Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: Tiger1358 on May 22, 2014, 12:51:29 AM
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Has anyone used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting? What do you think about that?
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You could probably get away with it. Depends on the amount of gear you had.(room wise and weight wise) The amount of debris in the water where you were going to hunt don't want to poke a hole in that thing.
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You have to make sure you have virtually no weight in the raft when you go pull it by that rope that goes around it as it will rip a big hole in it.
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I would say a boat like that probably not. I personally wouldn't use a boat like that for anything when it comes to waterfowling. I just see too much stuff happening to it and it seems very unsafe to be in while hunting. But two years ago I did hunt out of a single man inflatable pontoon boat. It worked good for two trips then I raked it across some rocks I didn't see and popped the bladder of the of the toons. Last year I saw two guys with probably 10 dozen decoys and a trolling motor one of those pontoons up and motor it about 2 miles to hunt a spot. So if you were looking for something inflatable I would lean towards a pontoon boat. That's just my :twocents:
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Don't waste your money on that!! I have one, the top is double thickness, but the bottom half is only single. Got a hole the first time out fishing. I agree with the pontoon boat Idea, and I have hunted/shot out of a float tube it was quite stable.
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Well,this is the top selling fishing Inflatable boat...it's Intex Seahawk 2 but the camo version....I guess if it works for fishing,would work for hunting too..it holds up to 440 lbs...but I'm gonna hunt by myself...so maximum 200 pounds....and I'm not gonna hunt in swamps,I will hunt in lakes and rivers..I know one guy that hunts in Europe with this boat,but the bigger version of this that holds 800 lbs . He said it works very well...
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just keep you and your gun and bag in the boat and tow your decoys behind to save on space. wear waders and a life jacket even the good rubber rafts and can pop fairly easily and there is a lot of debris in a marsh that could puncture. could work out great though camo and quiet might not hurt to toss some burlap over it too to cut down on shine. good luck let us know.
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I was thinking one time real hard about a sea eagle but was more afraid of getting lost in the pot holes. Also don't get there enough to justify my cost and hunting is just not hot enough either all season. Anyways looks like the best inflatable boat on the market IMO.
Inflatable Kayak torture test - SeaEagle.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ardGNdwZ0aQ#ws)
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just keep you and your gun and bag in the boat and tow your decoys behind to save on space. wear waders and a life jacket even the good rubber rafts and can pop fairly easily and there is a lot of debris in a marsh that could puncture. could work out great though camo and quiet might not hurt to toss some burlap over it too to cut down on shine. good luck let us know.
Thanks... I will let you know for sure !
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I'm gonna post a couple of links here, you guys can watch it ....it's in a different language, but at least you will see how they hunt with Intex Seahawk 4 (4 person)inflatable boat...and that boat is only $98 on Amazon.....the smaller version of if that I have is Intex Seahawk 2 ..it's only for 2 person and costs $45 at Walmart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb9VGpsclA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb9VGpsclA)
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I'm gonna post a link here, you guys can watch it ....it's in a different language, but at least you will see how they hunt with Intex Seahawk 4 (4 person)inflatable boat...and that boat is only $98 on Amazon.....the smaller version of if that I have is Intex Seahawk 2 ..it's only for 2 person and costs $45 at Walmart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw)
Hunting like the video shows won't make others happy on here. The boat you show looks bad for paddling and would be dangerous in wind because it would be impossible to control acting like a sail. A person can paddle much easier with a kayak paddle vs row boat. I would hate to get that kind of work out rowing a boat over a 100 yards wearing waders.
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I'm gonna post a link here, you guys can watch it ....it's in a different language, but at least you will see how they hunt with Intex Seahawk 4 (4 person)inflatable boat...and that boat is only $98 on Amazon.....the smaller version of if that I have is Intex Seahawk 2 ..it's only for 2 person and costs $45 at Walmart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw)
Hunting like the video shows won't make others happy on here. The boat you show looks bad for paddling and would be dangerous in wind because it would be impossible to control acting like a sail. A person can paddle much easier with a kayak paddle vs row boat. I would hate to get that kind of work out rowing a boat over a 100 yards wearing waders.
Well, everyone is different...You don't like it ,but there are a lotta people that hunt like this and they're very successful ....btw I added another link ,u can check it out
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Yikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat.
Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.
To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but thats a pretty tough boat.
A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.
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Yikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat.
Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.
To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat.
A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.
I agree with you on life jackets,but they're good swimmers ,but still I think they need to have life jackets on....and inflatable boats are for little lakes and calm rivers ,so wind is not a big deal in that situation. People just don't wanna try something because they're afraid. Nobody knows that inflatable boats are safer than canoes and kayaks ...Special Operation Forces of all countries use inflatable boats because they work the best. Of course the boats that they use are $2000 inflatable boats but still....People like to complain about something that they've never tried before.
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Ya....you can't compare this Walmart special to a whitewater grade boat the seals use, it is not even in the same category.... These single chambered thin plastic boats are dangerous on a lake and it would be ignorant at best to take one on a river in the middle of the winter... I would make sure you have a cell phone on you and hope you have reception, because its not if its when it will deflate!
My dad use to buy a new one every year for trout fishing, same model, and he bought a new one every year because it would be ruined. I am not against inflatables, I hunt, fish and whitewater out of a cataraft, they are awesome boats if you pay the money for the good stuff :twocents:
People don't try stuff because there scared...which is lame I agree. But people die, or have to get rescued because they are ill informed and feeling adventurous....
Good luck!
H&F
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I wouldn't hunt around here in a boat like that, lake , pond, whatever! The season is quite a ways off. You could save money before then and get a marshrat or aquapod. It would work far better, you'd be better concealed and you wouldn't have to worry about popping it. As for the $45 price tag, you get what you pay for! I wouldn't trust my life to a $45 piece of rubber. :twocents:
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I wouldn't hunt around here in a boat like that, lake , pond, whatever! The season is quite a ways off. You could save money before then and get a marshrat or aquapod. It would work far better, you'd be better concealed and you wouldn't have to worry about popping it. As for the $45 price tag, you get what you pay for! I wouldn't trust my life to a $45 piece of rubber. :twocents:
Don't judge the book by its cover...Actually it's made out of 20 gauge PVC tough nylon not rubber. If it's 45 bucks it doesn't mean it's bad. I will hunt this year with this boat and I will post the pictures and maybe video so you can see how it works
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Good luck, I've hunted out of an innertube with a couple of straps to hang from, wetsuit bottoms and flippers. I've also hunted out of a 12 1/2 foot and 13 foot Zodiac and Achilles. However, hunting out of a Zodiac or Achilles is much more comfortable and forgiving if pushing you or the vessel's limits at all.
Keep us posted.
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Good luck, I've hunted out of an innertube with a couple of straps to hang from, wetsuit bottoms and flippers. I've also hunted out of a 12 1/2 foot and 13 foot Zodiac and Achilles. However, hunting out of a Zodiac or Achilles is much more comfortable and forgiving if pushing you or the vessel's limits at all.
Keep us posted.
Thanks a lot, I will for sure! Actually I looked up the prices for the boats that you said....They're over $1500. I don't have a place to keep a regular boat because I live in an apartment ...I wanna buy an inflatable boat so it can fit in my trunk and easily deflate and keep it at home...Will see what results I get this fall/winter...
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Would inflatable boats for work fall/winter waterfowl hunting?
With every reply that suggests otherwise, you seem to find a way to affirmatively answer your own question. A lot of guys who have replied are experienced- and experience is a great teacher ....you'll see.
There are times and places where that boat might do a serviceable job placing decoys or paddling out for retrieves. There are far more where it would be highly questionable. There just aren't a lot of places I know of that provide good duck hunting with calm, sheltered water, where little/no water travel is required...maybe a farm pond...
Beware of pointed sticks, which literally line the banks of many streams and sloughs.
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Would inflatable boats for work fall/winter waterfowl hunting?
With every reply that suggests otherwise, you seem to find a way to affirmatively answer your own question. A lot of guys who have replied are experienced- and experience is a great teacher ....you'll see.
There are times and places where that boat might do a serviceable job placing decoys or paddling out for retrieves. There are far more where it would be highly questionable. There just aren't a lot of places I know of that provide good duck hunting with calm, sheltered water, where little/no water travel is required...maybe a farm pond...
Beware of pointed sticks, which literally line the banks of many streams and sloughs.
I understand that people are experienced but I'm experienced too...I have been hunting,trapping and fishing since I was 11 years old...I have never used a boat for hunting.I just wanted to see what people say about it, I thought people have used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting but most of them haven't even used inflatable boats before...I understand that it won't work in swamps and grassy areas. I know places where I go pheasant hunting, there are some ponds and calm rivers where I can hunt ducks from a boat. I don't have a dog that's why I decided to hunt from a boat. I will try to avoid those areas where my boat can be damaged.
I'm not ignoring what people say, I'm just trying to see who has hunted with an inflatable boat and what results they got.
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Would inflatable boats for work fall/winter waterfowl hunting?
With every reply that suggests otherwise, you seem to find a way to affirmatively answer your own question. A lot of guys who have replied are experienced- and experience is a great teacher ....you'll see.
There are times and places where that boat might do a serviceable job placing decoys or paddling out for retrieves. There are far more where it would be highly questionable. There just aren't a lot of places I know of that provide good duck hunting with calm, sheltered water, where little/no water travel is required...maybe a farm pond...
Beware of pointed sticks, which literally line the banks of many streams and sloughs.
I understand that people are experienced but I'm experienced too...I have been hunting,trapping and fishing since I was 11 years old...I have never used a boat for hunting.I just wanted to see what people say about it, I thought people have used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting but most of them haven't even used inflatable boats before...I understand that it won't work in swamps and grassy areas. I know places where I go pheasant hunting, there are some ponds and calm rivers where I can hunt ducks from a boat. I don't have a dog that's why I decided to hunt from a boat. I will try to avoid those areas where my boat can be damaged.
I'm not ignoring what people say, I'm just trying to see who has hunted with an inflatable boat and what results they got.
If it wasn't clear I was referring to experience hunting waterfowl out of boats, including inflatables.
Hey, it'll do fine within obvious limits. Have fun, stay safe; good hunting.
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Would inflatable boats for work fall/winter waterfowl hunting?
With every reply that suggests otherwise, you seem to find a way to affirmatively answer your own question. A lot of guys who have replied are experienced- and experience is a great teacher ....you'll see.
There are times and places where that boat might do a serviceable job placing decoys or paddling out for retrieves. There are far more where it would be highly questionable. There just aren't a lot of places I know of that provide good duck hunting with calm, sheltered water, where little/no water travel is required...maybe a farm pond...
Beware of pointed sticks, which literally line the banks of many streams and sloughs.
I understand that people are experienced but I'm experienced too...I have been hunting,trapping and fishing since I was 11 years old...I have never used a boat for hunting.I just wanted to see what people say about it, I thought people have used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting but most of them haven't even used inflatable boats before...I understand that it won't work in swamps and grassy areas. I know places where I go pheasant hunting, there are some ponds and calm rivers where I can hunt ducks from a boat. I don't have a dog that's why I decided to hunt from a boat. I will try to avoid those areas where my boat can be damaged.
I'm not ignoring what people say, I'm just trying to see who has hunted with an inflatable boat and what results they got.
If it wasn't clear I was referring to experience hunting waterfowl out of boats, including inflatables.
Hey, it'll do fine within obvious limits. Have fun, stay safe; good hunting.
Thanks!
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I'm gonna post a link here, you guys can watch it ....it's in a different language, but at least you will see how they hunt with Intex Seahawk 4 (4 person)inflatable boat...and that boat is only $98 on Amazon.....the smaller version of if that I have is Intex Seahawk 2 ..it's only for 2 person and costs $45 at Walmart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw)
Hunting like the video shows won't make others happy on here. The boat you show looks bad for paddling and would be dangerous in wind because it would be impossible to control acting like a sail. A person can paddle much easier with a kayak paddle vs row boat. I would hate to get that kind of work out rowing a boat over a 100 yards wearing waders.
Well, everyone is different...You don't like it ,but there are a lotta people that hunt like this and they're very successful ....btw I added another link ,u can check it out
I have been waterfowl hunting since 86 and never seen people have much success floating down a river banging up limits. I have talked to hunter before who do some spot and stalk with canoes before but early in the year. Flocks of ducks and geese just don't let boats get close in public areas to let hunters be very successful on any consistant basis.
Doing some hikes, scout, and meeting the right people is the best way to succeed in waterfowl and that provides no sure hunts time after time but you will have hunts like this.
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I'm gonna post a link here, you guys can watch it ....it's in a different language, but at least you will see how they hunt with Intex Seahawk 4 (4 person)inflatable boat...and that boat is only $98 on Amazon.....the smaller version of if that I have is Intex Seahawk 2 ..it's only for 2 person and costs $45 at Walmart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuRSLbCTGkw)
Hunting like the video shows won't make others happy on here. The boat you show looks bad for paddling and would be dangerous in wind because it would be impossible to control acting like a sail. A person can paddle much easier with a kayak paddle vs row boat. I would hate to get that kind of work out rowing a boat over a 100 yards wearing waders.
Well, everyone is different...You don't like it ,but there are a lotta people that hunt like this and they're very successful ....btw I added another link ,u can check it out
I have been waterfowl hunting since 86 and never seen people have much success floating down a river banging up limits. I have talked to hunter before who do some spot and stalk with canoes before but early in the year. Flocks of ducks and geese just don't let boats get close in public areas to let hunters be very successful on any consistant basis.
Doing some hikes, scout, and meeting the right people is the best way to succeed in waterfowl and that provides no sure hunts time after time but you will have hunts like this.
Oh I know about that...It is hard to get close to ducks with a boat...You have to camouflage it very well so it matches the grass and everything...I'll use camo netting and grass to camouflage it and try to use, I hope it'll work....I don't have a dog and boat is probably the only alternative way to solve that problem. I'm sure it'll work but not that well as a regular boat.
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Has anyone used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting? What do you think about that?
You post a question asking what others think about waterfowl hunting using a WalMart raft and then tend to refute all the advice from experienced hunters. My suggestion is that you put on a PFD and launch on a warm, windy day to test out your theory that this is going to be a safe venture come the winter winds and rain and the threat of hypothermia if you have any problems. A Marsh-rat, Aquapod, or a canoe would be my choice hands down if my life were at stake.
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Sounds like you have a plan. Be safe and don't shoot someone's decoy because hunters will be hiding in your line of fire if you plan on using the same methods in the video.
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Sounds like you have a plan. Be safe and don't shoot someone's decoy because hunters will be hiding in your line of fire if you plan on using the same methods in the video.
Thanks ! ;)
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Has anyone used inflatable boats for waterfowl hunting? What do you think about that?
You post a question asking what others think about waterfowl hunting using a WalMart raft and then tend to refute all the advice from experienced hunters. My suggestion is that you put on a PFD and launch on a warm, windy day to test out your theory that this is going to be a safe venture come the winter winds and rain and the threat of hypothermia if you have any problems. A Marsh-rat, Aquapod, or a canoe would be my choice hands down if my life were at stake.
I already said that I'm not ignoring the advice form anyone. If someone says don't use it because you got it from Walmart and it was $45 ,do I have to take it as a good advice?
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I dont think the boat picture you posted and the one they use in the videos are of the same quality or brand. Plus the water they are on is slow and shallow at times while not being very brushy, i cant think of any water like that in this state. :dunno:
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I dont think the boat picture you posted and the one they use in the videos are of the same quality or brand. Plus the water they are on is slow and shallow at times while not being very brushy, i cant think of any water like that in this state. :dunno:
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I dont think the boat picture you posted and the one they use in the videos are of the same quality or brand. Plus the water they are on is slow and shallow at times while not being very brushy, i cant think of any water like that in this state. :dunno:
That was the same boat but mossy oak...Actually I will post mine .It's the exact same boat but a lil smaller .the one that they're using is for 4 person,mine is for 2..I will post mine so you can see it...I also ordered camo, when it arrives I will chose one of them...
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What water do you plan on hunting with it? :dunno:
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What water do you plan on hunting with it? :dunno:
There are some little lakes,ponds, and a river where I hunt every year
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I didn't mean to give the impression that I think this boat is a bad idea because it is from Walmart, or because it is 45 dollars (both of these are clues though :chuckle:).
This boat is a bad idea because it is made of ridiculously thin PVC and is not designed for river use. I am not judging, I am speaking from experience, I have personally used and seen at least 5 of these boats either tear or get punctured from basically just looking at them. I tell you this for two reasons, one you asked...which I don't know now why you did? And two I feel it is a life/safety issue to bring down a river in the winter alone....
You should take the suggestions of others on here, and at the very least only use it on lakes close to the shore, or get a different boat. I don't want you or your boat and gear to end up wrapped around a stump on I'm assuming the Snoqualmie.
All that being said, you can make anything work... It's just a balance of risk vrs. Benefit!
Carry on!
H&F
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I didn't mean to give the impression that I think this boat is a bad idea because it is from Walmart, or because it is 45 dollars (both of these are clues though :chuckle:).
This boat is a bad idea because it is made of ridiculously thin PVC and is not designed for river use. I am not judging, I am speaking from experience, I have personally used and seen at least 5 of these boats either tear or get punctured from basically just looking at them. I tell you this for two reasons, one you asked...which I don't know now why you did? And two I feel it is a life/safety issue to bring down a river in the winter alone....
You should take the suggestions of others on here, and at the very least only use it on lakes close to the shore, or get a different boat. I don't want you or your boat and gear to end up wrapped around a stump on I'm assuming the Snoqualmie.
All that being said, you can make anything work... It's just a balance of risk vrs. Benefit!
Carry on!
H&F
Well put, H & F :tup:
I would say one more thing: having fished and hunted local rivers (from the bank, drift-boats, sleds, and pontoons) for over 40 years, I would not trust an inflatable such as that on any river.
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Yikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat.
Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.
To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat.
A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.
I agree with you on life jackets,but they're good swimmers ,but still I think they need to have life jackets on....and inflatable boats are for little lakes and calm rivers ,so wind is not a big deal in that situation. People just don't wanna try something because they're afraid. Nobody knows that inflatable boats are safer than canoes and kayaks ...Special Operation Forces of all countries use inflatable boats because they work the best. Of course the boats that they use are $2000 inflatable boats but still....People like to complain about something that they've never tried before.
Tiger, why are you asking our opinion if you do not give any credence to them.
I think your suggested boat is a massive mistake. No real level of safety at all in my opinion. Are you serisouly suggesting that since a low end inflatable is a best seller really equates to a safe boat? Just because a lot of people buy this does not mean it is safe at all. You are considering trusting your life to a $90 piece of plastic, that when popped, will not keep you afloat. You will probably be hunting cold weather in harsh conditions, with many hazards.
Don't fool yourself. Skip this boat and start saving money until you can afford a metal, fiberglass or wood boat that can be relied on better than a summer fun toy. This is your life you are messing with, take it seriously, listen to some of the advice on here.
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:bdid: We don't want to read about your demise next waterfowl season.
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Yikes, no life jackets? Bad idea with that boat.
Those guys are due for an A.D. and a serious injury as well.
To the OP, I have hunted with boats like that, but only in places were I could wade back. They can be helpful in safe secluded marshy areas. I have also used a Zodiac on the Columbia river, but that's a pretty tough boat.
A boat like that is murder in the wind. Impossible to paddle and could leave you stranded.
I agree with you on life jackets,but they're good swimmers ,but still I think they need to have life jackets on....and inflatable boats are for little lakes and calm rivers ,so wind is not a big deal in that situation. People just don't wanna try something because they're afraid. Nobody knows that inflatable boats are safer than canoes and kayaks ...Special Operation Forces of all countries use inflatable boats because they work the best. Of course the boats that they use are $2000 inflatable boats but still....People like to complain about something that they've never tried before.
Tiger, why are you asking our opinion if you do not give any credence to them.
I think your suggested boat is a massive mistake. No real level of safety at all in my opinion. Are you serisouly suggesting that since a low end inflatable is a best seller really equates to a safe boat? Just because a lot of people buy this does not mean it is safe at all. You are considering trusting your life to a $90 piece of plastic, that when popped, will not keep you afloat. You will probably be hunting cold weather in harsh conditions, with many hazards.
Don't fool yourself. Skip this boat and start saving money until you can afford a metal, fiberglass or wood boat that can be relied on better than a summer fun toy. This is your life you are messing with, take it seriously, listen to some of the advice on here.
First of all, I already said 3 times that I'm not ignoring anyones advice. I can afford a nice boat right now , but I live in an apartment ,I don't have a place to keep it.
If people say they WOULDN'T use it ,it doesn't mean I'm not gonna try it. At least I will give a try. I have had experience like that when people say don't do it and I did it . It worked very well. I appreciate everyones advice but if I have to try that too. I'm not gonna just listen to what you said and do like that. I didn't create this topic to see what people say and do exactly like that, I'm here to see who has had an experience with this kinda boat.
I really appreciate your advice but I have to try it , if it works I will post the videos and pictures , if no I will let everyone know for sure.
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Tiger,
Take a look at the 10 or 12 foot Zodiacs, Achilles, Avons or Bombadiers (or similar). The Hypalon or other "rubber" material is much more durable than pvc, you can also put a decent sized outboard on them to cover more area. I had a 12 1/2' Zodiac and it rolled into a bag that was about 24X20X48, easily storable in a small space. I had mine when I lived in an aprtment in San Diego.
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I have a couple of Avon boats laying around in my garage I could make you a deal on one if your interested. One is a 9' and the other is a 12'. I also have a outboard motor bracket that will fit both boats.
Sent from my RM-860_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk
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Tiger,
Take a look at the 10 or 12 foot Zodiacs, Achilles, Avons or Bombadiers (or similar). The Hypalon or other "rubber" material is much more durable than pvc, you can also put a decent sized outboard on them to cover more area. I had a 12 1/2' Zodiac and it rolled into a bag that was about 24X20X48, easily storable in a small space. I had mine when I lived in an aprtment in San Diego.
Will see. I'm sure the boat is gonna work,the only thing that I'm worried about is that I won't be able to get close to ducks. I will try it if it works I will buy a good boat ,If I don't like it I will just keep mine for fun, it was only 45 bucks.
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"but they're good swimmers"
I feel like this is the line that every one uses when they do something dumb on water and pay for. I have floated small rivers and creek and like people have said it really isn't worth the time. You just don't produce like you think you would. I also did that out of an aluminium boat. I also do have experience with that exact same boat you asked about. My grandpa buys two every year for the grandkids. The first one is popped by Mid June then he has to get a second one to make it the rest of the season. I think also calling people "lame" for not wanting to risk their life on something they feel is unsafe is pretty ignorant. I don't think there is anything lame about people not wanting to risk their life about stuff they feel is unsafe.
Like I said in my first post I have hunted out of a float tube and a one man pontoon. Both I feel were safe for the situation I was using them for. I always hunted in shallow water and limited how long I would take a shot. I knew how far I could go to chase a cripple or to get a retrieve. I think most people have been in similar situation as you where your living in an apartment but wanting to hunt. I know I have. Check out this one of these boats from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Waterfowl-Boating-Blinds/Duck-Boats-Float-Tubes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104786280/sc/104310180/Classic-Accessories-Marshland-Hunter-Float-Tube/1341064.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fduck-boats-float-tubes%2F_%2FN-1100122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104310180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104786280&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104786280%3Bcat104310180 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Waterfowl-Boating-Blinds/Duck-Boats-Float-Tubes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104786280/sc/104310180/Classic-Accessories-Marshland-Hunter-Float-Tube/1341064.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fduck-boats-float-tubes%2F_%2FN-1100122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104310180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104786280&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104786280%3Bcat104310180)
They also sell a cheaper version of that too. Test the boats and know your limits. Winds pick up fast and ice will cut plastic quickly. I think most people weren't trying to say you can't do I think they had your best interest in mind. Nobody wants to hear about someone getting hurt. I wish you the best luck and I hope you have a great year hunting. Oh one more thing is that you might want see who is around you and maybe you can meet up with other duck hunters. My first full year of duck hunting I hunted with a guy who had a sweet boat :tup:
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"but they're good swimmers"
I feel like this is the line that every one uses when they do something dumb on water and pay for. I have floated small rivers and creek and like people have said it really isn't worth the time. You just don't produce like you think you would. I also did that out of an aluminium boat. I also do have experience with that exact same boat you asked about. My grandpa buys two every year for the grandkids. The first one is popped by Mid June then he has to get a second one to make it the rest of the season. I think also calling people "lame" for not wanting to risk their life on something they feel is unsafe is pretty ignorant. I don't think there is anything lame about people not wanting to risk their life about stuff they feel is unsafe.
Like I said in my first post I have hunted out of a float tube and a one man pontoon. Both I feel were safe for the situation I was using them for. I always hunted in shallow water and limited how long I would take a shot. I knew how far I could go to chase a cripple or to get a retrieve. I think most people have been in similar situation as you where your living in an apartment but wanting to hunt. I know I have. Check out this one of these boats from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Waterfowl-Boating-Blinds/Duck-Boats-Float-Tubes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104786280/sc/104310180/Classic-Accessories-Marshland-Hunter-Float-Tube/1341064.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fduck-boats-float-tubes%2F_%2FN-1100122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104310180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104786280&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104786280%3Bcat104310180 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Waterfowl-Boating-Blinds/Duck-Boats-Float-Tubes%7C/pc/104791680/c/104786280/sc/104310180/Classic-Accessories-Marshland-Hunter-Float-Tube/1341064.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fduck-boats-float-tubes%2F_%2FN-1100122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104310180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104786280&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104786280%3Bcat104310180)
They also sell a cheaper version of that too. Test the boats and know your limits. Winds pick up fast and ice will cut plastic quickly. I think most people weren't trying to say you can't do I think they had your best interest in mind. Nobody wants to hear about someone getting hurt. I wish you the best luck and I hope you have a great year hunting. Oh one more thing is that you might want see who is around you and maybe you can meet up with other duck hunters. My first full year of duck hunting I hunted with a guy who had a sweet boat :tup:
Thanks a lot. I will try to find someone who has a boat. Actually I'm not risking my life,I'm a good swimmer and I'll wear a life vest. I'm used to cold weather and can swim in cold water. Of course I don't wanna end up in cold water but If I do , it won't be a big deal.
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Actually I'm not risking my life,I'm a good swimmer and I'll wear a life vest. I'm used to cold weather and can swim in cold water. Of course I don't wanna end up in cold water but If I do , it won't be a big deal.
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Yes you are, and it could very well end up being a big deal, hypothermia will kill you.......
You will do as you wish regardless of what some people have said as noted by your responses to them. I suggest you try this raft, gear, clothes, etc before the season on some water bodies before the fall/winter weather to see how it feels etc, that way if it does not work out you may live to tell about it...
This is advise from someone who has seen the effects of hypothermia, drowning, stream/river undertows etc.... :twocents:
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It seemed like you were being sarcastic about me saying find a hunting buddy with a boat. Really it's good advice. It's more fun to hunt with someone than solo anyways. But I understand at 19 I didn't want to take advice or criticism either. I know you say your a great swimmer and that is awesome. I am sure you were runner up in the Olympics and swim all the time in freezing water but swimming with all your clothes and waders is a different beast all together. I know I am coming off as a jerk and sorry about that but I just feel like this thread was started out as looking for advice but wouldn't be listen to when provided. And honestly if you are ever in Eastern Washington I would take you out in my boat. I enjoy taking out new people and showing them the joys of water fowling.
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It seemed like you were being sarcastic about me saying find a hunting buddy with a boat. Really it's good advice. It's more fun to hunt with someone than solo anyways. But I understand at 19 I didn't want to take advice or criticism either. I know you say your a great swimmer and that is awesome. I am sure you were runner up in the Olympics and swim all the time in freezing water but swimming with all your clothes and waders is a different beast all together. I know I am coming off as a jerk and sorry about that but I just feel like this thread was started out as looking for advice but wouldn't be listen to when provided. And honestly if you are ever in Eastern Washington I would take you out in my boat. I enjoy taking out new people and showing them the joys of water fowling.
I wasn't sarcastic about finding a hunting buddy at all. Actually it was a good advice. I don't know why you thought I was being sarcastic about that.
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Yes you are, and it could very well end up being a big deal, hypothermia will kill you.......
You will do as you wish regardless of what some people have said as noted by your responses to them. I suggest you try this raft, gear, clothes, etc before the season on some water bodies before the fall/winter weather to see how it feels etc, that way if it does not work out you may live to tell about it...
This is advise from someone who has seen the effects of hypothermia, drowning, stream/river undertows etc.... :twocents:
I will try everything this summer ,then I will use it in fall and winter. I'm not fool to hunt with something without trying it before.
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Yes have used them. We use a two person kayak inflatable to set decoys kinda floppy half hang in out in the water. Kinda awkward if the wind is blowing but worked OK. Keep in mind this was a shallow pond, but too mucky to walk in so the raft was neccesary. Wouldn't want to hunt out of it but for transport or retrieving duck ok
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Yes have used them. We use a two person kayak inflatable to set decoys kinda floppy half hang in out in the water. Kinda awkward if the wind is blowing but worked OK. Keep in mind this was a shallow pond, but too mucky to walk in so the raft was neccesary. Wouldn't want to hunt out of it but for transport or retrieving duck ok
Thanks for the info!