Boat and Blind

Deciding when the shot will be called may take years of sustained practice to hone. When a group of hunters enters a blind, establish which one will accept responsibility for “calling the shot” when birds approach; this generally is the most experienced hunter in the group.

The strategy to be used is analysis and research into the bird’s movement to foretell when the birds will arrive and how close they’re going to be coming in.

This is vital because you shouldn’t let a flock circle or pass many times before deciding to shoot because each time the flock passes, there’s a huge likelihood the birds will recognize movements and push on. When there are sufficient birds in range, then a shot must be called.

There are exemptions; for example, there’ll be times when many hunters won’t be in “position to shoot”, especially when hunters are spread out across a field. In this situation, only people who are “in position” should shoot. Waiting for perfect timing might take too much time and the birds may move out getting shot of the likelihood of a “perfect” shot. Read more… …

Duck hunting blinds are camouflaged shelters to conceal the hunter from ducks and other waterfowl when hunting. Duck blinds are permanent or temporary. Meant to conceal hunters so ducks do not notice their movements, some duck blinds are on land while other hunting blinds conceal a hunter’s boat, vehicle, dog, motor, and other items. There is an almost limitless selection of duck blinds for hunting over water. Hunters can make their duck blinds from natural material such as native grasses and vegetation or purchase camouflage hunting blinds. Many public areas prohibit permanent blinds so hunters use temporary duck blinds when hunting in these areas.

Ducks have very good vision so duck blinds should conceal the hunter while blending into the surroundings. In some cases, the natural cover is dense and high enough to hide under but ducks will detect movement so the hunter must stay still. Permanent hunting blinds are usually the most comfortable but building and maintaining the blind is labor intensive. Read more… …

No matter when duck season opens where you are-chances are wood ducks will be there-and probably lots of them.

Wood ducks nest throughout many parts of the country, and for some backwaters off the main migratory flyways, they may be the only web-footed game to be found. Since they are likely residents of your area, you can usually count on wood ducks to show up for opening day. They are beautifully plumed birds that taste as good as they look, and while they are elusive, they are not particularly wary. Hunting them successfully is less about gear, calling, and decoy spreads and more about scouting hard and shooting straight.

For the most part, one typically shoots at far more wood ducks than are hit-and still a lot are hit. Woodies rank as the second most important duck in the bag after mallards in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways. Knowing where and how to set up for them will improve your chances. Here’s a brief overview on wood duck hunting. Read more… …