I am heading out this month on my first ever duck hunt. I'm going by myself and wanted to make sure I got all the gear covered. I went in cheap because I'm first starting out. I also want any advice about public land in DFW area. Anyone have any special spots they know of but aren't hunting this season? What are the best lakes? Also if you can give me a brief walk through of what to do that will be helpful (I got the main ideas and points down, but will take all advice I can get)!

I have:
shotgun
camo jacket
camo head covering
waders with boots on them
a dozen mallard decoys
decoy weights
Rig em right jerk rig
decoy bag
12ga 3 inch 4 shot shells X3
cheap duck call
orange vest
pop out chair

License with public hunting, HIP thing, migratory bird, and a duck stamp
Did i forget anything?
and hunter safety will be done next weekend

You have everything you need accept and since youre new at this just a heads up, on forums like this, when it comes to public hunting people do not like to give up their spots to other people on area lakes because they are the ones tgat put the time and the money into finding their honey holes. So, throw a little gas in the tank and do some scouting and you usually can find a good spot if you knoe what to look for. I hunt private land so I dont mind but just a heads up cause sometimes new guys can get blasted for giving up spots but I know that probably was not your attention. Duck hunting is a blast especially when you do the work and research and reap the rewards.

Yeah I knew people had their secret places. Didn't mean to offend anyone, just asking in case someone had some advice and didn't mind sharing.

You don't need the vest. Trash it. #4's are a little light for those big N TX mallards. Leave those at home and get some #2's.

X2 on the vest. if you wanna wear it for safety reasons while walking back to the truck, thats the only use you will get out of it. DO NOT wear it while hunting. Birds have way better vision than humans, they will bust you every time.

I think 4's are fine.

The single most important thing when it comes to duck hunting is scouting, hense why its such a hot topic to discuss lakes, places, etc...

The best advice anyone can give is to scout scout scout. Once you find a place holding birds, set up exactly where those birds are working and feeding. With proper scouting you essentially dont need decoys or a call. In fact, if you arent proficient with your call, leave it in the bag.

Get to your spot early.

The vest is for walking to and from spot, thats all

On the iPhone so it's hard to write

Shoot me a PM

Tips

1. Careful going by yourself
2. Make sure you leave all your lead shells at home or in your vehicle. Hunted with someone that had steel in shot gun but lead in his dove bucket. He doesn't do that anymore since we pointed out how he could have been cited for that

3. Make sure gun is plugged

Jordan,
I'm new to Texas but not to hunting. I often go alone. I'm looking for someone to hunt with. I have scouted around and have some ideas on duck hunting. I live in Grand Prairie. PM if interested
Best Regards,
Matt

Jordan, shoot this guy a PM, so he can get you started.

I started public land hunting last year in Texas and have had success. Have a couple buddies that I hunt with. Not sure where you are in DFW but if you're north then you'd be welcome to scout and hunt with us to get familiar with everything. Send me a pm if you're interested.

PM sent, thanks everyone!

The answer you gave here, especially your tone, is much appreciated to probably not just the OP, but to others of us that don't understand all the unwritten rules/preferences of this board.

I would advise you to ditch the gear bag for just a Avery powerbelt and take the minimum you need. Other things to consider are a deer cart depending on a spot you find. Also take a wader pole or consider buying a Avery retriever pool if you do not have a dog. I have hunted alone half my hunts and if you plan to hunt lakes you will be in for a shock since you waited till the last minute to scout. Plan on long walks and be very cautious when hunting lakes. One wrong step and you could be swimming. Remember. You are alone and the more you carry the more exhausted you will be. Maybe even only carry 6 dekes. Strap yourself down with everything at home once and see if you can walk the 1/2 mile to water and mud. Good luck.

You sound like you got everything you need! The 4's should be fine, but I also prefer 2's. X2 on the vest, dont wear it while hunting. If u can find some birds, try to mimic how they are set up. Be very cautious when walking through the mud and water, its easy to step in an unseen hole. There is a sticky thread on top that walks you through how to find public land. I have had alot of good hunts on public land, and some bad as well. I would suggest getting to your spot early if u are walking in, many other people do the same. Good luck! Go out with some of these other guys, they can teach you alot.

come on,,,do some lake naming,,,there has to be some secrets out there

What city do you live in? If your not too far away from me I will take you out on a hunt in Nov. Good duck karma.....