| So you want to become part of the | | | | Your first hunting trip will no doubt involve you |
| time-honored tradition of duck hunting? If you're | | | | finding out what equipment you like and what you |
| seeking to join the ranks of camouflage-clad | | | | don't. |
| sportsmen who awake in the middle of the night | | | | As you take those first baby steps into duck |
| to go hide in waterside reeds waiting for the | | | | hunting, you're going to find out quickly what |
| perfect shot, you're going to need to learn a few | | | | methods you prefer when it comes to bagging |
| things first. Remember, not everybody has what | | | | ducks. Some hunters rely heavily on duck calls, |
| it takes to be a duck hunter. | | | | and swear by them. There are many different |
| First, do some research. Use all the tools at your | | | | types of duck calls. Some are purchased at |
| fingertips. Look around on the Internet and read | | | | stores or through catalogs, some are carved by |
| some magazines. Ultimately, you need to | | | | hand, and others are created by the hunters |
| determine if duck hunting is something you really | | | | themselves-with only their vocal chords. Although |
| want to embrace. If the answer is yes, your next | | | | it will ultimately be up to you to figure out what |
| step is to get yourself educated. You don't want | | | | works best for you, the safest bet is to first |
| to go out into the field with your shiny new | | | | start with a duck call purchased at a store or |
| shotgun, disrupting others sport and basically being | | | | through a catalog. As always, consult with your |
| a nuisance. You're going to need to find a mentor. | | | | mentor before making a purchase. |
| A mentor can be the person that first got you | | | | Another popular tool of the duck hunting trade is |
| interested in duck hunting, someone you meet | | | | the duck decoy. Decoys are floating, plastic ducks |
| through connections online, or a fellow hunter | | | | painted to strongly resemble various species. |
| from a local hunters association. Your mentor | | | | Ducks, like all other birds, have very keen |
| needs to be someone who knows all the ins and | | | | eyesight and are not easily fooled. It is for this |
| outs of duck hunting. This person can show you | | | | reason that if you are going to use decoys, they |
| around, point out some good hunting locations, | | | | need to be very accurate in their detail and need |
| give you tips, and hopefully take you on hunting | | | | to be placed correctly. As a prey species, ducks |
| trips. In the end, your mentor will be the one to | | | | will shy away from anything that makes them |
| point you in the right direction when it comes to | | | | feel uncomfortable. Before making any decisions |
| getting started in the field. | | | | about decoys, talk to your mentor. You want to |
| After you acquire your basic knowledge of duck | | | | make sure you get the correct species and the |
| hunting, you're going to need the proper | | | | most accurate-looking decoys you can. Your |
| equipment. Everyone will have their own ideas | | | | mentor can also advise you about placement and |
| about what works best for them, of course, but | | | | how to correctly use your decoys. |
| to get started it is best that you listen to those in | | | | All in all, those looking to get into duck hunting are |
| the know. Don't rely on the clerk at your local | | | | in for a wild ride. Most of us take hunting for |
| sporting goods store; they will more than likely | | | | granted. After all, how hard can it be to kill a |
| just try to sell you the highest priced equipment | | | | stupid bird? It's not so easy, as you will find. With |
| possible. Once again, your mentor or other duck | | | | a little patience and education, though, you'll be a |
| hunters would be the best voices to listen to. | | | | master duck hunter in no time. I wish you the |
| Consider their recommendations and do some | | | | best of luck on many duck hunting adventures to |
| shopping around. After deciding what works best | | | | come! |
| for you, the only way to truly learn is to try it. | | | | |