Duck Hunting Considerations
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over some duck hunting considerations. This blog is essentially going to serve as an introduction to duck hunting while delving into many important considerations. We are going to cover things such as proper bird identification, the importance of knowing your equipment, optimal gear to bring, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about some duck hunting considerations.
Know Your Birds
First and foremost, one should be sure of the game they are pursuing and ultimately know their birds. There are many birds which can be mistaken from ducks, especially in the heat of the moment in the field. Shooting the wrong bird is often illegal and is generally met with consequences. It is not uncommon for hunters to potentially mistake birds such as grebes, cormorants, and herons for ducks in the field. Simply put, one should be sure that they properly identify and know their birds, especially when in the field. Doing so will ensure an optimal hunt and allow one to avoid potential legal consequences.
Select the Right Firearm
As with most use cases, it is important to select the right firearm. Certain use cases require specific types of firearms. Duck hunting, like nearly all bird hunting applications, should be done with a shotgun in either
12 gauge or
20 gauge. Various types of shotguns such as pump action, double barrel, and semi-automatic shotguns are viable for this type of hunting. Of course, many hunters nowadays prefer semi-automatic shotguns as they allow for quick follow-up shots.
Choose Appropriate Ammo
In addition to selecting the right firearm, one should also choose appropriate
ammo for the game they are pursuing. For duck hunting, one will be well-served by the purpose-built waterfowl loadings on the market. These loadings can be found in various shot sizes like #4, #3, #2, #1 and BB sizes. Shotshells in 2.75,” 3,” and 3.5” varieties are viable for this use case and in these types of loadings. These loadings possess appropriate velocities and shot sizes for ethical duck hunting. Loadings of these types, especially when paired with the proper chokes, are conducive to producing desirable patterns and quick kills.
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Lead-Free Ammo is a Must
When duck hunting or pursuing any other waterfowl lead-free
ammo is a must. There are federal regulations which bar the use of lead
ammunition when hunting game of this type. The ban was put into effect in 1991 due to concerns of waterfowl ingesting lead shot in their wetland habitats. These regulations can be complied with by employing loadings which implement non-lead shot. Alternative materials include steel, tungsten, and copper.
Know Your Gun
As with any type of shooting or hunting, it is important to know your gun. This includes everything from being aware of how it works, how it shoots, and how to properly employ it. Before going into the field, one should practice with their shotgun and build familiarity with their firearm. One does not want to be shooting their shotgun for the first time in the middle of a duck hunt. Simply put, for an optimal hunt one should be familiar with their firearm and its operation prior to getting into the field.
Important Gear for Duck Hunting
Of course, there is the matter of important gear for duck hunting that is worth considering. There are many pieces of gear and equipment which can aid in ensuring an optimal and ethical duck hunt.
- Shotgun + Ammunition – One will certainly need an appropriate firearm and ammunition for a duck hunt.
- Calls/Whistle – Important for attracting ducks to your location.
- Waders – These will keep you dry and provide traction when in water.
- Decoys – Like calls, decoys will aid in attracting ducks to your location. It is good to employ multiple decoys in a fair spread to maximize their effectiveness.
- Warm Clothes – Articles of clothing like gloves, hats, and jackets are helpful for keeping warm. This is especially important when considering the season, times, and locations duck hunting occurs.
- A Comfortable Stool – If applicable, a comfortable stool is important if one is not in the water. Duck hunting is mainly stationary, meaning that a comfortable stool is appreciable in the field.
- Illumination – Having some form of illumination is important. Headlamps and other types of flashlights are invaluable tools in the field. Red lights which emit low light levels are especially useful in the early hours of the day during a hunt.
- Food/Water – Of course, provisions such as food and water are always important to have in the field.
- Bag – A backpack is a great piece of equipment which allows for the efficient storage of equipment and gear.
Bird Dog Considerations
A trained dog can be an excellent companion on a hunt. Dogs have accompanied hunters in the field for countless generations across time, a fact which continues to be true when duck hunting. A trained hunting dog is capable of retrieving kills and bringing them back to a hunter, making for an efficient way to recover game. It is important to ensure that a dog used for hunting is properly trained for this role and is acclimated to things such as gunshots. Bringing an improperly trained dog can be a liability which can disrupt a hunt and even lead to harm to the animal. For an optimal and ethical hunt, one should ensure that their hunting dog is trained and ready for the hunt.
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Know Your Regs
Of course, as with any type of hunting, you should absolutely know your regs. Regulations can vary from place to place, meaning that hunters will need to be aware of local, regional, state, and even federal regs at times. These regs outline rules and procedures for various aspects of hunting. Regs can influence hunting times, limits on species, gender of game, areas one can hunt in, and of course, hunting seasons. Additionally, regs can outline rules for hunting which restrict hunting practices,
ammunition capacity,
ammo usage, and other activities. If one runs afoul of regulations, they can be subject to legal consequences. Regulations are subject to change, meaning one should keep a close eye on them if they are interested in hunting. Bottom line, know your regs and follow them to stay out of trouble and ensure an ethical hunt.
Be Adaptable
Duck hunting has the potential to be quite dynamic, meaning it is important for hunters to be adaptable. Over the course of the early and late hunting season, hunters may need to adjust their tactics. Generally speaking, the early season tends to have easy hunting as game is not prepared for sudden hunting. Late season game is typically more wary than early season game, meaning that some adaptability may be required. More wary game may not be as keen to come running at every call or be attracted by decoys. Adjustments to decoys, using less calls, using different calls and whistles, and placement of blinds are among the things one may need to adjust. Of course, weather may also prompt change and force hunters to adapt as water conditions may change and previous hunting areas may be inaccessible.
Conclusion
All in all, these are some of the important things one should consider if they intend on going duck hunting. By keeping these considerations in mind and employing ethical hunting practices, one is likely to have an optimal and fulfilling hunt. We here at True Shot Ammo may not carry firearms and a wide range of hunting goods, we have a wide inventory of
ammo for sale in addition to a few calls. Whether you want to
buy bulk ammo, some
Stone Cold Custom Calls, or any of the other
ammunition we sell, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
