Hi...
Since YOU will be the retriever, you will probably need either hip boots or waders...plus being able to move your boat in the close proximity of the waterfowl.
However...if you're a real good swimmer...!! (Which reminds me...do you wear your life jacket while in your duck boat?).
Top Ad
Collapse
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
How do you hunt waterfowl without a dog? I've never done so, so I was just wondering.
Collapse
X
-
One more thing, even though I did it a lot when I was younger; it's not a good idea to go wading around in the marsh alone. Maybe I'm getting old, but that's how I feel.
Leave a comment:
-
Only set up in water you know (really know) you can wade. Also,avoid shooting at ducks over thick weeds etc, this holds true when field shooting too because a duck is a pro at hiding anywhere there is cover(clover, calf -high grass,you'll almost never find that bird).I pick my shots so they will drop in the open or semi-open water, you'll find these openings in lots of marshes. Use an open choke and let the birds light in your dekes if you can. I also have a telescoping pole for picking up decoys and when the water is a bit deep. You can find them where ever waterfowl gear is sold. They work great.
Leave a comment:
-
I watched a young kid use a fishing pole, and a lure with big trebles...after the 2nd duck retrieved I had to talk to him when I had a chance.
Leave a comment:
-
Buckhunter just beat me to it. A good sized bassoreno plug with a spinning outfit worked well for many of my friends when I was a kid ... if they didn't come get me and my dog instead.
Leave a comment:
-
A dog saves a ton of work if you are hunting over water. If you don't have one, I'd suggest that you focus your hunting efforts to locations where the waterfould feed if you can. Ducks and geese go out to grain and grass fields to feerd and you can set out decoys and lay in the field. You can also ambush them as they cross fence lines or weed patches on their approach to feeding areas. You can also jump waterfoul on small farm ponds and small rivers and creeks. If you hunt over open water, you will need a boat or waders at a minimum. Even then you will lose downed birds.
Leave a comment:
-
Wind will blow them to one side or another if your hunting a pond. You might need waders, which are a waterfowl hunting necessity in itself, but otherwise your fine. I've never hunted waterfowl with a dog and honestly I think hiding one would be more than its worth on late season birds.
Leave a comment:
-
If you can find small farm ponds that can be stalked, your shots will be mostly over dry land when the ducks flare up and away.
Leave a comment:
-
Just focus on smaller watter. Try to hunt shallow marshes and swamps that you can wade. And try to get them to come towards the shore. Another stratgey is to try to find some AG fields near a good water source and take them in the fields away from the water. Mallards love corn!
Leave a comment:
-
I've always hunted waterfowl with a shotgun. The dogs always got upset when you try shoving shells up their butt and a "choke collar" does nothing to improve patterns! (too tight a choke and the dog has a hard time breathing. )
Leave a comment:
-
Same as upland, or you could do a float trip. Float a river with a friend in a canoe, person in front jump shoots.
Leave a comment:
-
The same way you do with a dog except when you shoot a duck you go get it instead of your dog. When hunting without a dog make sure to not take any shots where a duck will fall that you can not get to in your waders or a boat if you have one.
Leave a comment:
Welcome!
Collapse
Welcome to Field and Streams's Answers section. Here you will find hunting, fishing, and survival tips from the editors of Field and Stream, as well as recommendations from readers like yourself.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ for information on posting and navigating the forums.
And don't forget to check out the latest reviews on guns and outdoor gear on fieldandstream.com.
Right Rail 1
Collapse
Top Active Users
Collapse
There are no top active users.
Right Rail 2
Collapse
Latest Topics
Collapse
-
Reply to topicby FirstBubbaIf your mother was a washing machine and your father was a sewing machine and you had a flat while swimming in your speedboat, how many flapjacks would...
-
Channel: Other
Yesterday, 10:47 PM -
-
by labrador12I'm amazed that the Highland Park 4th of July shooter is still incarcerated. He just shot parading normies! They had subversive American flags and were...
-
Channel: Other
Yesterday, 10:24 PM -
-
by FirstBubba• Secret Service notified night before raid - allowed access to Mar-A-Lago
• 30 agents
• plain clothes
•...-
Channel: Other
Yesterday, 08:07 AM -
-
The trouble with today’s politicians is their lack of a backbone ! They are too concerned with their remaining at the trough and bending in the direction...
-
Channel: Other
Yesterday, 10:02 PM -
Right Rail 3
Collapse
Footer Ad
Collapse
Leave a comment: