DUCK HUNTING
We Asked, You Answered… What Duck Hunters Use on Their Hunts
It may be a little biased, but duck hunting is our favorite sport and if we have learned anything working at Mud Buddy Motors, it is that waterfowl hunting happens to be many of your favorites as well. If you are anything like us, you spend a lot of time (and money) trying out new methods and products year after year to improve your hunt. It is a large part of the sport that many of us don’t talk about enough and our team wanted to help. From shotgun model of choice to decoy preferences, we wanted to know what works for you.
Late last year, we sent out a survey asking you what you use while duck hunting. There were only a few questions, but each helped us understand what works for the majority of hunters. A lot of you responded, giving us great insight into the way you like to hunt. Whether you reacted directly on a browser or through social media, thank you for taking the time to answer the call. We collected all of your answers and wanted to share them with you. Let’s get the conversation going.
Disclaimer: If you agree or disagree with the majority, please feel free to leave a comment below. It would be great to hear your opinions and why specific tactics work better for you than others.
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. This difference can fill the shot string void as range increases with your shots. Whether you use a 12 or 20, use the shotgun that works best for you.
While most use 12-gauge shotguns, the model varies. Benelli came in first with Browning shortly behind. Other popular models included Beretta, Remington, and Winchester. Finding your model preference takes a lot of tests and trials. Let us know which models you tried and why you settled on your final choice in the comments below. We would love to know the reasons behind your model choice!
Another question that pulled in a lot of varied answers was which truck is best to haul your boat. Ford and Chevrolet came in the top 2 with Dodge, GMC, and Toyota falling behind. A lot of factors play a role in your truck choice, including cost, weight, and horsepower. Ford is perhaps the favorite because it offers the most bang for your buck. Weigh-in in the comments below.
Unlike the last two questions, most hunters agreed that Labrador Retriever is the best duck hunting dog. Bred for marking, retrieving, and delivering ducks directly to you, Labradors are one breed you should consider when picking your duck hunting partner. The Labrador’s double fur coat keeps them warm while also acting as a water-repellent layer. Their webbed feet and muscularly frame help them easily maneuver through the water. Also, a thick otter tail gives them extra balance. After looking over these attributes, it is no surprise that the Labrador is popular among duck hunters.
Decoys are a part of duck hunting that is truly up to the hunter. The number of decoys per hunt is largely dependent on personal preference, but also revolves around the weather conditions. If there’s one tip we could give regarding a decoy set-up, it is that motion matters. Motion rules over amount and cost because live ducks can spot the difference. Groups of ducks don’t sit still—they flap their wings, swim around, and cause commotion in the water. Decoys, no matter the brand or quantity, should mimic the natural motion of a real duck.
The last question, “Do you face paint?” gave us a clear answer. Most of you don’t face paint, but a good number still do. Face paint generally comes down to convenience. We suggest trying it out on your next hunt and seeing if you notice a difference. Sometimes it can matter more than you realize.
Thank you again for all of your responses. It is great to hear what works, what doesn’t, and which methods you suggest to waterfowl hunting beginners. Sound off in the comments below and let us know if you agree or disagree with the majority. As always, you can contact our team to talk shop or learn more about how our mud motors can make the biggest difference in your next season. Also, if you are looking for duck hunting tips, look no further.
