Back in the 80's I lived on the OR coast. There are lots of ponds out in the dunes but I did not have a dog or a boat at the time, so I made one. I took an innertube, strapped a couple of belts across for a seat, put my wetsuit bottoms and flippers on and went duck hunting.
The ducks didn't know what to make of me and I did pretty well.

That musrat hut looks like a nice setup.