Duck Hunting Newbie -- Need tips

Craig67

Craig67

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Montreal , QC.
I'll be duck hunting for the first time this year . Need some tips on gear and tactics .

I plan on hunting from a shore blind over decoys and want to keep my shots to around 30yds max.
I'll be with my brother who has duck hunted before . I have already been picking his brain for info .

I have :

Rem. 870 Express Mag ( 3" ) with 28" barrel , mod choke .
1 doz Carrylite Mallard decoys ( line and anchors )
Camo Jacket , hat and gloves .
Camo face paint
Waders

Will be adding :

some camnet or camo burlap for a blind
A duck call

Am I forgeting any thing ? BTW funds are short , lets keep it basic and cheap if possible .

Need ammo advice . What shot size would be best considering my planned hunting style / choke / range ?

Any tips I should know ?

Thanks ,

Craig
 
Sounds to me like you have the basics, all your missing is the dog :mrgreen: . Pick up some #3 steel shot. If you have a chance go and pattern your gun, before the hunt. You will see which choke works best with the ammo that you are using. When setting up your decoys set them up in groups of two or three and leave a nice hole in front of you( 15-20yds) for the ducks to land.

Be patient, don't move until the last minute and don't rush your shot.
Have fun, be safe, and let us know how you made out.
 
I assume you'll be able to wade out to retrieve the ducks yourself. Otherwise, you're pretty much good to go. #2 steel kills ducks great, #4 also when they're locked into the decoys. 2 boxes should be more than enough. At decoy range, use IC (maybe Mod if they're hanging out there), but leave the Full choke at home. I use Cylinder bore myself and #2 over decoys. DON'T move your head up down backwards forwards sideways round - move it slowly, do most of the scanning with your eyes. Ear plugs, eye protection. License, right. Coffee and snacks. Little flashlight to help in the early morning dark.

Be patient, don't go blasting at everything in sight, wait until the birds come into the decoys. They may circle a time or two, but sit tight and resist the temptation to look at them all the time while they're checking you out. You only need to look towards the decoys, as that's where they'll be when they're close enough to shoot.

If you don't know what you're doing with the duck call, leave it at home. If you see ducks way off in the distance, flap your arms every few seconds to get their attention (they'll think the movement is landing ducks).

And if a duck somehow sneaks into the decoys while you're not looking, let him be. You've just added a REAL LIVE DUCK into your spread - what could be more realistic? Take advantage of it and see if more will follow.

Good luck, and let us know how you did. Try to shoot the ducks that taste good.

Grouse Man
 
Make sure that you know your duck's and what is in season. Bird identification was the pits for me in the conservation course!! :!: :!:
 
Rule #1 when hunting ducks over water is to set your dekes where the ducks want to be. Setting puddler decoys in deep water is a waste of time, (As is setting diver blocks in tiny little potholes.)

When hunting puddlers make sure your blind covers you from birds working overhead. With divers this is less critical as they usually come right in and seldom circle like a puddler will.

Set a lone decoys out about 35 yards in front of your blind to use as a range marker. Any birds working between you and the deke will be in range.

Use any shot size you want as long as it is #3 steel! ;) LoL High velocity loadings are better than standard even if you have to give up 1/8 oz of payload.

Slip a few steel BBs or BBBs in you pocket if goose season is open. The damn things alway show up when you don't expect them to.

If you don't know how to call leave yours in your pocket. Out hunting is not the place to try and learn how to use one. The nearest city park or beach is the ideal spot to see how duck respond to your calling.

Don't set up too close to another hunter if he is there first. Give yourself a good 300 yards separation and don't take any "Hail-Mary" shots at birds just out of your range that may be working his spread.

When shooting remember to follow through on your swings and keep your head down on the stock. Short-swinging and guys raising their heads at the last second cause most misses.

Yes it is possible to lead a bird too much .............

Finally go back and read rule #1. Igf you are not set up in a spot the ducks want to be you are only out in the marsh doing a bit of armed bird-watching! ;) LoL

Good luck!
 
Rules...

(1) Don't move until you HAVE to!!!
(2) Shoot when the ducks are INSIDE 30 meters!!!
(3) Use steel shot size #4, three inch GOING 1550 feet per second!!! There is NO SUBSTITUTE for fast steel, it kills just as effective as lead as it is so FAST!!!
(4) Use a improved choke, with steel it will pattern like a modified and will be plenty if you keep your shots inside 40 meters at MAX...
(5) If a wounded duck hits the water and "rights" itself, IMMEDIATELY blast it again, otherwise it's gonna dive and likely disappear!!!

Have FUN!!!
Cheers
Jay
 
Craig67,

The boys are giving you great advice here. But I strongly urge you to pattern your gun. I used to shoot my Beretta with an Improved choke. This worked fine with 11/8oz #3 steel ( winchester factory loads 1300fps).
I have been reloading my own steel shot for 4 years now. I use 1oz #3 steel 1400fps. The ducks drop like flies( when I do my part) This load works great up to about 40yds but I need a FULL choke for it to pattern well. I tried patterning it with Improved cyl. choke and the pattern is just too open. Go figure.
Take the time to pattern your gun. it will only take you 5 minutes. Each gun will pattern differently.
 
Thanks for the tips !!!

I will scratch the call off my list for this year , don't want to scare them away :lol:

I will make it a point to pattern my gun asap .

Thanks again ,

Craig
 
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