Newbie’s Information for Methods to Duck Hunt from a Kayak

I had the most effective solo duck hunt of my life, and it wouldn’t have occurred with out a kayak. Whereas duck searching a big reservoir at a spot that’s solely accessible by boat or a nightmare of a stroll by means of comfortable mud and knee-deep water, however searching from my kayak made it a breeze. 

I practically had my restrict in about an hour (after lacking my first a number of pictures…), and this unbelievable reminiscence wouldn’t have occurred with out a kayak. You’re lacking out should you don’t hunt from somewhat plastic boat.

Selecting the Proper Kayak on your Duck Hunt

Most individuals don’t like kayaks as a result of they buy the most cost effective one they’ll discover and don’t really feel secure in it. I don’t blame them for not desirous to hunt from a tippy kayak; I wouldn’t both. So do your analysis (such as you’re doing now), and get one you’re feeling secure and cozy in.

I like to recommend the Nucanoe Limitless or Frontier 12. These kayaks have an open platform, are extraordinarily tough to flip, and are very customizable. Nevertheless, they’re costly. There are numerous different good choices available on the market, so don’t fret if these aren’t in your finances. The primary issues to search for when shopping for a duck searching kayak are:

• Stability
• Rig-ability
• Consolation
• Ease of Re-Entry
• Drainage

You want a secure kayak so it gained’t flip you and your gear into the chilly water while you shift your weight to shoot or encounter tough water. Security have to be your main concern, and this additionally implies that it’s best to all the time put on your PFD (private flotation system). 

I really like rigging my kayaks (as you’ll quickly see) as a result of correctly rigging your yak will preserve you from dropping gear and make your hunt extra gratifying. We’ll focus on how you can rig your kayak within the subsequent part.

Whereas searching, you’ll spend loads of time in your kayak; if it’s uncomfortable, you seemingly gained’t wish to use it once more. Consolation additionally has lots to do with the dimensions. I like to recommend not less than a 10ft kayak.

Although I’ve used sit-inside kayaks for duck searching, I hardly ever suggest them as a result of they’re more difficult to get out and in of, and also you’ll be re-entering the kayak usually to go get your birds. Lastly, I don’t take pleasure in mendacity in a puddle of water, even when I’m sporting waders. That is one more reason I really like the Nucanoe Limitless; it drains in a short time, holding my gear as dry as doable.

Rigging Your Kayak for Duck Searching

You’ve chosen the right kayak; now it’s time to rig it correctly. I like to recommend holding it stupidly easy (KISS Methodology) and testing variations earlier than selecting a single setup. 

I set up a gun mount in direction of the entrance, offering easy accessibility and securing my shotgun whereas touring throughout the water. Generally, I take advantage of a light-weight mud motor for touring longer distances, however just lately, I’ve most well-liked utilizing the quieter electrical trolling motor mounted to the strict (again). I nonetheless all the time convey a paddle as a motor will allow you to down. 

Relying on how I plan to make use of the kayak, I could or could not set up my kayak blind on it. I prefer to preserve an open deck; that method, I’m much less more likely to snag on one thing whereas leaving, coming into the kayak, or pulling as much as shoot. Finally, rigging your kayak is a really private expertise. How I rig mine isn’t the one approach to do it; it is only one of many, so don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Methods to Use a Kayak for Duck Searching

There are numerous methods to make use of a kayak whereas duck searching, however the next are the 4 main methods to make use of a duck searching kayak.

Attain Secluded Spots

A method you should utilize your kayak is to get to these hard-to-reach areas. A kayak is simpler to cover than a ship, so that you gained’t have to fret as a lot about hiding it when you attain your duck gap. 

It will possibly additionally maneuver in shallow water, which suggests you may attain extra locations that outboard motors can’t go and spots that suck to stroll into. Lastly, it’s a lot quieter than a loud mud motor or outboard, so that you’re alerting fewer birds to your whereabouts.

Leap Taking pictures

Paddling down a creek or small river and dropping the geese (sometimes wooden geese) that leap up as you strategy it’s a enjoyable approach to spend the day. You miss out on watching them work your unfold, however you don’t want practically as a lot gear, and you may convey a fishing pole to catch a couple of fish!

As a Blind

You’ll be able to set up an aftermarket blind in your kayak that transforms it right into a floating structure blind. I take pleasure in searching like this, but it surely takes some getting used to as a result of the kayak rocks and strikes, creating an unstable taking pictures platform.

When utilizing my yak as a blind, I prefer to get off the financial institution somewhat methods, so I set my unfold farther out within the marsh or lake and anchor my kayak in a spot that doesn’t look misplaced. 

I strongly encourage you to brush it utilizing crops and from the spot you’re searching, as this makes it look extra pure. 

To Retrieve Birds

The final method I sometimes use a kayak is when duck searching is to retrieve my birds. I hunted giant reservoirs and icy waters that made retrieving a number of the birds I shot inconceivable. Heartbroken, I needed I had introduced my kayak to retrieve these birds. 

Sure, a canine can get many of the birds you harvest, however icy circumstances are extraordinarily harmful for duck canine, and typically a canine struggles to get a wounded fowl that retains diving on a big reservoir. 

Parting Pictures

Studying how you can duck hunt from a kayak will open up many extra alternatives. I nonetheless want to make use of a kayak over a ship or stroll in on public waters. Now that you understand how to get began, I wish to learn all of your questions and success tales (or failures; I’ve loads of these, too!) within the feedback! 

Good luck this season!

Wes Littlefield

Wes is an avid outdoorsman from Oklahoma all the time on the hunt for the subsequent journey. When he is not writing, he is most likely in his kayak reeling in a fish or making an attempt to trick waterfowl into trying out his unfold.