Getting into Waterfowl

[STLHDHunter]

To help extend and diversify my love for the outdoors I’m going to pick up an 870 this week to get after some waterfowl before the season ends.

Having never hunted waterfowl before, I’m hoping to leverage some pointers for a complete novice to at least not completely blow any opportunities I may encounter. I will not be hunting with a dog or boat so waders and walking it will be, which I realize will limit some of my opportunities.

I’m scouring OnX for public lands and absolutely putting in some work to hopeful make something happen this season.

Any advice you guys can share would be much appreciated.


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[vandeman17]

I recommend trying to hook up and join an experienced waterfowler. Lots of wet side guys that are out and about a lot

[Special T]

I'm not sure of you location as I'm using tapatalk that doesnt display it.

Join Washington Waterfowl Association and go to a chapter meeting. I joined the NW chapter that holds meetings at the Conway Firehall 2nd Tuesday of each month. It is a very active chapter with lots of speakers and chats about what is productive as well as tips.

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[cougforester]

Use OnX or WDFWs GoHunt app to find feel free to hunt or hunt by reservation in north Snohomish or Skagit county. Lot of birds flying right now.

Find a weather app you trust and hunt the windy cold low pressure systems. Worry about location first, concealment second, decoys/do dads third. I get those mixed up sometimes because I like new toys. Be cognizant of your shots and be sure you don't have to go swimming for birds.

[eastsidemallard74]

Get an open credit card, lolololol.  Need to scout, use wdfw for areas where your at for walk ins. Years ago, used to be able to walk into the slough in Everett. That's where i started my madness.

[kodiak10]

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,232852.0.html

Here is a good thread from a little while ago. Really helped me out. Best of luck!

[STLHDHunter]

Thanks all for the tips, I’ll take a look at the NW chapter and appreciate the linking to a prior thread!


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[Duck_Lover]

I am in the same boat, better to start scouting.

[Special T]

http://www.wwa.wildapricot.org/wwa_chapters

Noticed both you guys are from Seattle. The seattle chapter meets at the Kenmoore gun range

[Duck_Lover]

http://www.wwa.wildapricot.org/wwa_chapters

Noticed both you guys are from Seattle. The seattle chapter meets at the Kenmoore gun range

Thank you, just checked,looks like next meeting will be the 4th Wednesday of January!


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[Stein]

My only advice is to not pick up an 870.  Other than that, just get out and go.  There are plenty of well known public spots, get up early and get some time in and you will pick it up.  You have to know a bunch and shoot well to get limits regularly (or have access to private spots), but you can get a couple of birds without much experience.

[Spuddieselwwu]

I'm selling a brand new Winchester SX4 for super cheap- if you want a good autoloader instead.