Waterfowling from a kayak is a fun and exciting new way to harvest ducks and geese, but it can also be one of the most effective tactics you use this season. The biggest advantage to any hunt is getting a spot where other hunters can’t access.
What month is best for duck hunting?
October. This is the best month, period. October weather is usually sparkling, the leaves are changing, and you can hunt ducks and geese from Canada south to about the middle of the United States.
What is the best caliber for duck hunting?
Today, a 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells is the top choice for waterfowlers. Many folks appreciate the versatility afforded by the gun and different available loads that can handle everything from green-winged teal to greater Canada geese and swans.
How long do you duck hunt in the morning?
“The best shooting is usually in the first three hours of the morning. After that, we don’t get much action.” I bit my lip and kept quiet, but I wanted to say, “You might be missing some of the best shooting of the day.” Sometimes the midday period offers spectacular action.
What time of day are ducks most active?
Waterfowl are most active from shortly before sunrise until midmorning, and then again from midafternoon until after sunset. I like to arrive an hour before these prime times (yes, that often means showing up in early-morning darkness) to let the birds get accustomed to my presence.
Is a 12 or 20-gauge better for duck hunting?
In pattern density and shot stringing, the 12 gauge starts to offer a slight advantage over the 20, especially with larger steel pellet sizes commonly used for waterfowl hunting. All else being equal, a load of pellets started in a proportionately longer column stays in a proportionately longer column.
Is 20-gauge or 12 gauge better for duck hunting?
What gauge shotgun do you prefer while duck hunting? The vast majority of those who responded to the survey preferred using a 12 gauge rather than a 20 gauge. In pattern density and shot stringing, the 12 gauge offers a slight advantage over the 20 gauge, especially with larger steel pellet sizes.
What shot is best for duck hunting?
#3’s and 4’s are the best shot sizes for ducks. They meet the minimum 3 foot-pounds of knockdown power, and the most pellets present within a 30” circle when reaching the distance of the target.
Where do ducks go in the middle of the day?
This might be the quintessential midday hunt. Geese and puddle ducks have returned to water after early-morning feeding forays and loaf the day away at secluded ponds, sloughs, streams and backwaters. You can sleep late, have a good breakfast and then jump-shoot them when the sun is high.
Is morning or evening better for duck hunting?
Time of Day: It is believed that the best time to hunt for waterfowl is during the first hours of the morning after dawn. However that belief has been challenged by hunters who find their most successful hunts happen in the afternoon or early evening.
Do ducks fly with the wind or against?
Like airplanes, ducks and geese approach their landing areas by flying into the wind. They cup their wings to create drag, and then touch down feet first. When setting out decoys, always make sure to position yourself with your back to the wind or coming from an angled direction over one shoulder.
Will ducks fly in rain?
Yes, ducks do fly in the rain and wind. Although it may seem strange, duck hunting in the wind, fog, and rain can be a good idea.
What do ducks do in the rain?
Ducks just love rain. They are quite happy to stay out in it, and they often preen their feathers and poke around in puddles. (The British refer to a rainy day as “a lovely day for ducks.”) They don’t even seem to mind snow or sleet, but they dislike cold and windy weather.
Is cold weather good for duck hunting?
While freezing weather is still a good time to hunt ducks since lower temperatures will burn more calories and birds will have to feed twice a day. No one likes to freeze in extremely cold weather – but if you give it a try and you stay consistent, it can be really rewarding.
Are ducks hard to shoot?
For most, however, hitting ducks is ever more difficult and frustrating. Many hunters routinely shoot at least a box of shells to bag a limit. For them, there’s nothing easy about mounting a shotgun, holding the proper lead, and downing a flying target.
Can you duck hunt with an over under?
Light over-under shotguns are not seen in duck blinds. With today’s heavy loads of nontoxic shotshells, such guns simply kick too much. But a shooter who competes with an over-under all year can be very effective in any waterfowling situation if using the same gun, or a similar one.
How far will a 20-gauge slug travel?
A typical premium 20-gauge, 2 ¾-inch sabot round starts with a muzzle speed of around 1,850 fps and delivers about 1,500 ft.
What shot size for geese 20-gauge?
| SPECIES | IDEAL RANGE | GAUGE |
|---|---|---|
| Small Ducks | 15-40 yds | 12, 20 |
| Large Ducks | 10-40 yds | 10,12, 20 |
| Geese | 10-45 yds | 10,12, 20 |
Is there a 4 gauge shotgun?
A 4 gauge shotgun would have a diameter of 1.052″. Compared the 12 gauges .
Is a pump shotgun good for duck hunting?
It’s another part of the duck hunter’s day. Generally, a pump gun will shoot a modern duck load quite comfortably, and as with any shotgun, while there is recoil, it is not attention getting.
How far do you lead ducks?
How far to lead a duck: Tables and charts of comparisons
| Distance from Duck (yards) | How far to lead by |
|---|---|
| 20 | .32-2.58 feet |
| 25 | .40-3.22 feet |
| 30 | .48-3.87 feet |
| 35 | .56-4.51 feet |