where do I sign up for Duck Hunting 101?

[Kc_Kracker]

My son is begging me to try duck hunting, I know this much about duck hunting: It involves ducks and guns... That's it, so, my first question is where on the west-side can they be hunted that's not private property?

[HookedOnQuack]

i know alot of people who like the Nisqually area, there is tons of birds there but also a good number of people and i think you probably need a boat

[RifleRidge]

  http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=62

Hope this helps. 

[Vo2max]

Careful now, water fowling is an addiction! Make sure u want it before you get into it .

To help you out: DFW has many blinds set up across the state and those blinds are typically 15shot shell limits and only people inside the blind can hunt the exact area. Look at your local area for hunting opportunities of this kind. If u dont want to have to be there at 4-5AM try knocking on a few doors of farmers in your area or speak with your friends about what you'd like to do (duck hunt)... You'd be surprised how many people have water on their property and are cool with having hunters there. Especially friends of course. Just keep asking around and you'll quickly find land to hunt.

Then, get one or two dozen decoys with a few feeder floaters, a pair of duck butts and perhaps rig a jerk string for movement when it's calm and get to it! Hide in tall grass or in trees if u can at first if no blind present. Calling: learn how to quack and keep practice in the car. I barely call and kill ducks on every outing for the most part. Enjoy the journey with your boy!

Erik

[dannysdaddy]

I have a good place that's very low pressure because not many people can hunt there. (on base)  I will be home from deployment soon and can hit you up.  It's a long drive for you guys but it's usually always good hunting and some of the blinds are easy to get to.  I take my 4 year old out there.  let me know if you are interested in making the trip to oak harbor.....

[Skagit_Hunter]

A little bird ID might help you from shooting to many pins mallard hens..... since your not boat hunting the bay clam eater limits won't matter.
And most of all. SWANS look like a 5 gal bucket with a 3 ft neck. SNOWS are the size of a big mallard. The Utah short necked goose is easy Identified... I will have a Mcdondals french fry in it's mouth.

I don't know how old you are. But you may have to have taken the gun safety course. And for sure your son.

[scout/sniper]

Go on a guided duck hunting trip and learn how the guide does everything, especially decoy placement and calling. The cost will be nothing compared to the knowledge you will gain.

[coachcw]

If you have a boat the spencer island area can produce and is pretty safe . Remember to know your limits , so many guys just sky bust !

[Kola16]

I would try to hook up with someone on here. Look in the open seat thread. It is hard to start water-fowling by yourself....trust me, I know.

[preacherman]

From Covington head the Kanasket/Palmer way into Enumclaw, and the road that cuts down toward Auburn Start knocking Dairy farmers doors! There are tons of ducks up that way an I don't know very many that hunt that area.

Ducks are anywhere there is water, some places are better than others but as a rule of thumb they are. I prefer timbered areas as the shooting works out a bit better (my opinion.)

I agree that getting a guide is a good idea, you will learn gobs from them.

As far as learning alone, get your basic Gear (waders, waterproof camo coat, a dozen or two mallard deeks, and the all important shotgun). Then get some land lined up, and there will be guys lined up to hunt with you.

Don't just shoot as ducks they are FAST. Wait until they are cupping up heading into your deeks, every time you miss one that is a duck that will be leary of future decoys and such.

[scout/sniper]

I would try to hook up with someone on here. Look in the open seat thread. It is hard to start water-fowling by yourself....trust me, I know.

[Kc_Kracker]

. But you may have to have taken the gun safety course. And for sure your son.

so we both have to take another safety course ? 

[dannysdaddy]

If you both currently have hunters safety cards you are good to go.  don't get all tied up in calling and decoy placement.  learn how the birds act and respond.  a bad call will sound like a warning and they will not come in.  decoy placement is very different everywhere you hunt.  see what works and what doesn't.  stay VERY still.  If you cannot definatly identify the birds they are too far to shoot.  don't flock shoot... 

[scout/sniper]

don't get all tied up in calling and decoy placement.

I am curious if you duck hunt?
Decoy placement and calling are the most important factors after cover and concealment.
The birds will respond according to these elements and he will learn by trial and error very quickly.

[Kc_Kracker]

sounds like i need to hook up with someone for a beginners course

[lokidog]

I like to use a facemask as it covers up your face when it is moving looking for birds.

[wraithen]

I like to use a facemask as it covers up your face when it is moving looking for birds.

And gloves. Careful about detergent as well.

[pjb3]

Go for sea-duck

[Glockster]

Look up a local chapter of the WA Waterfowl Association and join.  There are monthly meetings, and events, you'll meet good people who know alot about duck hunting.

Duck hunters are very closed and protective about 'their spots'...don't expect lots of specific where to go advice.  Go to the WDFW "go Hunt" page and there is all the state public areas. 

[Kc_Kracker]

Duck hunters are very closed and protective about 'their spots'...don't expect lots of specific where to go advice.  Go to the WDFW "go Hunt" page and there is all the state public areas.

worse then deer hunters  ??

[lokidog]

I've never minded sharing some spots, like salmon fishing, new ones are always moving in     unlike turkey and deer spots.