early season and if you are a beginner. Just scare them up and let them fly a little before you shoot, its a lot more fun.

[mrmoskillz]

When I said shoot ducks just floating there I meant wait till they fly.  I would not let my son shoot a gun into the water.  I do see what you guys mean by what I wrote.  I just wasnt sure if you can walk the banks and the maybe scare a duck up and shoot it.  I just thought that might be a good way to get him a few shots off.  Man I love this site I have learded more here in an hour than I could have in a few days of research.

[Odell]

Ridgefield is the NWR in ridgefield. It has assigned blinds that you draw by lottery or wait in line to choose an open blind. Good place to get a little experience. Check their website for more info.

I wouldn't hesitate to let a kid water swat a duck. It is safe with a shotgun and nothing wrong with it, especially for a first timer. It can be hard to kill a duck on the water as the vitals are more protected and the head is a small target, but if they are close its easier than hitting them out of the air for a kid. Just my .02. If they fly into your decoys and land, there is nothing wrong with swatting one from time to time.

[Kola16]

Yep. Nothing wrong with blasting one on the water with a shotgun, although some will say different. Don't let them get you down 

[jgoetz]

Like others have said, pick up a good call.  Good doesn't always mean expensive.  Two of the most effective calls I have ever used were under $20.  The Buck Gardner Double Nasty 2 is easy to blow.  It has a nice raspy sound as well.  The Zink Power Hen 2 is also a good call.  Like others have said don't take it with you the first year.  I spent 4 years scaring ducks until I got my calling figured out.  The best thing I did was throw it in the center console of my car.  On my way to work each day I would practice.  It's amazing what 10 minutes of practice a few times a week will do for your abilities. 

Check the GO HUNT feature on the WDFW website for open areas.

Best advice I can give you:  trial and error is key

Also:  unless you are at a spot where you have to hunt out of specific blinds; if you can here the conversation of the guys next to you.  You are too close.

[Camp David]

Practice with the gun at a range till you can hit some (a lot is better) easy crossers and incoming targets. Practice sitting, standing, mounting, swinging on a target. Know your area before going out; walk it/row it and really understand it. Most ducks are shot early in the morning. If you can be set up before shooting time that is a bonus. Know how close a duck needs to be to kill it. 30 yards with a 20 gauge is about max. Use an improved cylinder choke # 4s early season (lots of teal) and 2 and BBs for later season. Be able to ID ducks. Walk around a lake with ducks and ID them on the water and in the air.

[whtelk]

It is okay to let your son shoot his first duck on the water. Then let him kill them in the air. Killing his first duck is more important than if it were flying or not. I did this with my son because I wanted to make sure he didn't go home "wishing" he could have at least got one.

[mrmoskillz]

Thanks again guys!  I may just let him (shoot one in the water) if the conditions are just right. Will be fun just trying something new!  We post some pics if we get lucky