Virgin to the waterfowl hunt

[Grizzly95]

Any tips and tricks you guys can give me before the day would rock. I remember when I was really small my older cousins shot some birds and made me clean the and that was the main reason I have avoided it, they stink to beat hell,

Maybe what kind of gear to have, mostly to keep my big ass from freezing. Any tips would be great.

[ducks55]

Get some good waders! The Cabelas Supermags are great. Kept me warm along with layers in 15 degree weather. Also good gloves and something to keep your head warm, frozen ears suck..

[Grizzly95]

maybe I should have said more onthe cheap side.

[ducks55]

Well if you will be hunting in cold weather I wouldt go cheap. If you have to, go to a sporting goods store and try different ones on, find what feels warm to you in your price range. Gear does get a little expensive but if you really get into it, its well worth the extra dollar. 

[bobcat]

Don't wear anything made out of cotton!  Dress in layers. Polypropylene, wool, polyester, acrylic, nothing cotton!  You can even find some good clothing at Goodwill. Also check out www.sierratradingpost.com.

[spur_ride]

well, are you planning on hunting over water or in fields.

[Gamblin Guy]

field hunting or water hunting?  For goose or duck hunting in fields that are dry a good pair of boots and quiet fleece or wool will work fine.  

If you're hunting over water, a good pair of waders or hip boots is a must, depends on the depth of the water you are hunting.  I like hip boots earlier in the year if its not raining, most of the water i hunt is sheet water in fields and i dont need chest waders.  If you're walking any distance, consider a pair of breathables, you can layer underneath to stay warm.  As bobcat said, no cotton, it will suck the warmth right out of you.

And like ducks55 said, quality gear makes a difference in keeping you warm if you can swing it.

[addicted]

i froze my ass off till i got cabela's  light mag waders for christmas. then everything was a breeze.  however, your on the dry/cold as chit side of the state so i would go with the supermags as ducks 55 stated.

you'll only have to buy waders once in a great while if you get nice ones right of the bat.  hard to spend the money but it saves in the long run.  there were a couple times where i slipped or tripped right into a sharp stick that i swore  felt like it cut me to bleeding but my cabela's waders were just fine, no holes.

+1 for waders.

a general rule i try to follow is head hands and feet. if you can keep them all warm then you must be doing something right and the rest of the body should follow.  i had an insulated beanie or a fleece baclava for my noggin then some elbow liength neoprene gloves unless i was calling a ton then i had some fleece calling gloves. then the waders and i was usually happy. 

there is always tommorow so dont stay out there till you hate it and dont want to come back. good luck

[Coho]

Get a fleece neck gaiter really will help keep you warm. There are some (we call them turtles) that combine a fleece neck gaiter and a fleece hood/face cover. I think Avery makes them.

[Grizzly95]

Coho I think I know what you are talking about, I have one of those, used to wear it in the winter when I would help dad prune his orchard in Yak valley. Wore it last weekend and kept the head, ears, and neck nice and toasty. Just need to get some better pants.

[spur_ride]

like these guys keep saying. when it comes to gear you cant skimp out. a couple extra dollars for a coat and chest waders is well worth it. it can be the difference between freezing your but off and possibly getting wet and staying dry, warm, and comfortable.