Hunting ducks is typically either done in a blind or in the water or next to the bank, or in a boat. Boats for hunting ducks are set up differently than typical fishing boats or pleasure boats. These boats have a flat hull that gives them a very low profile against the water. This makes the boat and you much less noticeable to ducks and passing animals.
But when you’re hunting ducks, the type of boat you use does not determine how many ducks you get. What you do in the boat will make much more of a difference than the boat itself. First of all, you have to learn to be quiet and still. You’ve set your duck decoys and you’re ready and waiting for a shot. If you fidget very much, just the noise of your clothes brushing together may disturb nervous birds and keep them from coming near.
Don’t expect ducks to flock in as soon as you set your decoys. Once you’ve done that, you have to play a waiting game with them and simply be quiet and still is much possible to allow it to happen. If you plan on calling ducks, do it with restraint. Don’t try to out bellow the ducks thinking that the loudest call will attract them more. Try to sound like them with soft, short quacks and sounds. This will attract them much better than an unnatural sounding call.
Boats for hunting ducks do keep you very well camouflaged. Because you want to get flat in the boat, and the best time for hunting ducks is in the cold weather, be sure and bundle up. When you’re on cold water in a boat and lying in the belly of it, you can very quickly get far too cold. Flat bottomed John boats can also be used because of their flat profile and their width which makes them more stable in the water.
These type of boats let you go through high reeds and into places where traditionally shaped boats would scrape the ground. Many avid duck hunters build their own boats for hunting ducks or they do purchase a wide jon boat. Others use a traditional fishing boat to go to the blind where they lay in wait for the ducks rather than in the boat itself. Then they simply use the boat to retrieve the ducks.
Either way, you need to dress warmly and plan to be very patient. Just like the type of football or golf ball a sportsman uses won’t determine how successful he is at the sport, the type of boat or blind you choose will not determine how successful you are at duck hunting. The right kind of boats for hunting ducks can help you lay in wait in the center of the water near the decoys without being as noticeable to the ducks. But ultimately, your calling technique and your patience as well as the trueness of your aim will determine how many ducks you get more than the boat’s shape or size.
Photo Credits: Jo Jakeman
Originally posted 2010-04-05 03:50:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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