Newbie

[raydog]

hey guys im new to duck hunting, in fact have never even gone, so i was hoping for some advice any advice  i live in western washington close to Shelton. I would prefer to hunt ponds or some place with less people.

[Skagit_Hunter]

You found this.... The Wa. site might find more....Ponds + schit ducks= You won't want to hunt anymore.... after you eat them 

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[TheSkyBuster]

You found this.... The Wa. site might find more....Ponds + schit ducks= You won't want to hunt anymore.... after you eat them 

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Allright, here is your first piece of good advice,  "don't listen to Skagit Hunter"   


and second try to hook up with someone in your area who has duck hunted or does on a regular basis.  even if you just tag along to watch and not hunt.  Learn as much as you can and what you will need to get started on your own.

[Skagit_Hunter]

You found this.... The Wa. site might find more....Ponds + schit ducks= You won't want to hunt anymore.... after you eat them 

.....................

Allright, here is your first piece of good advice,  "don't listen to Skagit Hunter"   


and second try to hook up with someone in your area who has duck hunted or does on a regular basis.  even if you just tag along to watch and not hunt.  Learn as much as you can and what you will need to get started on your own.

Ya because my 42 yrs want to help someone with nothing to offer. I offered help. You have something at my level lets talk. sorry, But some want to help noobs. looking atthe Wa. site is the best thing. Then Join WWA get involved. doors will open.

[Tealer]

You found this.... The Wa. site might find more....Ponds + schit ducks= You won't want to hunt anymore.... after you eat them 

.....................

Allright, here is your first piece of good advice,  "don't listen to Skagit Hunter"   


and second try to hook up with someone in your area who has duck hunted or does on a regular basis.  even if you just tag along to watch and not hunt.  Learn as much as you can and what you will need to get started on your own.

Ya because my 42 yrs want to help someone with nothing to offer. I offered help. You have something at my level lets talk. sorry, But some want to help noobs. looking atthe Wa. site is the best thing. Then Join WWA get involved. doors will open.

Almost a genuine answer. I would join WWA. Meet some guys. I'm like 3hrs south of you or I'd offer some help.

[lokidog]

Oh so helpful.....   

I don't know about ponds, but when I lived near Shelton, I hunted at Kennedy Creek.  Lots of birds but you have to watch out for the salmon fishermen.  You pretty much need a dog though unless you like to swim.

[boneaddict]

Keep it nice or I will light you up faster than sluicing a coot.

(due to loss of content this may not be followed) 

[bowjunkie]

dont give up find someone with a dog it is vital to duck hunting unless u want to get wet and cold there is a section on the forum for posts like this under
Where To Go - Partners - Hunt Swaps try that out

[h20hunter]

I would think you could scout around and maybe do some jump shooting?

[Carl]

I just joined WWA! 

I'm new to the area and I sure would like to meet some hunting buddies.  After reading WWA’s web site, I was very impressed with their involvement in youth programs and conservation.   

Thanks for the tip.  I don’t mind driving and I’m looking forward to getting involved.

Carl

[Fowlweather25]

Sorry for telling it how it is bone! I guess he should be able to be a jack wagon to new comers.  good call!

[bearpaw]

hey guys im new to duck hunting, in fact have never even gone, so i was hoping for some advice any advice  i live in western washington close to Shelton. I would prefer to hunt ponds or some place with less people.

Not sure how little you know and don't know how much access you have there, but if you are just starting out try some jump shooting on streams or little swamps. No decoys needed, spot the birds from a distance then stalk in on them. If you don't have a dog take a fishing pole and just use it to snag them and reel them in. I did it that way for years and had good success and fun. If you are not a fisherman then better not depend on the fishing pole. Also, remember not to shoot too far, maybe 30-40 yards, the steel shot is not very effective for too far, no sense wounding birds. I liked #2 to #4 steel for ducks, be sure you have all needed licenses, don't carry any lead shot, and don't forget to plug your gun, that is some of the first things a warden will check for. Just trying to get you started as best possible with the least cost, good luck.

If you decide you like it, look for some used decoys and chest waders at yards sales or craigslist or on here, probably get set up pretty cheaply.

[lokidog]

hey guys im new to duck hunting, in fact have never even gone, so i was hoping for some advice any advice  i live in western washington close to Shelton. I would prefer to hunt ponds or some place with less people.

Not sure how little you know and don't know how much access you have there, but if you are just starting out try some jump shooting on streams or little swamps. No decoys needed, spot the birds from a distance then stalk in on them. If you don't have a dog take a fishing pole and just use it to snag them and reel them in. I did it that way for years and had good success and fun. If you are not a fisherman then better not depend on the fishing pole. Also, remember not to shoot too far, maybe 30-40 yards, the steel shot is not very effective for too far, no sense wounding birds. I liked #2 to #4 steel for ducks, be sure you have all needed licenses, don't carry any lead shot, and don't forget to plug your gun, that is some of the first things a warden will check for. Just trying to get you started as best possible with the least cost, good luck.

If you decide you like it, look for some used decoys and chest waders at yards sales or craigslist or on here, probably get set up pretty cheaply.

 

Be sure to smash your barbs down.....     Seriously though, a floating rapala works well.  Be sure to get one that weighs enough to cast into a wind though.

[scout/sniper]

You found this.... The Wa. site might find more....Ponds + schit ducks= You won't want to hunt anymore.... after you eat them 

.....................

Agreed!! Puddle ducks only.
Bearpaw pretty much said it all. I am an avid duck hunter and love it.

[bearpaw]

hey guys im new to duck hunting, in fact have never even gone, so i was hoping for some advice any advice  i live in western washington close to Shelton. I would prefer to hunt ponds or some place with less people.

Not sure how little you know and don't know how much access you have there, but if you are just starting out try some jump shooting on streams or little swamps. No decoys needed, spot the birds from a distance then stalk in on them. If you don't have a dog take a fishing pole and just use it to snag them and reel them in. I did it that way for years and had good success and fun. If you are not a fisherman then better not depend on the fishing pole. Also, remember not to shoot too far, maybe 30-40 yards, the steel shot is not very effective for too far, no sense wounding birds. I liked #2 to #4 steel for ducks, be sure you have all needed licenses, don't carry any lead shot, and don't forget to plug your gun, that is some of the first things a warden will check for. Just trying to get you started as best possible with the least cost, good luck.

If you decide you like it, look for some used decoys and chest waders at yards sales or craigslist or on here, probably get set up pretty cheaply.

 

Be sure to smash your barbs down.....     Seriously though, a floating rapala works well.  Be sure to get one that weighs enough to cast into a wind though.

I had the best luck with a bell weight with swivel on the end of the line and no hook. All you have to do is get the line over the bird and don't reel too fast, works great.

Poorman's retriever... 

[countrykicker]

There is an "open seat" thread on here you could check out too. If someone has room for another person they post it but sometimes its unavoidably short notice. Good luck! Bird hunting is a blast but make sure you wear plenty of layers!

[bowjunkie]

i myself may have to try the fishing pole idea

[boneaddict]

KNOW your target.   There are a couple of Duck ID threads on here with some good pics. 

[raydog]

Thanks to ever one for some great advice

[hntrspud]

http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/gohunt/

Dont forget to use this tool also. It now has a waterfowl section to make it simpler. I didnt notice where you were from, but I am willing to go out with you, if you like, and we are close enough. I dont know as much as some, but I do know some. Good luck!

[lokidog]

http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/gohunt/

Dont forget to use this tool also. It now has a waterfowl section to make it simpler. I didnt notice where you were from, but I am willing to go out with you, if you like, and we are close enough. I dont know as much as some, but I do know some. Good luck!