packable raft duck hunting

[vandeman17]

Does anyone use some kind of portable raft for areas that they need to hike in to duck hunt? I have been looking at float tubes, small inflatable boats etc to use on small ponds around the basin. I have a dog that could swim with me since most places I would want to access wouldn't be that far to go. Just need enough space to toss my backpack and maybe some decoys.

[700xcr]

https://www.explorebeavertail.com/product/final-attack/

[fowl smacker]

I would not use ANY kind of inflatable while duck hunting.

[brokentrail]

I had a pretty scary experience duck hunting out of an inflatable 20 years ago and I never duck hunted out of one ever again.  It is a really bad feeling when your inflatable starts losing air and you are far enough from shore that you may not make it and have to swim, clothed for cold weather, shotgun, etc.

My story turned out fine, other than I had to go get my boat to retrieve my decoys,  but it sure could have not.

[DrakeKill]

use a float tube all the time - even keep it in the big boat as sometimes it's easier to fix/reset decoys and whatnot instead of bringing the boat around. Full blown hunt from it too, foggy mornings on the columbia sitting in the rocks for divers is more fun that you can shake a shotgun at, literally in your face!

Couple things:

get a proper float tube for hunting purposes, they're fairly inexpensive compared to a lot of gear, but dont go with a pool toy or something thats just a float. You're looking for something with multiple air chambers and a good heavy codura nylon jacket, the more pockets the better

if you're hiking in, especially in hard brushy stuff - keep it deflated to avoid punctures. Pick up a cheapo ryobi inflator as manual inflation is slow and not so much fun

wear your pfd have a tube of seal and roll of duct tape onboard

rig up a lanyard for your shotgun (550 cord and a small carabiner to the end of your sling works well)

if you're gonna be in the water for a while be mindful of the condition of your waders and clothing layers

use flippers and not a paddle and just walk backwards (or turn on your camera and post the vids here )

if you're gonna go for long kicks or open water stalks make sure you're well hydrated - hamstring cramps suck

keep your butt in the seat

a good sized tumble weed in your lap and some reeds on the back of your tube and you are just stuff floating on the water!

[jackelope]

What's your budget?

https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/

[vandeman17]

thanks for the input guys. The ponds I am talking about hunting would only require going a few hundred yards at the most but the two main ones would be just to get me under 50 yards.

I don't want to spend a ton of money but if there is something nice that I can use for multiple purposes that would be great

[jackelope]

Watermasters are cool and packable for short distances at 56 pounds.

https://www.bigskyinflatables.com/product/water-master-kodiak-raft/

If you hit the googler and search "lightweight packable rafts" you'll come up with several options sub-10 pounds. The Alpacka boats are the bees knees.

[vandeman17]

Watermasters are cool and packable for short distances at 56 pounds.

https://www.bigskyinflatables.com/product/water-master-kodiak-raft/

If you hit the googler and search "lightweight packable rafts" you'll come up with several options sub-10 pounds. The Alpacka boats are the bees knees.

I did a search and found some cool options but I like to get first hand experience if possible. One spot I want to use it, I really only need it to cross about 10 yards that is over my head. 

[jackelope]

thanks for the input guys. The ponds I am talking about hunting would only require going a few hundred yards at the most but the two main ones would be just to get me under 50 yards.

I don't want to spend a ton of money but if there is something nice that I can use for multiple purposes that would be great

What about a pontoon boat with a drop down wheel?  We have wheeled 'toons into Lenice several times and that lake is a ways off the road. All the pontoons I have had have some sort of cargo rack on the back.
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Accessories-Colorado-Inflatable-Transport/dp/B001MS8L4G

[vandeman17]

thanks for the input guys. The ponds I am talking about hunting would only require going a few hundred yards at the most but the two main ones would be just to get me under 50 yards.

I don't want to spend a ton of money but if there is something nice that I can use for multiple purposes that would be great

What about a pontoon boat with a drop down wheel?  We have wheeled 'toons into Lenice several times and that lake is a ways off the road. All the pontoons I have had have some sort of cargo rack on the back.
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Accessories-Colorado-Inflatable-Transport/dp/B001MS8L4G

Those are for sure an option too. Sometimes too many options is just as much of an issue as not enough

[BD1]

Whatever you decide on...don't forget the most important piece of equipment...your PDF. Even a distance of 10 yards...heck even 10 feet can cost you your life. Sounds like you have some fun adventures in front of you...have fun

[Bill W]

I have heard that some people paddle the little waterfowl sleds.  You might consider dragging one of those along.  Just a thought as I know I'd complain about that thing dragging along in the sagebrush behind me.

[vandeman17]

Whatever you decide on...don't forget the most important piece of equipment...your PDF. Even a distance of 10 yards...heck even 10 feet can cost you your life. Sounds like you have some fun adventures in front of you...have fun

agreed, especially with waders on. Those fill up with water quickly

[ribka]

These work great.  Used 18 years fishing and hunting. Have option of oar with fins. I like force fins. Definitely hydrate . Kicking back in a heavy wind takes a lot of effort.

https://www.wyomingflyfishing.com/Outcast-Fish-Cat-Cruzer-Float-Tube-P17905.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjwm_P5BRAhEiwAwRzSO1SS33Gvcq2wCeIe2nYCWbmV6gPqdG7WyNRXTyQYdsBLUvldMAP58BoCATcQAvD_BwE

Great advice below

use a float tube all the time - even keep it in the big boat as sometimes it's easier to fix/reset decoys and whatnot instead of bringing the boat around. Full blown hunt from it too, foggy mornings on the columbia sitting in the rocks for divers is more fun that you can shake a shotgun at, literally in your face!

Couple things:

get a proper float tube for hunting purposes, they're fairly inexpensive compared to a lot of gear, but dont go with a pool toy or something thats just a float. You're looking for something with multiple air chambers and a good heavy codura nylon jacket, the more pockets the better

if you're hiking in, especially in hard brushy stuff - keep it deflated to avoid punctures. Pick up a cheapo ryobi inflator as manual inflation is slow and not so much fun

wear your pfd have a tube of seal and roll of duct tape onboard

rig up a lanyard for your shotgun (550 cord and a small carabiner to the end of your sling works well)

if you're gonna be in the water for a while be mindful of the condition of your waders and clothing layers

use flippers and not a paddle and just walk backwards (or turn on your camera and post the vids here )

if you're gonna go for long kicks or open water stalks make sure you're well hydrated - hamstring cramps suck

keep your butt in the seat

a good sized tumble weed in your lap and some reeds on the back of your tube and you are just stuff floating on the water!