What, Where, When Duck Hunting
Your friends have been trying to encourage you to take up duck hunting, but you do not know where to start. This is no problem. Thanks to the internet, there are lots of tips and ideas for getting started. There is no need to make a huge investment right away, as you can simply grab your gun and start small.
What:
What you can hunt will depend upon local regulations. Check these carefully for indications that certain species are protected so that you are not hit with a big fine. You will also need a license to hunt ducks in your preferred area. Some favorite species of waterfowl among hunters are:
-mallards
-wood ducks
-ruddy ducks
Where:
Ducks will land in any bit of water that is not frozen and is big enough to support them for a little while. This could be a
-pond forming in your back yard where your skating rink was a few weeks ago
-a big puddle on a field
-a drainage ditch
Get low, or get cover, and give it a shot €" literally.
When you have caught the bug, progress to big bodies of water where there is more selection of birds, both in terms of numbers and species.
If you want to track and shoot birds in an unfamiliar area or a foreign country, consider hiring a guide who will show you
-where the ducks are
-where and how to hide effectively
-the best methods for hunting particular species at certain times of day
Prepare to follow the birds rather than trying to lure them to where you are.
When:
If you can handle a bit of rain and wind, ducks like the wet and will hang around when humans tend to leave. There is a good chance you will have them to yourself if the day is drizzly and chilly. You will find ducks in your area as soon as the ice melts. Timing, however, may be regulated. Again, check local regulations to be sure you are doing your thing within bounds.
How:
You will be using a gun, of course, but you also need:
-decoys €" though there is no guarantee that ducks will buy the ruse
-bird calls that will also help to get their attention
-patience and quiet €" turn off your engine and be prepared to wait it out
If you need to know more about this topic, there are two good routes to take. One is to scan the internet for forums where other hunters post their experiences and advice for free (or you could subscribe to their site and get even more information). The other is to subscribe to a duck hunting magazine which will arrive in your mailbox in time for you to take advantage of seasonal changes in waterfowl movement.
What:
What you can hunt will depend upon local regulations. Check these carefully for indications that certain species are protected so that you are not hit with a big fine. You will also need a license to hunt ducks in your preferred area. Some favorite species of waterfowl among hunters are:
-mallards
-wood ducks
-ruddy ducks
Where:
Ducks will land in any bit of water that is not frozen and is big enough to support them for a little while. This could be a
-pond forming in your back yard where your skating rink was a few weeks ago
-a big puddle on a field
-a drainage ditch
Get low, or get cover, and give it a shot €" literally.
When you have caught the bug, progress to big bodies of water where there is more selection of birds, both in terms of numbers and species.
If you want to track and shoot birds in an unfamiliar area or a foreign country, consider hiring a guide who will show you
-where the ducks are
-where and how to hide effectively
-the best methods for hunting particular species at certain times of day
Prepare to follow the birds rather than trying to lure them to where you are.
When:
If you can handle a bit of rain and wind, ducks like the wet and will hang around when humans tend to leave. There is a good chance you will have them to yourself if the day is drizzly and chilly. You will find ducks in your area as soon as the ice melts. Timing, however, may be regulated. Again, check local regulations to be sure you are doing your thing within bounds.
How:
You will be using a gun, of course, but you also need:
-decoys €" though there is no guarantee that ducks will buy the ruse
-bird calls that will also help to get their attention
-patience and quiet €" turn off your engine and be prepared to wait it out
If you need to know more about this topic, there are two good routes to take. One is to scan the internet for forums where other hunters post their experiences and advice for free (or you could subscribe to their site and get even more information). The other is to subscribe to a duck hunting magazine which will arrive in your mailbox in time for you to take advantage of seasonal changes in waterfowl movement.
Source...