New to duck hunting

[gallion_t]

Hello all. A buddy and myself have decided we want to duck hunt this upcoming season. He has never done it before, and I have only jump shot ducks off of ponds and rivers while in college. Having said that we are basically both starting from scratch trying to figure these things out. We will be hunting mostly on the west side. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we will need to get started or any tips to help speed up the learning curve? Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I don't really hunt much on the west side so it will be nice to do some hunting without having to drive across the state.

[Special T]

GET STARTED SCOUTING NOW! All of the public hunting spots are easier to figure out when ducks are present, and you are not pressed for time, AND you are not screwing up other peoples hunts... There is lots of area off the skagit. From the bay to the Samish unit up north.... I have found this is a great time to take the wife/kid/dog for a walk with a little overhead scouting/map from the WDFW GO HUNT maping system. 

[jgoetz]

Perfect time of the year to ask these questions.  Long wait ahead of you to learn.  I say first and foremost hit the range and brush up on the shooting skills.  Second brush up on duck identification.  There are books that are helpful for this.  The best I have seen is "Lemaster Method Waterfowl Identification."  Like H20 said get out and scout.  Plenty of good spots around Mukilteo.  Mainly North though, for obvious reasons.  If you don't have a call yet I would suggest something simple and double reed.  Put it in your car and practice all summer as you drive to and from work.  Outside of that a dozen to two dozen decoys is all you really need besides a good pair of waders and either a dog or a boat. 

Stick around and before you know it you will possess enough duck knowledge to be killing them on a regular basis.

[eastsidemallard74]

Drive to the slough and find the "Reed Beds"Pm me and I will give you further directions if you don't know where these are. Get alot of "Water Proof" clothing.......

[Noiro]

Im going after ducks disguised as a muskrat hut. So dont shoot the odd looking muskrat hut!!! 

http://www.cuppedupoutdoors.com/productinfo.html

[Mfowl]

If you don't already have spots to hunt, scouting now is a great suggestion. There are plenty of birds around on thier reverse migration right now. Identifying productive puplic areas will save you time down tha road. As others stated there are a lot of public areas not far from you. Watch videos and read books to familiarize yourself with calling and decoy strategies. Practice calling when you can, calling can make or break some days in the field. Camo up and stay concealed, theres a lot of competition on the westside so anything you can do helps. If you don't have a dog or a boat a float tube is a cheap alternative for retrieving birds and decoys. Ducks on the westside are often nocturnal through out the season so it pays to plan hunts around storm fronts that will move them off of the salt (wind/snow.) Finally, make sure you tune in for the new season of Duck Dynasty starting 2/27 on A&E, best show on TV!

[D-Rock425]

Duck dynasty will help you out for sure 

[gaddy]

yup, DD has really improved my duck hunting skills.

[h2ofowlr]

Hey Jack!  It makes you happy, happy, happy when you are learning the ropes of duck hunting.  And thats a fact! 

[gallion_t]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I plan on getting a call or two with an instructional DVD to help point me in the right direction as far as sound goes. I do have a 1 year old lab, but i have only worked on upland hunting with her so i guess i will need to branch out her training a bit.

Eastside- Thanks for the suggestions on the reed beds on the slough. I havent spent any time down there but ill have to start putting in the time.

My hunting partner and i both already have waders so it sounds like all we really need to buy is a couple calls and some decoys. Any suggestions on what breed of duck decoys to buy for over here?

Thanks for all of the helpful advice everyone. Just one of the many reasons why i love this site. Also Duck Dynasty is an awesome show. cant wait for the new episode to start tonight.

[eastsidemallard74]

I use the walmart brand $30 a box,and get some larger ones. Water decoys are so inexpensive plus they get trashed inside your bag. Unless your doing field hunting,I would spend more money on other things than the decoys.Personally.

[Special T]

If i were buying decoys, i'd buy a dozen sleeping/feeding mallards with a couple of "normal" decoys thrown in...

[h2ofowlr]

Mallards are a good starting point.  Mixed with wigeon, pintails and teal.  To save money an all mallard spread will work.  As you get deeper into it you can expand.  I would get a pintail / wigeon whistle and work that unless you practice up and learn when to and when not to call with the duck call.  Lots of time in the field is one of the best learning tools.  See what works and watch other spreads with binocs to see what is working and what isn't.

[WSU]

Get some motion decoys.

[gallion_t]

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess ill start with some cheapo decoys and start learning.

WSU- i thought motion decoys were illegal.

[gaddy]

keep an eye out for used also. can sometimes get some nice ones that are already set up for cheep. i used to go to refuges & watch to see how real birds pattern & listen to how they sound when undisturbed.

[WSU]

I will send a PM.

[Mfowl]

Only electronic/battery powered motion decoys are illegal. Pull string and wind powered are just fine and effective.

[BiggLuke]

Best suggestion..... CAMO.
invest in quality.
You want to stay warm, and well hidden.
You need to be hidden. I would also say face paint.
but thats just my opinion.....

of course, you could start growing out your beard??
The Commander swares on it.