Kayak hunting

[MDR]

A while back I went looking for a hunting/fishing kayak. I settled on a used Hobie Adventure. This kayak has the unique ability to be pedaled with a motion similar to climbing stairs, this movement then powers two fins beneath the hull which provide forward thrust.

I've had the kayak for a while now and it has opened up some hard to get to fishing spots as well as some decent waterfowl hunting.

When waterfowl opened I had outfitted the boat with a homemade blind to cover my leg movement and some burlap to disguise the red colour of the boat, this helped significantly when it came to jump shooting some birds. There is nothing like the panic of a flock taking off the water after realizing you had crept to within 15 yards of them. I find ducks to be easier to creep in on whereas geese are much more prone to spooking long before I come into range. I'll probably continue to jump the ducks and will buy some decoys to go after the geese.

Figured I'd share some of my adventures in the kayak with the rest of you.

It was a tough day on the lake:

After six hours on the water I ended up with a limit of ducks and one goose (buggers sure are tough):

Before you knock jump shooting birds, calling it unsporting or too easy.....give it a try and then get back to me.

 

[bWONGER]

Thanks for sharing! Kayak hunting is something I've always wanted to try out

 

[Codyg14]

Looking good

 

[Winchested]

Awesome man!

 

[atr]

Good stuff .

 

[Londonshooter]

Like your method - it is different but no less sporting than sitting in a blind behind dekes. As the season progresses the ducks will become a lot more wary. I particularly like paddling creeks for jump shooting ducks.
If there is a good wind blowing parallel to shore I have had success cutting off geese in a bay by canoe from upwind. They will want to rise toward you into the wind to get lift and this can put them right past you within range.

 

[emerson]

I've wanted to do this too. Glad to hear it works.

 

[M12shooter]

Who says jump shooting ducks is unsporting? Just another way to hunt ducks. I enjoyed many warm fall afternoons quietly slogging through cattail sloughs and bullrush jump shooting mallards. Some of the biggest red legged mallards I've ever shot were spooked while dozing in the sun. Open choke and back in the day #6 lead shot was the ticket. Congrats on your accomplishment!

 

[MDR]

Thanks for all the positive comments, some past threads I've read through have seen some comments that led me to believe going after them by boat would be looked down on. Have to say I am happy there has been such a positive response to my method.

I honestly enjoy this way more than hunting from a blind as I get to see more of the area and get some fishing in at the same time. Also pedaling keeps me from falling asleep when the birds aren't showing up.

Folks up here seem to focus on big game rather than waterfowl which suits me fine until I decide to chase some big critters, fairly certain I was the only person out on the lake that day!

 

[genghis99]

That looks great! I have four kayaks that I and my family use for fishing but looks like I'll be planning a trip out like you did!

Congratulations and great hunting!!

 

[kodiakjack]

How's it steer?

 

[kodiakjack]

Do you use it for hunting and fishing exclusively? If it were me, I'd pick up some of that fusion(?) spray paint that sticks to plastic in brown green and black and give it a homemade camo job. I'd leave the bottom red though. Something for the searchers to find when I don't make it home for supper...

 

[boxhitch]

Considered doing something similar, have a two-up Wilderness Systems.
Thought of maybe using Mylar on some pvc frame for a disguise in open water. Would reflect water and sky and clouds , on a good day would reflect birds and work for decoying
okay....... maybe thats a stretch......

Looking at using a battery weed whacker as a motor too )

 

[MDR]

How's it steer?

There is a rudder controlled by a lever just in front of the seat on the left. Very convenient.

Do you use it for hunting and fishing exclusively? If it were me, I'd pick up some of that fusion(?) spray paint that sticks to plastic in brown green and black and give it a homemade camo job. I'd leave the bottom red though. Something for the searchers to find when I don't make it home for supper...

Hunting and fishing 90% of the time. Looking at getting some paint for next season but most I read about will chip or flake off when the plastic flexes.

 

[kodiakjack]

I used the fusion stuff on a plastic golf cart. Held up pretty good.

 

[PEKS]

Great Hunting!!

 

[j_06]

There is a rudder controlled by a lever just in front of the seat on the left. Very convenient.



Hunting and fishing 90% of the time. Looking at getting some paint for next season but most I read about will chip or flake off when the plastic flexes.

May be a good application for plasti dip. Will have to drag my kayak out for some ducks, never really got in to duck hunting as I thought one needed decoys and all that. Looks alike a good time.