Getting Into Duck Hunting........

[calebw]

Alright guys, I am trying to get into duck hunting. I have deer and rabbit hunted for quite some time but now I would like to learn the art of duck hunting. Here is the run down: I am a member of a hunting club in halifax county where we have 7000 acres. Most of the hunting we do is deer hunting but we have several beaver swamps and one large creek on our lease. There is one duck blind on the largest beaver swamp. Now to get into this what gear do I need to purchase. Waders, decoys, calls, gun chokes?

[Glenn W]

There are some very fine Mallard swamps along the Roanoke River in Halifax--- Woodies of course and some
Teal and Gadwalls from time to time ( used to hunt the area as a guest years ago). As far as gear--- Most of us like the neoprene waders. You can't go wrong with the Cabela's brand. Chokes--- only need one--- Improved Cylinder. Shells--- I like Kent faststeel ( the 1500fps ones) in #2's. The new Fedeal Black Clouds are a good shell in #3, but pricey. I see no need for the ridiculously expensive exotic materials (hevishot, bismouth, etc.)
Don't forget your Federal Duck Stamp (get at post office), NC duck permit and "hip #. Leave the calls at home this season and practice for next year--- trust me on this. For decoys in a Swamp, most anything will do. 6 or 8 are more than enough--- the Avery Greenhead Gear economy Mallards will work as good as any.--- that's it--- go hunting.

[PurpleGold]

If you buy waders make sure to get the "brush tuff" or whatever they are called. They basically have a more durable surface that resists tears and punctures. If you go straight neoprene without the extra resistance you will be buying a new pair every year. I like the LaCrosse waders the best.

[netman9]

Not much to add here... When looking at waders pick out the brightest pattern possible, not sure of the exact but Cabela's has a great one. The darker ones tend to turn into a single dark mass with any distance. Will agree that speed kills with steel shot, Win. Expert or Kent Faststeel not bad on the $$.

*Ducks are important* Go where the ducks are, don't try to bring the ducks to you. If you see them pitching in, be mobile and make a move (this is where the light camo comes in and you are not in a blind). My cousin in Texas said it best with find a clump of grass and make love to it!

[Glenn W]

When looking at waders pick out the brightest pattern possible, not sure of the exact but Cabela's has a great one. The darker ones tend to turn into a single dark mass with any distance. *Ducks are important* Go where the ducks are, don't try to bring the ducks to you. If you see them pitching in, be mobile and make a move (this is where the light camo comes in and you are not in a blind).

Two very good points of advice

[TunaTeaser1]

What hunt club are you in?

I do agree with go where the ducks are but disagree with the statement about camo. I tend to like the darker stuff as it tends to be more versatile for hunting this area. I hunt halifax and edgecombe county quite a bit and there isn't to much grass around in the swamps I've been to at least.

Don't really need the calls at all as you'll be killing mostly woodies, though it can be very useful on those single mallards you see wandering around. Haven't killed any gadwalls in my area yet (I wish)- we see mostly woodies, mallards, teal, ring necks, mergansers and geese.

Agree with the decoys...no need to take more than you want to carry. We usually carry anywhere from 6-12 depending on where we're going, but we almost always take a mojo.

[calebw]

I am in Brinkleyville hunt club, its right in between rocky mount and Roanoke rapids, we are 15 miles from enfield if you happen to know where that is.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'm leaning toward a 3mm cabelas neostretch waders, in mossy oak duck blind. Alright I shoot a remington 870 synthetic supermag 3.5 inch. Now should I shoot the 3.5 shells or 3" shells, should I change my shot from #2 to something else if I bump up to 3.5".

Ok this may be a dumb question but rigging decoys is done how. Do you tie some cord to weight and throw them out or something totally different?

[Going Deep]

This is what I prefer for rigging


http://www.txwaterfowler.com/html_pa...xas_rigged.htm

Makes picking them up a breeze

[TunaTeaser1]

I hunt right around enfield and Whitakers. Spend some time at Stillwater gun club off Ringwood road. I normally shoot #3 or #4 shot for around this area. 3" is fine, if you want to spend more money, then go with the 3.5"

[calebw]

This is what I prefer for rigging


http://www.txwaterfowler.com/html_pa...xas_rigged.htm

Makes picking them up a breeze

The link doesn't work....