Got my first 'un

[USAFpj]

So I was counting on all the duck hunters partying like rock stars last night , so I built up a jerk cord last night and commenced to scheming on how I was going to blast some ducks... finally.  Did anyone see that fog out all morning?!  The ice was a complete sheet, so when I through my dekes, they skidded across; something I was not briefed nor ready for .  So I finally get them all out, rig up the jerk string, and she's looking good.  The sun isn't even really up yet, and about (4) ducks of varying color start swimming on over to my decoys .  I'm not sure what to do as I don't want to blast anything that doesn't need blastin', and man, it sure don't seem right to get 'em while swimming.  I'm doin' it.  They sure don't look like coots, so I clear myself hot.  With the report of the shotgun, one flitters in the water, I swing over and blast the other (2), but where in the heck did they go?  I thought I got all (3), but there's only one laying there.  Hmmm.  I put my drysuit on and go grab it- according to various websites: light brown head, yellow feet, white belly, gray overall with a white stripe on the outer wings.  I believe it is a Gadwall?  So I got my first, and only, duck this morning.  But of course I missed (2) mallards, and what I think were (2) Buffleheads as well.  I need to get to a skeet range because morale is down right now on my skills.

[duckmen1]

I've had that happen a lot in pass years, but the pass two years not so much. The big difference was learning the importance of patterning my gun. I've learned what the true affective range was of different loads out of my gun. Using smaller shot size for smaller ducks like 3s and 4s for small to medium ducks, and 3s through bb on large ducks to geese. Speeds between 1400 and 1550 fps gets great patterns out of my guns. Get the speed you need with tight even pattern and I will guarantee you will recover those birds that seem to go missing.
Also I used an after market kicks full choke. Since you are just starting out with a jerk cord remember one thing jerk hard when birds are far out and use more saddle movement when they get closer. Jerk cords can help or become your worst nightmare if not done properly.
Just a little advice and hope it helps
Good luck and congratulations for your first gadwall.

[Widgeondeke]

Congrats on your first one.  Welcome to the addiction of duck hunting 

Lots of practice and you should get better.

[BiggLuke]

Well atleast you got one.
Look on the bright side!   

[sakoshooter]

Without sounding like a jerk, you should get familar with the waterfowl in the area prior to hunting them as there are many 'duck looking birds' out there that are not legal to shoot. Also, shooting ducks on the water is not the most sporting way to hunt them. Shooting a cripple on the water is fine.
Welcome to the sport.

[JLS]

Yep, learn your ducks.  Glad you had a fun day.  When I was starting out, I pummeled a few mallards right off the water that swam downriver into my decoys.

[USAFpj]

Without sounding like a jerk, you should get familar with the waterfowl in the area prior to hunting them as there are many 'duck looking birds' out there that are not legal to shoot. Also, shooting ducks on the water is not the most sporting way to hunt them.

No offense taken, as it's very wise advice!  I do want to add that I did study more than I let on in my story, but when those birds are whistlin' past you at mach 3, it's tough to see what they are as a newbie!  As for the non-game birds, that's a tough one.  Starting on page 37 of the State Waterfowl Game Seasons booklet, you gotta admit that the artist renditions aren't like seeing the real deal in your hands.  And as for sporting, I got plenty of time for 'sporting' after I get a few duck meals taken care of
http://www.ducks.org/tennessee/when-to-shoot-sitting-ducks

[Fishstiq]

Without sounding like a jerk, you should get familar with the waterfowl in the area prior to hunting them as there are many 'duck looking birds' out there that are not legal to shoot. Also, shooting ducks on the water is not the most sporting way to hunt them.

No offense taken, as it's very wise advice!  I do want to add that I did study more than I let on in my story, but when those birds are whistlin' past you at mach 3, it's tough to see what they are as a newbie!  As for the non-game birds, that's a tough one.  Starting on page 37 of the State Waterfowl Game Seasons booklet, you gotta admit that the artist renditions aren't like seeing the real deal in your hands.  And as for sporting, I got plenty of time for 'sporting' after I get a few duck meals taken care of
http://www.ducks.org/tennessee/when-to-shoot-sitting-ducks

That's a great article!  Very well written, and makes some good points.

Congrats on your first, that's awesome!   

[LeftCoastLoren]

HAHA awesome article 

[sakoshooter]

Neat article. I also hate "gang" shoots. I don't allow them unless there's 'lots' of birds in the flock which is rare. We always take turns. When it's my partners turn, I don't even put my coffee cup down. It's all his. Who am I to rob him of an opportunity to take a triple. Same when it's my turn. Been doing it this way for over 25yrs. Works great by me.
As for those pesky non flying birds that landed in the decoys then swam away. They just get to visit me another day.

[xdog]

Congratulations.

Love me some Grey Duck.

"meap"

[270Shooter]

Nothing wrong with a water swat, thats what I call the ultimate finish