Duck season

[madcow41]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to get into duck hunting, obviously I'm new to it but I do like the idea of jump shooting ducks, you know low startup costs the only thing you have to do is fin the ducks.

What do you guys reccomend for getting started and how to learn the ropes

[Goldeneye]

A shotgun:  With Steel I'd recomend a modified or Improved cylinder choke unless your a good shot.  I shoot #2 or #3 size shot at ducks.

Waders: A set of camo chest waders is a good idea.  Inulated or uninsulated is up to you.  I wear 5 mm neoprene uninsulated.

A way to retrieve your birds that fall in deeper water than you can wade.  I have a pair of dogs that will get them for me.  If you do not have a dog, in a pinch you can use a fishing pole with a large plug on it.  Just cast past the dead bird and snag it on the retrieve.

An area to hunt:  This depends on your location.  Sloughs, salt marshs, ponds etc all will work.

Hope this gives you a start...

[Kola16]

A shotgun:  With Steel I'd recomend a modified or Improved cylinder choke unless your a good shot.  I shoot #2 or #3 size shot at ducks.

Waders: A set of camo chest waders is a good idea.  Inulated or uninsulated is up to you.  I wear 5 mm neoprene uninsulated.

A way to retrieve your birds that fall in deeper water than you can wade.  I have a pair of dogs that will get them for me.  If you do not have a dog, in a pinch you can use a fishing pole with a large plug on it if you don't have a dog.  Just cast past the dead bird and snag it on the retrieve.

An area to hunt:  This depends on your location.  Sloughs, salt marshs, ponds etc all will work.

Hope this gives you a start...

[madcow41]

I have an over and under so that's a start, should I try to get a cheap pump gun or save for something else if I like duck hunting (I love duck meat by the way)

What is the best way to scout besides following someone that has decoys in the back of their truck? Can someone describe some basics on duck behavior?

I know I have a lot of guestions but hopefully this helps other hunters get involved with duck hunting too! Thanks

[Kola16]

Plenty of guys use over unders. You really don't need more if you are just jump shooting. To find a place to go, google "wdfw Go Hunt maps" When you get to the map, find where it says waterfowl. The waterfowl areas will show up in blue. Although some of the blue is wildlife reserve which you cannot hunt 

[AWS]

If you use a fishing pole and plug to retrieve your ducks be sure and have a fishing license also.

[madcow41]

If you use a fishing pole and plug to retrieve your ducks be sure and have a fishing license also.

Good point because you are technically fishing, also I guess I would have to make sure the lake or body of water is legal

[jplmyers]

"Go on the internet and google 'duck hunting'."  Just kidding, I hate it when I get an answer like that on the forum.

Start monitoring the weather in Canada.  Might be a little early now, but as the season wears on, it starts to freeze up north, ducks can't eat, they fly south.  After a week of sub-freezing temps, you'll see new birds flying in.

[Atroxus]

A shotgun:  With Steel I'd recomend a modified or Improved cylinder choke unless your a good shot.  I shoot #2 or #3 size shot at ducks.

Waders: A set of camo chest waders is a good idea.  Inulated or uninsulated is up to you.  I wear 5 mm neoprene uninsulated.

A way to retrieve your birds that fall in deeper water than you can wade.  I have a pair of dogs that will get them for me.  If you do not have a dog, in a pinch you can use a fishing pole with a large plug on it.  Just cast past the dead bird and snag it on the retrieve.

An area to hunt:  This depends on your location.  Sloughs, salt marshs, ponds etc all will work.

Hope this gives you a start...

Oh cool that fishing pole idea is awesome. I was thinking that a boat and/or dog were pretty much required for duck hunting. I actually have some fishing poles already, so the only added cost for me would be a large plug.

[Atroxus]

If you use a fishing pole and plug to retrieve your ducks be sure and have a fishing license also.

Good point because you are technically fishing, also I guess I would have to make sure the lake or body of water is legal

This part serious or joking?  I wasn't sure so I emailed WDFW enforcement to ask last week but not got a response yet.

[lokidog]

If you use a fishing pole and plug to retrieve your ducks be sure and have a fishing license also.

Good point because you are technically fishing, also I guess I would have to make sure the lake or body of water is legal

This part serious or joking?  I wasn't sure so I emailed WDFW enforcement to ask last week but not got a response yet.

Make sure there is no lead in your lure....      

It would have to be a pretty major Ahole of a warden to think of writing a ticket for that.  I got checked once down in SoCal after reeling in a Ruddy Duck, the warden (and she was a pos we discovered after three days of harassing us - no citations) didn't say a word about a fishing license.

[Hank]

It's a little this year, but next year consider joining an organization such as The Washington Waterfowl Association. Volunteer to help build habitat in the summer months then return to the same areas to hunt in the fall. It's great for networking also.

[Atroxus]

It's a little this year, but next year consider joining an organization such as The Washington Waterfowl Association. Volunteer to help build habitat in the summer months then return to the same areas to hunt in the fall. It's great for networking also.

I was already thinking about doing that if I enjoy bird hunting. I'm going on my first pheasant hunt today and and pretty amped up about it.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[wadu1]

You might want to try using a local guide service they will help you get started. What they want is for you to bring them more clients. 

[Upton O. Good]

Join Washington Waterfowl Association and start going to meetings.  You'll meet guys face to face and they can help you get started.  Plus you can get invested in the sport in another way.

Good luck, waterfowl hunting is not for the faint at heart or the cowardly.  And it is inherently dangerous: water and cold temperatures when the hunting is at it's best.