by C. William White

Created on: March 23, 2010

Waterfowling is an exciting sport, with two or more hunters camouflaging themselves and their retrieving dog while waiting for the beat of wings over their decoy spread.  While the camaraderie of the hunt is a big selling point, here are some tips to make the venture a success.

Dogs

A steady dog is an asset to the hunter as he will not scare away incoming birds with movement.  Train your retriever to work from a distance.   This can be accomplished in the preseason by placing the dog in a sitting position and moving several yards away from him, then throwing a retrieving bumper.  Gradually increase your distance and the time before the retrieve command is given.  This distance during the duck hunt may give the dog better visibility and make for more quality retrieves.

Decoys

Mallards generally become wary of the standard decoy spread late in the season.  If canvasback ducks frequent your area late in the season, canvasback diving decoys can be employed in your decoy spread.  Place a spread of two or three dozen in range of your shooting position and surround them with a dozen geese or swan decoys.  Passing mallards will notice the white decoys from afar and come in to investigate without fear.

Duck Calling

When mallards shy away from the traditional hen calls, it is time to work a drake call.  Mallard drakes are more active and vocal early in the season, so this simulates nature.  This type of call works well early on and can also be used on warm, still days.

After a flock of ducks have spotted your decoys and begin to angle in on their own, call them once.  This should be when they make their downwind swing.  In nature, birds that are on the water do not call much when they see a new group approaching.  A quick burst of hen call should be enough to bring them into your spread.

Blind Placement

Don’t stick to one spot-employ a “move and shoot” strategy that will allow you take advantage of changes in the weather, wind, and other conditions.  This may call for you to use a small boat, waders, and a few backpacks full of decoys to implement this plan.  Go to where the ducks want to land; “homesteading” in one spot all day can make for a frustrating day in the field.

Freshen your blind’s camouflage before the beginning of the season.  On a duck boat, repaint any scuffed or shiny parts that occurred during the last season.  For hunters who use a blind, be sure to use local vegetation for camouflage when you get on site.

These are just a few quick tips for increasing your waterfowling success.  Make sure your gun is operational, and get to know other waterfowlers in your area before the season begins.  Joining a local Ducks Unlimited chapter is one way of doing this.  Armed with local advice and practical skills, you should be on your way to a successful season.

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