Texas Hunting Forum

Is it possible

Posted By: Texaspilot

Is it possible - 08/29/17 12:27 PM

To duck hunt without a dog or a boat?
Posted By: RayB

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 12:44 PM

Yes did it for years. Hunt the rice paddies
Posted By: BDB

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 12:53 PM

A boat is FAR FAR more important than a dog as far as actually hunting ducks goes. I have a boat but no dog (not counting the house dogs) You will have to hunt areas that you can walk in or access by small craft, like a kayak. Very doable on out area lakes.
Posted By: Guy

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 01:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Texaspilot
To duck hunt without a dog or a boat?

Absolutely. I duck hunted my first 10 years without a boat. I always had a dog, but there were many times I didn't because my dog was injured. Last 2 seasons I hunted without a dog because my dog passed, I have a new pup Im training.

Hunting without a dog: Your best hunting spots are 2 foot deep or less. Bring the ducks in close, shoot them over the deeks, which is what you should do anyway, and you don't need a dog. If you take a passing shot, take it where you know duck will drop where you can retrieve it, otherwise pass on the shot there is no point in shooting a duck you can't retrieve.

Walking in hunting: There are many good walk-in spots in fact there great walk in spots. I always tried to pick spots boats can't get to, use it to your advantage. Great way to stay in shape.
Posted By: Texaspilot

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 01:37 PM

Thanks. Maybe I can get away with just a good pair of waders... any recommendations on those?
Posted By: Deerslayer94

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 03:09 PM

That was my entire first 2 seasons, still don't have a dog lol
Posted By: hovercat

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 03:29 PM

Bring a fishing pole,and a couple top water lures with a lot of big treble hooks. For those just out of reach.
Posted By: wacoducks

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 08:15 PM

Being in college I do not have either, there are plenty of areas to walk in that do infact hold lots of birds. Scouting is the biggest part. Yes walking in a few miles dragging decoys and sometimes layout blinds does suck. However, with that comes reward. Finding your honey hole in a populated hunting area away from everyone else. It would be better to have a boat to get to these spots, but is not necessary.
Posted By: Marcstar

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 08:45 PM

The places around me that you need a boat to hunt with are not even that good...the really good places you don't need a boat. If you live on the coast or don't have access to private land then a boat makes a lot more sense. Just depends on your situation and the area you hunt. Dogs are just fun but if you are shooting at decoying ducks then picking them up isn't much of an issue unless it's deep water.
Posted By: N.Tx

Re: Is it possible - 08/29/17 09:13 PM

A very well trained dog is cool to watch. Boats create a headache.

K.I.S.S. and enjoy some walking, my 2cents
Posted By: claypool

Re: Is it possible - 08/30/17 12:20 AM

No you do not need a dog or a boat to hunt ducks. Scouting is the key with or without a boat. But there is really no limit of places that can be walked into to hunt. Like mentioned above. Stay shallow without a dog. But there a few things more enjoyable than hunting over well trained dogs. And few things more frustrating than hunting over a badly trained dog.
Posted By: nocknload

Re: Is it possible - 08/30/17 12:36 AM

dont know until you try it
Posted By: Texaspilot

Re: Is it possible - 08/30/17 01:16 AM

Thanks for the good advice everyone. I think my brother and I may just scout out some public land this next week and see if we can finally me something.
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