Texas Hunting Forum

First time duck hunting

Posted By: shea.mcphail

First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:12 AM

Hey guys,

First time poster and first time duck hunter. Going out with some buds to a private property for some duck hunting. Bringing my 20 gauge with 50 shells #2 shots. I have a camo jacket from hog hunting and the fiancé is getting me an insulated bib for Christmas. Got some old military boots from my uncle (not water-proof). I also have cotton socks and hunting gloves. Bought a waterfowl field bag from Cabelas today. Friend told me I don't need to worry about waders. Any other recommendations for a first timer?

20 gauge is a pump action with full choke.
Posted By: Jacob645

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:24 AM

I'd use an improved cylinder or modified choke if you have it.

Face paint or mask.
Posted By: beaversnipe

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:27 AM

Well, if you going tomorrow, you gonna freeze your socks off with that cotton.

I try to avoid cotton by all means, no cotton t shirts neither.
When you sweat in cotton, you will be cold.
Rubber 1000 insulation boots are my best friends, i have 2 pairs so i can rotate.
Hunting gloves makes it hard to reload. I never wear them.
In a 20 gauge i would shoot nr 4 instead of nr 2 if birds are within 30 yards, and i would use IC choke.
Insulated bibs, i use them all the time. Beretta makes really good ones.
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:27 AM

I have an over under 20 gauge as well with a modified and IC. I'll use that instead! Thanks!
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:30 AM

Originally Posted By: beaversnipe
Well, if you going tomorrow, you gonna freeze your socks off with that cotton.

I try to avoid cotton by all means, no cotton t shirts neither.
When you sweat in cotton, you will be cold.
Rubber 1000 insulation boots are my best friends, i have 2 pairs so i can rotate.
Hunting gloves makes it hard to reload. I never wear them.
In a 20 gauge i would shoot nr 4 instead of nr 2 if birds are within 30 yards, and i would use IC choke.
Insulated bibs, i use them all the time. Beretta makes really good ones.


We are camping out on Dec 19th after we get off work. Going to be pretty damn cold. I'm going to look in to those rubber boots. Thanks for the recommendations!
Posted By: Jacob645

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:34 AM

If it's really cold, I layer with insulated underwear, long sleeved warm underarmor type shirt, fleece pullover, then wind proof/water proof jacket.
Posted By: beaversnipe

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By: shea.mcphail
[quote=beaversnipe]Well, if you going tomorrow, you gonna freeze your socks off with that cotton.

I try to avoid cotton by all means, no cotton t shirts neither.
When you sweat in cotton, you will be cold.
Rubber 1000 insulation boots are my best friends, i have 2 pairs so i can rotate.
Hunting gloves makes it hard to reload. I never wear them.
In a 20 gauge i would shoot nr 4 instead of nr 2 if birds are within 30 yards, and i would use IC choke.
Insulated bibs, i use them all the time. Beretta makes really good ones. [/quote


We are camping out on Dec 19th after we get off work. Going to be pretty damn cold. I'm going to look in to those rubber boots. Thanks for the recommendations!


Here is the link for the beretta bibs.
http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-outlander-bibs/cu3933100860/


I tried a bunch of bibs and these are very good and comfy. Just be carefull when you cross the wire fence.
They are not cheap, but x mas is around the corner.
When its cold i wear a mamoth fleece pants under the bibs and when its super cold, i wear long johns, fleece pants and bibs. For the rubber boots, buy one size up. If you shoe size is 9, buy a 10.
Use woolen socks, a pair of liners when its cold, and when its super cold i throw in a pair of handwarmers in the boots. Works great!
Posted By: Fishuhalik

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:50 AM

Make sure you have a camo ball cap & keep your face low when they're coming in or use face paint or a full face mask. Those birds'll spot your shining face every time
Posted By: beaversnipe

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 02:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Fishuhalik
Make sure you have a camo ball cap & keep your face low when they're coming in or use face paint or a full face mask. Those birds'll spot your shining face every time


They spot shiny engagement rings a mile high. Take it off.




wife
Posted By: Simple Searcher

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 03:09 AM

I remember my first duck hunt. I laughed more than I hunted.
It was so cool, we would lay low behind cover when they were coming in. Then jump up suddenly, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM.
I don't know why I thought it was so funny ambushing ducks and watching them fall out of the sky, but I was hooked.
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 03:29 AM

Thanks for all of the recommendations. I'm ready to get out there and get started.
Posted By: Ramball36

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 03:35 AM

If it's cold wear your warmest stuff, don't move your head around, and have a good time. At least wait until year two before you start overthinking it
Posted By: Fishuhalik

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 03:49 AM

Originally Posted By: Ramball36
If it's cold wear your warmest stuff, don't move your head around, and have a good time. At least wait until year two before you start overthinking it

^this hahaha!!
Posted By: Madewell

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/01/14 04:56 AM

I am new to duck hunting too. I'm like a sponge. I appreciate these threads.
Posted By: ArkansasTraveler

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/03/14 05:35 AM

Fancy gear helps, but a lot of people have killed a lot of ducks with old gear.

Wear camo, keep your face down, listen to whoever is taking you, pick out a single duck when you shoot...don't just shoot into the middle of the flock, wear a lot of layers...you can always take some off, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature
Posted By: jdk1985

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/03/14 11:16 AM

Originally Posted By: Simple Searcher
I remember my first duck hunt. I laughed more than I hunted.
It was so cool, we would lay low behind cover when they were coming in. Then jump up suddenly, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM.
I don't know why I thought it was so funny ambushing ducks and watching them fall out of the sky, but I was hooked.


I remember the hunt that got me hooked. We were hunting in a canyon. Every shot echoed down the canyon. It was awesome. Shot like a pro. 3-man limit in 30-ish minutes. 100% hooked.
Posted By: jdk1985

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/03/14 11:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Ramball36
At least wait until year two before you start overthinking it


X100 roflmao
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/19/14 02:41 PM

Well tomorrow will be my first duck hunt. Thanks for the tips and wish me luck!
Posted By: _Scooter_

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/19/14 02:43 PM

Good Luck!
Posted By: Hopedale

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/19/14 07:30 PM

Originally Posted By: shea.mcphail
Originally Posted By: beaversnipe
Well, if you going tomorrow, you gonna freeze your socks off with that cotton.

I try to avoid cotton by all means, no cotton t shirts neither.
When you sweat in cotton, you will be cold.
Rubber 1000 insulation boots are my best friends, i have 2 pairs so i can rotate.
Hunting gloves makes it hard to reload. I never wear them.
In a 20 gauge i would shoot nr 4 instead of nr 2 if birds are within 30 yards, and i would use IC choke.
Insulated bibs, i use them all the time. Beretta makes really good ones.


We are camping out on Dec 19th after we get off work. Going to be pretty damn cold. I'm going to look in to those rubber boots. Thanks for the recommendations!


Get a few pair of wool socks, like these:

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/smartwoo...1906+4294963566

You may want to get the new boot a half size big to accommodate for a thicker sock. And make sure if you get a rubber boot it is insulated.
Posted By: Navasot

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/19/14 07:50 PM

Texas is go for a no fly zone... repeat no fly zone. Ill be sleeping through this war
Posted By: Inky Doc

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/20/14 03:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Simple Searcher
I remember my first duck hunt. I laughed more than I hunted.
It was so cool, we would lay low behind cover when they were coming in. Then jump up suddenly, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM.
I don't know why I thought it was so funny ambushing ducks and watching them fall out of the sky, but I was hooked.

^^^Roger that!!!
Posted By: dogcatcher

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/21/14 03:28 AM

How did it go today???
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/21/14 09:45 PM

I shot my first duck on Saturday! Unfortunately, the bird dog was chasing another bird to the other end of the pond. I was never able to recover mine. bang
Posted By: shea.mcphail

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/22/14 04:34 PM

I think I have duck fever already. Since I returned from the camping trip all I can think about is going again. My family has land out in Canton with four tanks (two which I have seen with ducks). Can't wait to hit that place up after we go for Christmas. Also wouldn't mind trying out dove hunting.
Posted By: MAJKF

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/22/14 06:35 PM

Originally Posted By: shea.mcphail
I shot my first duck on Saturday! Unfortunately, the bird dog was chasing another bird to the other end of the pond. I was never able to recover mine. bang


^^If you can't spring for waders yet, suggest always packing a change of clothes and a towel. Its a sad thing losing a duck!
Posted By: _Scooter_

Re: First time duck hunting - 12/23/14 06:54 AM

Originally Posted By: MAJKF
Originally Posted By: shea.mcphail
I shot my first duck on Saturday! Unfortunately, the bird dog was chasing another bird to the other end of the pond. I was never able to recover mine. bang


^^If you can't spring for waders yet, suggest always packing a change of clothes and a towel. Its a sad thing losing a duck!


Especially on a "pond"... I'd definitely swim for my first duck or anybody's else's if it could be done safely. Heck, I swim for them now on occaision.
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