Another new member looking for some help

[tyrant27]

Hey fellas,

I'm interested in getting started in duck hunting and figured there is no better place then a forum. A little bit about myself, my name is Taylor, I got out of the Army about a year and half ago. I was with 2nd Ranger Battalion. Deployed a few times to Afghanistan, and now making that transition to civilian life. Found myself a job, and now looking to break up the monotony of everyday life. Thought I could accomplish that by taking up hunting again. I use to hunt upland game bird a lot with my father growing up in Oregon. Never been duck hunting and it looks like a blast.

Enough about me already. So, I have a 12 ga. shotgun and some waders. I have no idea what you need to hunt duck. Do you need a bird dog or a boat to retrieve, or can you do that successfully in just some waders? What kind of shells do you use? Do I need a duck call and decoys? Also, I have no clue as to where to go. I live in Olympia and would be willing to drive 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Obviously I'm not asking for any body to give up there favorite spots, but what do I look for in a good spot? Just on the bank of a lake or pond? Somewhere where there is a lot of cat tails, shrubbery, and trees? Or if anybody is willing to take a stranger out with them for a day to show them the ropes, that would be cool. I would be willing to chip in for the gas or meet somewhere and pay for beer afterwards haha. Any advice you guys have would be awesome. In advance,  I do appreciate your time in helping.

 

[AWS]

There is some great duck hunting on Fort Lewis and as an ex GI you might know your way around the base.  A boat makes it easier, but it isn't a big hindrance to not have one or a dog, a fishing pole with a floating plug will retrieve ducks out of reach(be sure you have a fishing license). 

Today I hunted with nine decoys in a backpack and was home for lunch with 2 geese and a duck.

The big thing is to find a place to hunt where the ducks want to be.  Western WA has so much public land that I'll never be able to hunt it all and most of it there is no one else hunting.  A gazetteer and BLM maps are great.

A call isn't a deal breaker in fact unless you are very proficient with one they can be worse than no call. 

Steel or nontoxic shells are needed.  Number 2, 3 , or 4 work well for ducks, if you can wait for them to get in close it will keep the number of cripples and fliers to minimum.

Good luck and be careful, swimming in frigid water with waders can be deadly.

AWS

[Westside88]

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[scottcrb]

Welcome to.the forum. There is an open seat thread in the waterfowl tab keep an eye out there.its probably the best way to learn the sport.

[LeftCoastLoren]

Check this out, it's a great way to find places to hunt. As for gear AWS hit the nail on the head. Good luck

http://awseb-gohunt-prod-1642000461.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/gohunt/

[Heredoggydoggy]

Just remember that waterfowl are a federally controlled bird, and in addition to a state license, you also need a federal Duck Stamp.  (Available at the Post Office, last I knew.)  Also, read up on the State regulations, as the seasons and legal species vary from place to place.  I haven't Duck or Goose hunted since the '70's, so things might be different now...

[tyrant27]

Awesome guys. Thanks for the tips, it's greatly appreciated. AWS, thanks for all the info and resources as well. It's pretty cool you could bag those birds so quick. Hopefully I will be able to do the same.

[AWS]

It was even cooler because I took one of the old girls out.  Husqvarna Model 51.

[Heredoggydoggy]

It was even cooler because I took one of the old girls out.  Husqvarna Model 51.

Geez, AWS...that gun is almost as old as you are! 

[AWS]

Actually it is six years older than me.  The other day my BinL and I were out in the marsh and taking about where we've all hunted, even though he is kind of a young pup we had over 100 years of duck hunting between us.

[tyrant27]

Actually it is six years older than me.  The other day my BinL and I were out in the marsh and taking about where we've all hunted, even though he is kind of a young pup we had over 100 years of duck hunting between us.

Wow that is pretty impressive. That is a sweet old shotgun you have there too. Nice birds

[jennyfell55]

Pm sent