This year will be my first year duckhunting. I'll most likely be doing it on Still house and Belton lakes.

i have a little bass hunter boat and I'm about to start picking up supplies. I didn't know what to start with.

Academy has packs of a dozen drakes and hens for a decent price. I didn't know if I needed to start with more than that or if a dozen will be good. Also I assume since i'll be in a little bass hunter i need to get camo netting. for the boat.

i haven't even started scouting out anything yet and i know that will be the hard work more than anything.

sounds like you'll need Barney repellent and a turbo hail call.

[This message has been edited by c-jags (edited 4/14/2010 8:20a).]

So what you mean is you're a jackass?

Thanks and Noted.

spend a little money and dont by the academy brand decoys they dont last go and get some decent decoys. Also if your gonna call next year start learning now and not the morning before you go out.

Don't do it! It will consume your thoughts. You will spend your money. You will lose sleep and get a dog.

To tell you the truth I'd stay away from the academy brand decoys, they're just going to give out and look like crude sooner rather than later. Check craigslist for decoys, you can usually find better quality albeit used there. As far as numbers go I would think a good mixed bag of no more than 18 would be fine. If you're trying to keep the numbers low stay with bigger blocks. Also you might think about giving the birds something different to look at every yahoo out there is going to throw mallards, maybe liven your spread with gadwall, widgeon, even spoonies, the more white the more noticeable. Are you hunting out of your boat? If you could I would try to find cover to hunt from first, if not then yes you need to find something to cover it, preferably something that will blend as best as possible, the best approach is usually brush with what is there. When we hunt the coast we usually just park the boat a reasonable distance down and hunt from layouts or as tucked up in the brush as we can get.

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spend a little money and dont by the academy brand decoys they dont last go and get some decent decoys. Also if your gonna call next year start learning now and not the morning before you go out.

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This.

For that matter, if you have a good place to go, invite me and I'll bring the decoys.

Gracias. While I love academy obviously they don't always have the best stuff.

Do I need to look at cabela's or something online?

I will have to do some scouting for cover. The guys over at txhuntingforum had a thread already discussing their preference of not helping new hunters with finding spots or naming specific lakes. Understandable but makes it hard for a new guy to break it in.

Is there a recommended duck call? Obviously practice makes perfect.

You already named two lakes. Go scout them and don't put their names up on an internet board after you have a picture with a bunch of ducks. That's how you will lose friends.

To add on to that;

You will find that you other hunters are more than willing to help out with advice on calls, calling, decoys, decoy spreads, camo, gear, face paint, teal tags, guns, loads, whatever when you go looking for information online. But do not go looking for spots online. Do not name lakes, do not name coves, rivers, wma's any of that. All of that information is out there for the public to find. It takes a little work but public access areas around the state can be found.
I was like you, I grew up deer hunting and got the duck hunting bug a few years ago after going to college. I spent a lot of time on the site you mentioned, the refuge forums, read a lot of books and asked a lot of questions because I was thirsty for information and knowledge. No shame in that, we all have to start sometime. But just forewarning you Duck Hunters are a particularly defensive crowd when it comes to lake naming. Once you get in the game you start to see why.

when scouting

http://www.1atexasduckhunting.com/duckfood.htm

A good place to look for decoys is Macks prarie wings, mackspw.com, cabelas is just as good. Calls are as varried as hunters, I like RNT calls, but you might just as well like Echo or any other number of call makers. You can go as expensive or inexpensive as you like, if your new to calling go with an inexpensive double reed, and figure out what you like. It's an awesome sport, get ready to ge addicted.

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I was like you, I grew up deer hunting and got the duck hunting bug a few years ago after going to college. I spent a lot of time on the site you mentioned, the refuge forums, read a lot of books and asked a lot of questions because I was thirsty for information and knowledge. No shame in that, we all have to start sometime. But just forewarning you Duck Hunters are a particularly defensive crowd when it comes to lake naming. Once you get in the game you start to see why.

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yeah. there's a thread in particular over there that made me avoid asking the same question there at all. i'm sure they get that a lot over there anyways and i figured that asking over here about generics might be a bit better feeler.

i understand the sentiment. a lot of them seem like they have been burned by helping out new hunters and i get that frustration. it just makes it hard when you've never done it before and don't really know where to start.

which leads to the research, reading, scouting, and practicing (duck calls).

the problem is i'd love to ask, "hey is there a single duck on xyz at all?" so that i know it's worth going out and scouting but i feel like that is breaking some sort of code and the guy in camo suites and ties from Ducks Unlimited will come and drag me away. i do get that it would be incredibly easy/lazy if somebody said "hey yeah there's a bunch of ducks about a quarter of a mile up from this ramp in this cove." and i don't want that. i do want to do the research and the hard work to get my own groove. Duck hunting just seems like it is one sect of hunting that takes a LOT of extra work and time to get started in, moreso than anything else i've gotten in to. Which probably means it's worth it.

[This message has been edited by c-jags (edited 4/14/2010 8:54a).]

Sorry, but I do not agree with water turkey at all.

I've never met anyone that wouldn't freely give info on where they've been having good luck hunting and where it has been poor.

As for the DU guys coming in and taking you away...

please let me clear up any misconceptions you have about DU.

DU is a conservation organization that restores wetlands and their associated habitats. DU does NOT control migration patterns, or set season bag limits. Their science and reseach helps the USFWS set their limits though.

Please feel free to ask any toher questions regarding DU and I or DUman would love to answer them.

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Sorry, but I do not agree with water turkey at all.

I've never met anyone that wouldn't freely give info on where they've been having good luck hunting and where it has been poor.

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http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/912908/1


i don't feel that way at all about Ducks Unlimited. I just threw the name out there because they're an organization that deals w/ ducks. like the CIA. sorry for the joke.

[This message has been edited by c-jags (edited 4/14/2010 9:16a).]

In the fall consider purchasing a TPWD public lands hunting permit. They're 48 bucks and you receive a map book that shows a plethora of public hunting opportunities, including waterfowl.

The entire coast is public as well. I've had fair to good hunts in the Rockport/Aransas Pass area by parking my truck and walking in to hunt.

Regarding dekes, I've had luck with Flambeaus. They're a step up from the Academy brand and have worked well for me. I think the issue with the Academy brand, especially the teal decoys, is that they're glossy. Find a way to get rid of the glossy finish and they'd probably work fine.

Unlike most, while I have a few calls in my blind bag, I hunt 99 percent of the time without calling.

You'll have lots of ammo choices. Don't rule out plain jane 2 3/4 inch 2s, 3s, or 4s. They've killed their fair share of birds over the years and still do.

just letting you know those public spots are often crowded and popular.

an item to buy quality is your waders. you don't need top of the line but don't get the el cheapos.

to add:

make sure you scout your spots out before hand and check the water depth so you know how much line to attach to your dekes. Lake hunting is not the same as katy prairie hunting.

Truth in what Aglandman said!

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In the fall consider purchasing a TPWD public lands hunting permit. They're 48 bucks and you receive a map book that shows a plethora of public hunting opportunities, including waterfowl.

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Designated public lands at XXX and XXXX Lakes are open for free public hunting. These areas are shown on the lake maps as Wildlife Management Areas. Hunters must observe all Federal and State hunting laws and regulations that apply to these public lands with regards to hunting license, season, and bag limits. At this time a Waterfowl Hunting Permit is NOT required for XXXX & XXXX Lakes. (Effective 9-1-07) Hunting is allowed from September 1 through the end of goose season as posted in the State hunting guide. Hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange when in the hunting areas.

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so i'm confused. i can't just show up and hunt off of that area that is designated? or i can

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an item to buy quality is your waders. you don't need top of the line but don't get the el cheapos.

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i do plan on getting waders, but if I'm hunting from a boat (albeit a small one) do i need them?

If I were you, I'd head to a public are (TPWD), and talk to the manager before the season starts. A lot of times they'll be more than happy to answer all of your questions. Attracting new waterowl hunters is way up on the priority list.

Equipment:

Waders - you'll need these unless you like being really, really, really cold. There are literally hundreds of brands and options out there. I personally have the Cabela's Ultimate waders and absolutely love them. You'll have to figure out exactly what you are comfortable in. Some say neoprene are the best, others say breathable are the best. It's all about personal choice.

Hat - I use a boonie. A lot of texags hunters swear you need a face mask like you are turkey hunting, but I've never had an issue with just a boonie and a scruffy beard. The point is that your face and head will reflect a lot of sunlight - more than you realize - and ducks can see that from a long, long way off. And it scares them.

Shells - obviously it has to be steel shot. I generally use 2-3/4" #4's for ducks, with the occasional 3" thrown in on days that they are flying higher. I've never had a problem using run of the mill 2-3/4's. Again, personal choice though - there is a lot of options out there in type of shot (bizmuth, hevi-shot, steel) as well as chambers, so figure out what works for you and go with it. Sometimes this will take a few hunts to determine.

Calls - start calling now. Calling is not something that is easy to learn or do, and you'll have infinitely more luck not calling than calling poorly. Somebody above mentioned RNT calls - they are good, but pricey. I've actually had the best luck with a $10 Faulk's wooden call over the last 15 years I was able to hunt on the coast. To be honest, I'd start out cheap on the calls and work your way up to expensive ones. Get a wood call and a plastic call and put both on your lanyard - some days one call works like a champ, other days it won't call anything in. Always have a backup and a little variety.

Decoys - Flameau's worked great for me for 15 years. They weren't the greatest out there, but they worked. I think a lot more emphasis gets put on what type of decoy you use rather than how you set them - incorrectly I might add. You could have decoys that are nothing but black and still have outstanding hunt with the right spread and location. There are motion decoys, manual motion decoys, vibrating decoys, etc. Litereally more options than you'll ever need. Start simple and work your way up from there. Get a couple of books showing different spreads and proper applications of them. Hunting on ponds and lakes is way different than hunting on bays.

Get yourself a good blind bag. They can be had almost anywhere and are great to carry shells, calls, first aid kit, snuff, etc. in to and from the blind. Get a game strap one of these days - my first one was made from 1/4" rope I found in the garage. It doesn't have to be fancy.

The last part is simply location, location, location, location. That's where the work and the fun is - you need to scout the area out you think might be promising. Scout in the morning and evenings. Watch flight patterns. During the season, scout in the afternoons when hunters have packed up and gone home. You can learn everything you need to know about an area just by observing. It may take the entire season to really get a grasp on the area, but don't get discouraged. If possible, find somebody that has hunted the area already and see if they will let you tag along.

Duck hunting is one of the greatest sports out there, despite what Sean says. It's loads of fun, and very addicting. Glad you are looking to get into the sport.

much thanks to the above. noted and bookmarked.

[This message has been edited by c-jags (edited 4/14/2010 1:09p).]

c-jags, duck hunting rules. It can be just as involved as starting fishing. One thing that would be of great help to you as a beginner is to hire a guide for a day on the lake you wish to hunt. One day with a pro will save you many days/weeks of wasted effort. Just pay close attention to their program, take lots of pictures and study them, ask questions... The types and way they set their decoys, when to call/not call, how close to let the ducks get before you "bust em".
One other thing you need for duck hunting is a buddy. Duck hunting is a lot safer and more fun with a friend. If you slip and fall into the lake while you are wearing waders, it may be a lifesaver. Give 'em hell!

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One thing that would be of great help to you as a beginner is to hire a guide for a day on the lake you wish to hunt. One day with a pro will save you many days/weeks of wasted effort. Just pay close attention to their program, take lots of pictures and study them, ask questions... The types and way they set their decoys, when to call/not call, how close to let the ducks get before you "bust em".

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that my friend is an excellent idea.

I dont consider myself a Duck Hunter...I am a Waterfowler. Its one of the most enjoyable hunting hobbies to learn and live. But it is also not for everyone...you go the first time and the sound of wings cutting the wind in the pre-dawn darkness will grab you by the throat, or it wont.

It has an amazing, tradition filled, hunting heritage too. Lots of books to read.

I tell people the best thing about duck hunting is that it puts days back on your calender...those days when its below freezing and raining, and when the sun comes up it gets colder and blows harder...those days you just say to yourself "I'll find something to do inside today...", those are the BEST duck hunting days. Thats the day you will be up at 3AM becuase you just couldnt sleep until the alarm goes off at 4AM.

Buy good decoys. Good ones will be with you for 20 years. I like G&H. You dont need 6 dozen...you NEED to be where the ducks want to be. Get there and a few will do. (Now that said, you WILL end up with dozens and dozens...you just wont be able to help yourself...)

Buy good waders. You will need, in Texas, a canvas pair for early (hot) season, and a good insulated pair for later in the year. Expect to replace the good ones every two to three years...the cheap ones every year (or more often).

Buy a good quality double reed call. Get a training CD that you can play in the car and get started working on it. Calling is overrated (I guided for 4 years, so I know how to blow a call) but you need to do a good job on the calls you need to use.

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In the fall consider purchasing a TPWD public lands hunting permit. They're 48 bucks and you receive a map book that shows a plethora of public hunting opportunities, including waterfowl.
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Designated public lands at XXX and XXXX Lakes are open for free public hunting. These areas are shown on the lake maps as Wildlife Management Areas. Hunters must observe all Federal and State hunting laws and regulations that apply to these public lands with regards to hunting license, season, and bag limits. At this time a Waterfowl Hunting Permit is NOT required for XXXX & XXXX Lakes. (Effective 9-1-07) Hunting is allowed from September 1 through the end of goose season as posted in the State hunting guide. Hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange when in the hunting areas.
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TPWD runs their program while the Army Corps of Engineers has their own.

Waterfowl hunting on lakes XXX and XXXX that you're referring to are overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.

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OnlyForNow
Sorry, but I do not agree with water turkey at all.

I've never met anyone that wouldn't freely give info on where they've been having good luck hunting and where it has been poor.

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OFN just to clarify I was mostly referring to "e-scouting" and the internet. C-jag already obviously has seen this. Like I said whether in person or on-line duck hunters are more than willing to give advice (see this thread) it's putting the name of a lake/cove/bay online that stirs bad blood (and for good reason.)

A thought on loads. I usually use 3" 2's and 3's. As many said don't point your nose down on 2 3/4's. If I'm hunting the open water of a lake/bay or even a marsh I'm usually packing 3" shells. Apply to the situation though. Back at A&M there was a great little wood duck hole I would hunt that was extremely thick (this spot was public btw). Here many of my shots were within 15 yards. I used 2 3/4's here. Not only because I didn't need the knockdown power at close range for the relatively smaller bird, but because sometimes those 3"'s come out so fast and the pattern does not expand quite as fast as a 2 3/4 would. Obviously changing chokes would do the same thing.

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i do plan on getting waders, but if I'm hunting from a boat (albeit a small one) do i need them?

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Yes. You plan on paddling to put out/pick up decoys, retreive birds, hide the boat? Your gonna need them. Ideally as stated you want a pair of breathable for early season and a pair of neoprene for late season. This year I bought my first pair of breathables... I wore them all year long and it was one of the coldest winters we've had in a while. Eventually do I want to have both? ya but in Texas there's only a few days a year when you truly need neoprenes and this year I just layered the **** outta myself underneath and I was fine. They are so much lighter and more comfortable. I feel a lot less tired after a death march through the marsh if I've been wearing neoprenes. You forget your wearing waders at all.

And also, welcome to the club. As has been said, it's very addicting. I loved deer hunting with my dad growing up and never thought any sport/activity would take it's top spot in my heart but those little quackers have done it. I enjoy the challenge of it. As much as I enjoyed having a lease and scouting and setting up stands this is completely different. I had a dozen and a half hunts this year. They took place at a bout ten different locations (wma's, lakes, bays) and each time I went to one again I hunted it a different way. I spend all week talking to my buddies, watching the weather, deciding when and where I'm headed Saturday morning and what my strategy will be. STRATEGY is the name of the game more than so many other types of hunts. As PPlayboy said more important than decoys is being where the ducks want to be. "Finding the X" as many say, and it changes every day. The advice on holding back on calling is good too. Most of the calling you hear in the duck marsh is pretty bad. It's better to be on the X, have a good, inviting spread and be concealed. I usually use just a couple of low quacks and a few whistles. Just some normal sound that a spread of ducks would usually make.

Go with the advice and get your WMA permit, great starting place. Helped me get started and I still buy one every year.

Good luck out there!

A word on chokes...don't forget to change them out based upon what's in season.

This past duck season I only made it out twice, both times potlicking a blind in the uppper Laguna. Both hunts occurred in late season thus the birds were pretty well educated. Of the two hunts, three ducks came within range and after missing all three gimme shots, I was left scratching my head.

It wasn't until I got home and realized that I had left the extra full choke in my Mossberg from turkey season.

Proof positive that there is no cure for dumba$$.