Kids Outdoor Outpost – February 2022

My First Duck Hunt

I typically enjoy providing information to readers from a perspective of some level of experience. Deer and turkey hunting, trout fishing, camping and hiking are all things that I have shared with my sons and friends. My son Jared has accumulated a wealth of knowledge from these same pursuits with me but has also added an abundance of experience on his own. He’s taken a Colorado elk on public land with his bow, two public-land turkeys in two different states on back-to-back days, caught trophy-sized fish and hosted wounded veterans on waterfowl hunts. Apparently, he wanted to bring me and his two brothers into the world of duck hunting; a pursuit that we have never taken on. So near the end of January, we did. 

I am far from an expert, so don’t expect me to tell you how to duck hunter. However, I can tell you about my first duck hunt and the preparations I made so that it helps you with your first time in the water. 

I would say that investing in a pair of quality waders needs to be high on the list. Wet and cold is no way to spend any time in the field, much less the water. Buy the best that you can afford. Gloves, neck gaiter, knit cap and hand warmers should also be included on the must-bring list. If you’re cold, it’s going to be tough to stay out long. 

Semi-automatic 12-gauge shotguns are popular duck guns. Shells must be steel pellets, no lead shot is allowed for waterfowl. If you haven’t bought shells in awhile, there will be some sticker shock. If and when you can find them, they’ll be around $18 per box. We brought about two boxes per hunter. 

Jared has been waterfowl hunting since he was a teen and has developed some pretty good calling techniques. We let him do the calling.

Hunters get hungry, and we sure did. We dined on burnt bottom biscuits and could not have cared less. Staying warm was more important. 

Our blind was not set up in the best direction. Ducks will come in “cupping” (wing movement to slow down their flight) into the wind. Ideally this would have them in front of you, however, we had a north wind and they were dropping in over our heads and then in front of us. Nonetheless, we all took several birds.

The new hunting experience converted me and my other two sons. We immediately started talking about adding new gear, guns and our next duck hunt together. Duck hunting is a very unique experience and one that I highly suggest you undertake with well-experienced duck hunters for your initial hunts. There sure is a lot to learn!