The art of hitting webbed feet on the wing can be refined by great shooting skills. The skills are developed through sheer practice along with certain creative ways.
Here, we share key tips for avid waterfowl hunters.
1. Modified Clay Target Practice: Certain target games like skeet, trap, etc can help you become familiar with a shotgun. However, the real shooting situation can be way too unpredictable.
The best way to use clay targets is by standing 20-40 yards behind the normal position in the skeet and trap. These are more realistic distances and can pay good dividends in the field. Moreover, try to practice in the sitting position. It is required for waterfowl hunters in a layout-style blind.
2. Scout differently: You may know how important it is to know where you’ll find the maximum number of birds. They may loaf around a pothole, creek, farm field, for river bottom. A creative way is to get more information from the fry cooks of a local breakfast diner.
You may keep a small notebook to keep a tab on word-of-mouth advice, good locations, seasons, etc. For instance, waterfowls move towards river bends, sheltering coves during storms.
3. The right hide: Moving undetected on the ground, and behind the bush is one of the crucial factors in ducks and geese hunting. You may choose Xtra or Realtree AP when moving through hardwoods. If you’re stalking in an agricultural field or a marsh, conceal in MAX-5.
Avoid bulky clothing as it limits the freedom of movement. However, make sure to keep yourselves warm. You can use a polyester-fleece pullover to keep you flexible yet warm.
4. Stay legal: When you stalk up your ducks, make sure you do it legally. Knowing the local legislation is important to avoid any trouble. For instance, full camouflage is only allowed if you’re outside of whitetail gun season. You need to wear hunter orange during the deer firearms season.
5. Use a quality load: The toxic lead shots are banned and sheet shot loads have improvised a lot. Make sure you use premium loads that are quick and have sufficient knockdown power.
However, steel-shot loads lose power beyond 40 yards. In such cases, it is better to use alloy loads such as iron, bismuth, tungsten, etc. However, they are expensive, especially for waterfowl hunters who shoot frequently.
6. Get, set, shoot: Make sure you shoot in the sitting position as it allows rotation of the torso. The shot should be taken in a narrow field of view.
For right-handed shooters, the layout blind with feet cocked well to the right of the center would be ideal. It will allow more range of movement. The vice-versa is true for left-handed waterfowl hunters.
7. Shoot to kill: It goes without saying that patience is the key to any kind of hunting sport. You have to keep calm and steady for the shot. The huge flock may excite you but instead, pick out one and drop it cleanly. Flock busting is quite impractical.
Also, don’t just aim for the body but also the neck and head. It will give you time to double even if you miss the main shot.
Waterfowl hunting is a whole realm of fun if done intelligently. Camospace hunting app provides a platform where hunting enthusiasts share their personal experiences.
Experienced waterfowl hunters suggest identifying the flushing target before the actual shot. Moreover, the approach you’re about to take should be visualized beforehand. It is also recommended to take binoculars along.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the right calling. If ducks are flying toward you, you should avoid calling. It is said, “Call only to tips and tails.” When you see either a wingtip or the tail, or both wings and the tail, then it’s safe to blow the call.
To become a better duck shot, the effort is necessary. Plenty of preparation and the right training will outweigh luck, leading you to success.
For more such tips and tricks, don’t forget to download the hunting app by Camospace today. Be a part of a like-minded community!
