Reckon I'm going to be a duck hunter
- Thread starter wayne
- Start date
Depends on what your hunting buddies have.
Don't skimp on waders, a good blind box/bag, and a decent headlamp. I don't spend to much on lights because I drop a couple every year. A place to go that will kill ducks is usually handy.
Don't skimp on waders, a good blind box/bag, and a decent headlamp. I don't spend to much on lights because I drop a couple every year. A place to go that will kill ducks is usually handy.
younggun308
Well-Known Member
Get some old decoys (no more than 3 dozen—one dozen is fine starting out), paint the hens black and white, and "Texas rig" them.
Waders, yes.
Blind bag and headlamps, yes.
From there it's just figuring out what else you need to stay warm. When it gets below 30 degrees, I use polyester sweat pants under my waders (along with polyester long johns), and a down puffy jacket over my base layer and hoodie (again, polyester).
I also like a muff for my hands.
Oh, and the single best thing I ever discovered were merino wool socks.
Waders, yes.
Blind bag and headlamps, yes.
From there it's just figuring out what else you need to stay warm. When it gets below 30 degrees, I use polyester sweat pants under my waders (along with polyester long johns), and a down puffy jacket over my base layer and hoodie (again, polyester).
I also like a muff for my hands.
Oh, and the single best thing I ever discovered were merino wool socks.
younggun308
Well-Known Member
As for steel shot, I like #4's for shots under 30 yards (timber, breaks, little wood duck holes). #2 the rest of the time—that's what I tend to load most of the time…it just kills them better.
Money…and lots of it.
Breathable waders for sure
Blind bag is small bag that holds a few boxes of shells, headlamp, I usually throw gloves and such In mine. Most hunts I could carry 10 shells and have plenty left over
Cabelas super mags used to be great for the $$ but i don't see them much anymore since BP bought them. I wouldn't recommend gator, banded, or drake in waders. For a new guy I'd probably recommend lacrosse.
Blind bags are just a sack you put all your junk in (ammo, calls, lighter, batteries, tape, etc). I prefer the plastic ammo cans that are waterproof. The ammo can provides more protection and stays drier than the bags I have seen, oh and you can sit on it if you need to! I have had the same one for 12 seasons and the seal has finally broken.
Blind bags are just a sack you put all your junk in (ammo, calls, lighter, batteries, tape, etc). I prefer the plastic ammo cans that are waterproof. The ammo can provides more protection and stays drier than the bags I have seen, oh and you can sit on it if you need to! I have had the same one for 12 seasons and the seal has finally broken.
MickThompson
Well-Known Member
What kind of duck hunting will you be doing? If you're hunting from a deep water blind, waders are pretty useless. If you're standing in the water, make sure to bring a hook or strap to hang your bag on
All I know is that the blind is an old pontoon boat and it will be located at Woods Reservoir.
Dodge Man
Well-Known Member
I would suggest Frogg Togg waders myself. I have owned a few pairs of them and I don't mess with other brands.
Check out Rodgers Sporting goods. They are running some good sales on waterfowl supplies and ammunition.
https://rogerssportinggoods.com/?tr...rting+Goods&utm_campaign=Sunday+June+11,+2023
Hymie3
Well-Known Member
Run away!!! Don't look back. Save yourself your retirement money hah.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Try to buy your stuff now instead of fall. A lot of waders are on sale now. It will be more money then. And try waders on before ordering off the internet.
Pattern your gun with steel shot.
If your group doesn't have a heater a small propane heater can make a miserable day bearable.
After watching some YouTube videos, I've learned that Rogers branded waders are actually made by FroggTogg's.
Dodge Man
Well-Known Member
They are but if you watch for sale the price is not much different.
I am one season into a pair of breathable Rogers waders. They have been good so far.
Oh, it's just money.lol
TNGunsmoke
Well-Known Member
If you're going to be in a floating blind, warm bibs and knee boots will be fine. And hand warmers are on clearance right now so grab a couple packs. Stick em in a pocket of your coat to warm your hands, stick em in pants pocket if needed. A buddy heater is great to have if there isn't a heater in the blind or not. Also good in a deer blind on a cold morning. A good pair of polarized sunglasses for those bright days. And don't overlook taking snacks with you and a thermos of coffee.
Yep, don't trust the "floating" part of a floating blind bag.
MickThompson
Well-Known Member
Just means the bag will roll over underwater, dump all your stuff, then float back to the surface
Tweeter
Well-Known Member
Welcome to the dark side!!!!
Waders, decent wader pants, waterproof jacket, floating gun bag, blind bag, steel shot
Drake is having a sale right now
Waders, decent wader pants, waterproof jacket, floating gun bag, blind bag, steel shot
Drake is having a sale right now
Tweeter
Well-Known Member
I have the elites and like em
Extras---extra gloves, socks, hat, sunglasses etc. The day that it's pouring rain or you fall in at the ramp will not be ruined because you are prepared. And yes, this is a good time to buy sale items. You'll save $$ buying 6 months in advance, and be able to find things now that you won't a couple weeks before season begins. Learn from the old guys and enjoy.
I use Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 2.0 and have really liked them. I believe the Rogers are the same waders as well. My normal setup is long johns, sweat pants and sweatshirt over top, waders, and a puffy jacket. I always take two pairs of gloves, one pair that are tall, waterproof, and another set that are smaller for normal activities. Merino wool socks are worth the money also. Gore Tex or Windproof is awesome as well.
dsa5455
Well-Known Member
I only went a few times as a guest but cooking breakfast was a big thing to those guys. Also, a neck full of different calls and how to properly use them. I never seemed to get the gruntle part down. So lots of practice.
A place with Ducks you can shoot.
I started with a shotgun/ #5 lead, a burlap bag with 1 dz flambeau waterkeels,a Lohman call and a pair of green rubber chestwaders so it don't take a mountain of stuff but the most important thing of course is somewhere to hunt.
