5 Duck Hunting Tips for Beginners
Duck hunting is an exciting and amazing experience, and not many things compare to adding a new bird to your trophy collection. But for your duck hunt to be as fun and successful as you want it to be, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out.
Once you get a handle on things and successfully shoot a duck or two, you’ll feel more confident and better equipped to start enjoying the hunt. So, if you’re new to the duck hunting arena and you want to jump-start your new, exciting hobby, check out our tips that will help you on your way to becoming a true duck whisperer. Enjoy!
Make Sure to Keep Safe
Safety should be your top priority at all times. This means that you ought to have proper training before you’re ready to go on the hunt. It’s a good idea to take some adequate courses, and don’t forget to go to the shooting range as many times as possible.
You’ll need to know how to use the necessary firearms, as that’s the only way you and everyone around you will be safe. Accidents can happen, so it’s important to take every precaution to prevent any incidents from occurring. Make sure to use the best equipment you can afford and practice with your gun until you are confident in your abilities.
Do Your Research
Unsurprisingly, hunting ducks requires preparation. You need to find out where exactly you will go and develop a timeline that will help you stay organized. Waterfowl hunting tactics for beginners, it’s always best to start at public lands before you truly feel ready to go off on your own. Or even better, hop on a guided duck hunting tour for the safest and most exciting experience.
It’s also of the utmost importance to research and follow the duck hunting laws and regulations of the state where you’re hunting so that you can have a worry-free experience when you venture out into the field. And if you join a guided tour, that’s another thing you won’t have to worry about.
Wear the Right Apparel
Camo is a must – you don’t want the ducks to see you. Also, make sure to wear something waterproof, breathable, and made from lightweight material. Additionally, it is advisable to invest in hats, sunglasses, and gloves.
Hats and sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight, which will make you more comfortable out in the water. And gloves will be highly useful in protecting your hands from the sharp feathers on the ducks’ bodies.
Master the Duck Calls
You want to learn how to call, but without overdoing it. This means that you shouldn’t try to master every single duck noise at once. Instead, take it step by step and try to find out what works for the area where you’ve decided to hunt.
And don’t forget – mistakes can happen. Even the best duck callers can sometimes accidentally ward off flocks. To make sure that doesn’t happen, stick to the call that you know best, know when to call, and don’t do it too much. Practice makes perfect!
Stay Vigilant and Cut Out the Noise
Finally, it’s important to always remain vigilant as the ducks pass. They tend to congregate in large groups, so stay aware of them. Another great thing you can do is set decoys in the areas that you plan to hunt.
Find the right decoy that you can simply adjust to different water depths when needed and make as little noise as possible. That means if you’re bringing a dog with you, make sure that it’s trained to stay quiet on cue. Too much noise and loud conversations can easily ruin a hunt.
Final Thoughts
Following these simple tips will, without a doubt, help make your duck hunting experience go according to plan. But if you’re still unsure about venturing out on your own, that’s okay! Turn to our Flooded Timber duck hunting outfitters, and we’ll make it a memorable, educational, and most importantly – a fun experience for everyone involved.
We’ll help you find the right equipment and supplies, and you’ll get the best of the best in Tennessee and wider. Get in touch to book your next hunting trip and see for yourself why we continue to be the #1 choice of flooded timber duck hunting guides!
