Duck hunting tips...

[The Weazle]

I wanted to start a thread with some tips, please feel free to share...

When hunting on a tidal area, or new area, I like to take a really long cross country ski pole that is painted in camo, to use for a walking stick.  I can probe the area in front of me while I am walking so that I dont fall in a hole, or an underwater ditch.  It has saved me a few times from getting dunked, or tripping over an underwater log/obstruction.

[T-Bone]

I wanted to start a thread with some tips, please feel free to share...

When hunting on a tidal area, or new area, I like to take a really long cross country ski pole that is painted in camo, to use for a walking stick.  I can probe the area in front of me while I am walking so that I dont fall in a hole, or an underwater ditch.  It has saved me a few times from getting dunked, or tripping over an underwater log/obstruction.

Good tip, I use my Winduk pole for the same purpose.

If using decoys, make the decoy line longer than the deepest water you plan to hunt. Also, use at least 4oz. of weight to keep from losing your decoys in the wind and a tide shift. If boat hunting, even more weight and decoy line maybe required.

Attach a LARGE brass swivel at the decoy and tie on the decoy line to it to enhance movement.

[ducksdoom12]

if you dont have a pole while walking around in the salt and cant find a stick long enough sending your dog out in front of you is another good way to get an idea of where the holes and ditches are too

[h2ofowlr]

#1. I have a bag of decoys with 8oz weights that I use for faster current situations.  If you get to fast of current you watch your decoys swim off or if the wind kicks up hard they are all over the place.

#2.  Always use movement in your spread, like jerk cords etc.  I only use windduks from time to time as they are used to them.  But a good swimming or bobbing decoys still fools the most weary birds.

#3. If the birds seem to be flaring.  Access the set up.  Make changes to the spread, blind, location or stop calling.  Use a whistle.

[DougG]

Another tip, If using long lead weights, curl them before putting them out, in a wind they will catch on anything growing or even rocks and/or mud on the bottom. Saves chasing them.   Use especially on lakes or rivers.

[h2ofowlr]

Another good tip is if you have private land watch how many pics you put up on this forum or everyone is looking for your spot trying to lease it out from under you.  There are a few on this site that have stooped to that level.  Just a heads up of caution.  So, just post pics of birds on the ground and don't give out locations.  I am always willing to help out if I get a pm, I am curtailing the pics on the general forum.  Put in the hard work and it will pay off.  Live and learn I guess.

[nwlynx22]

Which style of decoy do you guys prefer to use on a jerk line?

[ducksdoom12]

Which style of decoy do you guys prefer to use on a jerk line?

the first ones i pull out of the bag and hook up to the lines, all mallards is the only requirment for me usually

[CoryTDF]

Best tip i have is this...If you cant call stick to simple quacks and good spread set up. Your not doing your self or anybody else on the pond any favors by whaling away on a call you don't really no how to use. Save practice time for the back yard. I have shot hundreds of ducks by doing nothing more than a simple quack or " Lone Hen quack". Birds wise up quick and become call shy i have found more often than not Less is more when it comes to ducks.

The biggest mistake i see ducks hunters make is over calling. Just do enough to keep them interested ducks don't care if you can win a calling competition so leave the competition routines for just that. In all honesty most of the calling contest routines are to fast and don't really even sound like real ducks. Just because you can does not mean you should. 

[h2ofowlr]

This should be the number *** 1 *** rule.  I know everyone is there own best caller.  I will leave it at that.  But if a duck or group is working someone elses decoys spread.  Give them a chance.  Don't try to call the ducks off of them.  I try to be curtious and let them get a shot, but with that being said.  If the other group is being obnoxious and letting the dog run around through the decoys and yelling and being yahoo's.  The number 1 rule is out the window.  I will call there birds off, shoot my 7 and get out quick, so I don't have to listen to them. 

[CoryTDF]

  If the other group is being obnoxious and letting the dog run around through the decoys and yelling and being yahoo's.  The number 1 rule is out the window.  I will call there birds off, shoot my 7 and get out quick, so I don't have to listen to them. 

Amen brother!!!!

[Elliott]

This should be the number *** 1 *** rule.  I know everyone is there own best caller.  I will leave it at that.  But if a duck or group is working someone elses decoys spread.  Give them a chance.  Don't try to call the ducks off of them.  I try to be curtious and let them get a shot, but with that being said.  If the other group is being obnoxious and letting the dog run around through the decoys and yelling and being yahoo's.  The number 1 rule is out the window.  I will call there birds off, shoot my 7 and get out quick, so I don't have to listen to them. 

and if there are ducks working their dekes and you see some high flying birds that you have no chance in hell shooting down, DONT SHOOT