Few things in life are as rewarding as a successful hunt, and none more so than a waterfowl hunt. At times it can be complicated and frustrating, especially for newer hunters to the sport. From the necessary gear, locations and tactics, to the proper disposal and clean up when the hunt is done, there are many things to remember. But when mastered, the rewards will keep you coming back year after year. Here we have asked our team of pro staffers for a few of their top tips to help you get into your groove once the season starts.

Dave Reynolds

Q: What shotgun do you bring with you on the hunt, including the make and model of your preferred firearm?

Winchester Super X Model 3

Q: What do you love most about duck hunting?

Braving the elements and experiencing fall migration.

Q: What piece of gear do you bring on every hunt that most people don’t always think to bring?

On my recent hunts, I’ve been packing light with only bare necessities, including ammo, calls, etc. Several items I am never without are a face mask, insect repellent, and hand warmers for unexpected cold mornings or evening boat rides.

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to a new duck hunter?

Hunt where’s there are ducks. This is easily said but not easily done. Many new hunters hunt the popular spots. Get away from the beaten-path and scout, scout and scout some more.

Q: What advice would you give a seasoned duck hunter?

Same advice as beginners. Don’t get stuck in the rut of hunting the same areas week-after-week and year-after-year.

Q: What is your best duck hunting “secret?”

Experienced duck hunters learn from experience… to not share their secrets.

Q: What mistake should all duck hunters avoid?

Hunt the first couple of hours after sunrise. I’ve had many of my best hunts late morning into early afternoon.

Jeff Dodd

Q: What shotgun do you bring with you on the hunt, including the make and model of your preferred firearm?

Winchester SX4

Q: What do you love most about duck hunting?

Working the birds.

Q: What piece of gear do you bring on every hunt that most people don’t always think to bring?

I have waterproof matches that I bring on all of my hunts.

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to a new duck hunter?

DO not overcall!

Q: What advice would you give a seasoned duck hunter?

Let the ducks show you what they want to hear.

Q: What is your best duck hunting “secret?”

You have got to be hidden!!!!!!!!

Q: What mistake should all duck hunters avoid?

Never call a shot when the birds are coming to the hole. Let them get close as they will.

Clint Hovey

Q: What shotgun do you bring with you on the hunt, including the make and model of your preferred firearm?

Winchester XS3

Q: What do you love most about duck hunting?

Working ducks into close range for clean kills.

Q: What piece of gear do you bring on every hunt that most people don’t always think to bring?

Ear and eye protection.

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to a new duck hunter?

Do your scouting.

Q: What advice would you give a seasoned duck hunter?

Don’t call too much.

Q: What is your best duck hunting “secret?”

Motion in your decoy spread.

Q: What mistake should all duck hunters avoid?

Allowing your face to shine. Cover it up.

J Paul Jackson

Q: What shotgun do you bring with you on the hunt, including the make and model of your preferred firearm?

I shoot a 12 gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.

Q: What do you love most about duck hunting?

Watching the ducks work.

Q: What piece of gear do you bring on every hunt that most people don’t always think to bring?

An extra pair of gloves in case my first pair gets wet!

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to a new duck hunter?

If you are going to try to learn to blow a duck call start with a simple double reed call and spend some time at a refuge or someplace where you can listen to real ducks.

Q: What advice would you give a seasoned duck hunter?

Remember that it is better to call too little rather than too much.

Q: What is your best duck hunting “secret?”

Movement and realism in your decoy spread is the key to finishing more ducks.

Q: What mistake should all duck hunters avoid?

Don’t call too much!

Keith Mitchell

Q: What shotgun do you bring with you on the hunt, including the make and model of your preferred firearm?

Franchi Affinity 20 gauge

Q: What do you love most about duck hunting?

The dude you hunt with and watching them hit the water.

Q: What piece of advice would you offer to a new duck hunter?

Never ask if we have to put all these decoys out.

Q: What advice would you give a seasoned duck hunter?

Teach and educate those with you and around you.

Q: What is your best duck hunting “secret?”

My honey holes.

Q: What mistake should all duck hunters avoid?

Not leading the birds enough and not following through when shooting.

You heard it here first, folks. Don’t overcall. Make your decoy spread appear real. Don’t overthink and have fun with your hunting buddies. If you have any questions about your hunting game, get in touch with our team. We would love to help you out.