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duck hunt help-newbie! #6618863 01/06/17 04:38 AM
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lubbockdave Offline OP
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Just booked out first duck hunt, ever-hired a guide-guide said to bring duck stamp, #2 steel shot, and waders if we can get some. Dude, I am excited but really have very little clue on what else to bring-any suggestions? and with a 20 gauge be enough gun? how many shells? a case? what do i look for in a pair of waders? I am guessing they need to be a size too big to allow for warm clothing? and what is a good % to tip? any other suggestions?

God help the poor guides who end up with the four of us!!!

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6618868 01/06/17 04:48 AM
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It will take at least a case of shells

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: nate33] #6618876 01/06/17 04:59 AM
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Originally Posted By: nate33
It will take at least a case of shells
what are you trying to say wink HAHAHA!! prolly bring 2 cases just to be safe!

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6618877 01/06/17 05:01 AM
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Yes a 20 gauge will be enough a 12 gauge is preferred but a 20 gauge will definitely do the job. Since it's your first time I would recommend taking three boxes of shells, I normally take two boxes with me but since it's your first time your probably going to rush shots.
You don't have to have it but I recommend a mask it helps a lot exapecially if your in the cold and windy ( you want both)
As for waders if you think it's something you will only do once then buy the cheapos at academy go one size larger in the boot, if you think your going to be hunting a lot look into the better waders banded or drake I'm slowly switching everything over to drake gear.
Best advice I can give you is be patient wait for the guide to tell you to shoot and don't rush your self and don't rush the shots.
I tip 20% per person most of the times sometimes more don't tip based on success tip more of the guides working hard calling a lot and really trying to work the birds and some guides will pre set out decoys I tip those types of guides more
Also be prepared to get addicted and have fun!

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: nate33] #6618881 01/06/17 05:07 AM
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Originally Posted By: nate33
It will take at least a case of shells


2 boxes is plenty.

Get some wool-blend socks.


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Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6618893 01/06/17 05:22 AM
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Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.

Last edited by Kilo11; 01/06/17 05:45 AM.
Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6618902 01/06/17 05:38 AM
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Look with your eyes, not your entire head. Less movement in the blind with 5 people will be critical.

I would agree on the 3 boxes of #2 shells with a 20 gauge. Get inexpensive waders. I think the Game Winners at Academy are $40-$50.

Have $200-$300 set aside for a taxidermy mount if you want something cool to remember this first hunt.

Tip your guide well and ask lots of questions. Excellent learning experience for you with a guide. They usually like to talk anyways.

Have fun and post pictures for us when you get back.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6618947 01/06/17 10:31 AM
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Academy has their waders all 50% off

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6619048 01/06/17 01:32 PM
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All great advice (with the exception of the first two haha). You already have the right idea - ask questions, be helpful, and be willing to learn. Cant ask for more than that with a newb. Good luck and post some pics after your hunt!

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6619069 01/06/17 01:40 PM
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Tip probably 20% depends what you feel is right and what you can afford



Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6619285 01/06/17 03:50 PM
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Take you a pair of warm gloves you can effectively shoot in. A Camera, face mask,

I've never since day 1 of duck hunting ever used more than a box of shells in a day. Your only allowed 6 birds a day. Take an extra box just to be safe since it's your first duck hunt.

My best advice would be to go to the range and shoot some clays a few days prior if you haven't shot in a while. I think this is something that MOST hunters neglect to do, and would save them some frustration and missed shots...... And so many wasted boxes of shells. Also, You don't need all the fancy gadgets and bells and whistles they sell at the shops to be a successful waterfowler

Most of all just enjoy it and have fun. It is addictive!

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6619303 01/06/17 04:02 PM
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Just listen to your guide and do what he tells you. He will show you the ropes.

Just remember, Safety is the most important thing. Watch your barrel at all times and dont take that safety off until you are raising to shoot. Nothing more nerve racking then hiring "click, click" coming from the other end of the blind when the birds are still 300 yards out.

Last edited by Woodlands Water Turkey; 01/06/17 04:02 PM.
Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6619508 01/06/17 05:59 PM
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Make sure your gun is plugged, you need migratory stamp as well?, A couple of boxes should be enough for a beginner.


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: Kilo11] #6619607 01/06/17 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted By: Kilo11
Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.


Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: huntwest] #6619654 01/06/17 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted By: huntwest
Originally Posted By: Kilo11
Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.


Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot.


Relax. It was tongue-in-cheek. His question was about what to bring, etc, and that part got covered pretty well. Actions in the blind will be covered by the guide, so that'll be taken care of.

OP, good luck on your hunt. You'll have a blast. And yes, be still and keep your face down until the birds are in close and it's time to shoot. Birds can see movement and your shiny face from a long ways away.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: huntwest] #6620009 01/06/17 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted By: huntwest
Originally Posted By: Kilo11
Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.


Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot.


Geez its beginning to become a roasting in here...

I think Kilo was saying to keep your eyes to the sky cause birds can come from anywhere at anytime. I don't think he was saying you need to stick your bright shiny face out of the blind looking at the birds through your binos following every move they make.

I think Kilo gave an honest answer to an honest asked question.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6620037 01/06/17 11:13 PM
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Mask, hand warmers, coffee and food are good. It will be cold and the nice thing about duck hunting is that it's social and you can enjoy those things. I bring extra gloves (I always drop one) and dress super warm in layers. This is an addicting sport so make sure you have about $20k to buy all the stuff you want after your hunt.


Catch more hybrids, sand-bass and striper with the Thump’emup Thumper!
www.thumpemupfishing.com
Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: Bdontexoma] #6620317 01/07/17 01:18 AM
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Originally Posted By: brandon f
Originally Posted By: huntwest
Originally Posted By: Kilo11
Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.


Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot.


Geez its beginning to become a roasting in here...

I think Kilo was saying to keep your eyes to the sky cause birds can come from anywhere at anytime. I don't think he was saying you need to stick your bright shiny face out of the blind looking at the birds through your binos following every move they make.

I think Kilo gave an honest answer to an honest asked question.



Nah. He was being a donkey and admitted as much.


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Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: Fooshman] #6620366 01/07/17 01:51 AM
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Originally Posted By: Fooshman
Originally Posted By: brandon f
Originally Posted By: huntwest
Originally Posted By: Kilo11
Once you see birds, be sure not to let them out of your sight. Keep your head up and on a swivel at all times.


Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot.


Geez its beginning to become a roasting in here...

I think Kilo was saying to keep your eyes to the sky cause birds can come from anywhere at anytime. I don't think he was saying you need to stick your bright shiny face out of the blind looking at the birds through your binos following every move they make.

I think Kilo gave an honest answer to an honest asked question.



Nah. He was being a donkey and admitted as much.


Making a facetious comment (joke) is "being a donkey" in your world? confused2 You must live in one of those "safe spaces" I keep hearing about. I'll give a trigger warning before I do it again.

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6626981 01/11/17 04:59 AM
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What choke on the gun would be best?

Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6626996 01/11/17 05:05 AM
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Ask your guide for sure but if they are decoying well and you have feet down at 20 yards, IC and MOD should be the best. I would not use full unless long passing shots. I prefer IC but you can always pattern for sure.


Catch more hybrids, sand-bass and striper with the Thump’emup Thumper!
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Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6627093 01/11/17 12:47 PM
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I would use modified for ducks



Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: Kilo11] #6627120 01/11/17 01:20 PM
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Guy comes on here and asks an honest question and this is what he gets?
OP don't listen to this keep your face down until guide says to shoot. [/quote]

Geez its beginning to become a roasting in here...

I think Kilo was saying to keep your eyes to the sky cause birds can come from anywhere at anytime. I don't think he was saying you need to stick your bright shiny face out of the blind looking at the birds through your binos following every move they make.

I think Kilo gave an honest answer to an honest asked question.

[/quote]

Nah. He was being a donkey and admitted as much. [/quote]

Making a facetious comment (joke) is "being a donkey" in your world? confused2 You must live in one of those "safe spaces" I keep hearing about. I'll give a trigger warning before I do it again. [/quote]






LOL I love the trigger warning. I never even heard of that until this last election.

Last edited by wal1809; 01/11/17 01:20 PM.
Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: lubbockdave] #6627121 01/11/17 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: lubbockdave
I am excited but really have very little clue on what else to bring-any suggestions?
Gloves, snacks, drinks
and with a 20 gauge be enough gun?
Plenty
how many shells? a case?
2 boxes should be plenty per person
what do i look for in a pair of waders?
3.5mm neoprene with boots that are at least 600gram thinsulate, assuming you are hunting around Lubbock, also if it is going to be cold those stick on toe warmers are a life saver if your feet tend to get cold
I am guessing they need to be a size too big to allow for warm clothing?
Most companies that make waders make them a little big I feel like to account for wool socks/warm clothes
and what is a good % to tip?
If all of y'all tip 10%, assuming the hunt it $200 then that is an $80 tip and is what I considered a good tip when I was guiding. If he doesn't try very hard to get y'all on birds tip a little less, if he goes the extra mile to make sure he is doing everything possible to get y'all some shots then you could consider tipping him a little more.


Originally Posted by garrett
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
Re: duck hunt help-newbie! [Re: john paul] #6627123 01/11/17 01:22 PM
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With a 20 gauge I would use a modified choke.


Originally Posted by garrett
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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