Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: Harryie on December 18, 2013, 10:18:02 AM
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I am new to the PNW and want to do some duck hunting this weekend. I have heard hunting out of a Kayak can be successful on the Stilly or lower Skagit. Looking for any pointers and advice on hunting these area from a kayak or any good walk-in locations. Thank you!!
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Have you hunted from your kayak before? I don't know those areas, but I can give you a couple quack yaking pointers if you like.
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I haven't. Any tips are always appreciated!
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There is a team of guys that hunt out of Marysville and they do it all the time. They have hunted up in Skagit a lot.
Maybe post on The Refuge Forum. I think they hang out there some.
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Nisqually is another place you might look.
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Here's mine, used to have a little AWS that would lay between my legs but have a larger dog not as well trained now and have gone to a Marsh Rat. The cover turns inside out to white for winter hunting.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi6.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy222%2FBrowndaug%2FKayak004.jpg&hash=7ad9df71f4f45d07491fad9cc142c99144fb8d8b) (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Browndaug/media/Kayak004.jpg.html)
The camo side has loops for grass. The white side just disappears when you pull in along a snow covered bank.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi6.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy222%2FBrowndaug%2FKayak007.jpg&hash=bacfe329b779f046e3691ed6d44d91abe84c17ca) (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Browndaug/media/Kayak007.jpg.html)
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Hunting from a kayak scares the heck out of me. Too many things can go wrong were ducks like to roam :twocents:
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Sitting down in the bottom of a Kayak is surprisingly stable. I usually just used it to get to places others couldn't get to and hunt out of it pulled into the shoreline. There was enough room for a half dozen teal decoys behind the seat.
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It will be a learning experience for sure. I'll be taking it out this weekend so I'll post an update and check out that forum to try and connect with those guys. Thank you!
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Please wear a life jacket. And remember this, depending on which way you shoot( right or left handed) your swing is greatly reduced on your non dominant side. I basically can only take left to right crossing shots, right to left and I cant swing safely past about 10 o clock. Also, make sure to wear a belt if you are wearing waders in the yak. Other than that, SMOKE EM!!! I have gotten some awesome shots in my yak, you can really get into some spots where boats or waders cant.
Happy hunting!
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+1 on wearing a PFD!! if it's bright wear it under a camo jacket.
Watch your swing. When taking a passing shot from left to right for right handed shooters (right to left for left) limit yourself to two shots. That third shot twisted off center can send you swimming in a hurry!
If it doesn't float, it needs to be leashed or floats attached... Don't ask me how I know :rolleyes:
Go in a good 1/2 hour earlier than you think you should. This allows for all the what if's, and gives you time to really camo your boat with native vegetation. Take your normal camo blind material and weave grass and other plants in it to mask you and your gear.
Scotty rodholders work nicely to help keep your gun in position to shoot quickly.
These late season birds are getting SUPER WARY!! A small spread like 6 magnum size deeks and little to no calling will kill more birds. A month ago large spreads and calls were a must have, but the large portion of the migration is past us.
If you feel you must call, use a widgeon or pintail whistle. and use it sparingly if at all!
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask me any questions. I'm an avid kayaker, kayak angler, and duck hunter. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I know enough to help shorten your learning curve a bit. I've only got another week to hunt this season before I'm head to Colorado for 6 weeks, but if you'd like to come hunt the Nisqually with myself and a couple other quack yakers keep me in mind for next season!!
-Dick