KAYAK
DUCK HUNTING MAGAZINE
SPECIAL PREVIEW
HOW TO GET
STARTED
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CAMERON
SIMOT
Kayak duck hunting has many advantages over traditional methods. Proper use of a kayak for duck hunting can be deadly for ducks. There are only a few things you absolutely need to hunt out of your kayak, but there are also a few things that will make your hunt much easier, and enjoyable. At the bear minimum you’re going to need just a few things: KAYAK Any kayak will do, but darker colors are easier to camo. SHOTGUN AND PLUG A plug limits the number of shells in your gun, it is a federal regulation, so this applies to all hunters in the US. SHOTGUN SHELLS Make sure you are using non-toxic shells (no lead), this is also a federal regulation. FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP This is crucial for getting ready before light. PFD AND COLD WATER CLOTHING
You also have the option to use other things that may help you encounter more birds, such as, decoys and calls. These things are going to help a lot, but are not necessary for someone just trying to get started in the sport. If you do want some of these other things, try to check for used decoys, calls, or waders. You can often find great deals at garage sales, Craigslist, or in Facebook waterfowl hunting pages.
over the waders keeps most of the water out if you were to submerge. It also very important to practice your re-entries WITH your cold water gear on. You will notice you are more restricted than you are in the summer with your warm weather clothes on. For preparation, it is crucial to check the weather before you head out, your life is not worth a few ducks.
The advantages to kayak duck hunting are endless. A kayak can be used to paddle around, It is also important to take some measures to and jump shoot ducks. Jump shooting is when camo your kayak. The simplest and cheapest way is to use a combination of burlap and native you paddle towards some ducks on the water, and when they take off, and you shoot. Kayaks vegetation. You can cover the kayak in the are also very easy to conceal, and then you can burlap, and use zip ties attach the vegetation to your burlap. Remember, you don’t have to spend sit over your decoys, and wait for the ducks to come to you. Another advantage to duck hunta ton of money to get started duck hunting. ing from a kayak is that you can access spots not Kayak duck hunting comes with many dangers, accessible by either wading, nor with a boat. You but these can be prevented with proper training, don’t necessarily have to hunt out of the kayak, but it is a valuable asset when hunting spots that clothing, and preparation. It is very important have a soft bottom and you cannot wade out to to wear proper clothing, in case of submersion your decoys or ducks you have shot. into cold water. Many times while duck hunting the water is going to be below that 50 degree mark. For me, I wear a pair of neoprene waders, As many of you know from kayak fishing, there are many types of kayaks out there. If you are a dry top, and my camo coat over my dry top. Then I wear my PFD over my coat. The dry top choosing one for duck hunting, there are a few
things to consider. Stability is huge, you want to be able to shoot comfortably, both in front of you, and off to the sides. Another thing to consider is the ability to carry in your gear. A large tankwell offers you the ability to transport a good number of decoys. Speed might be a big factor if you know you’re going to be hunting a further distance from the launch. For me, the Wilderness Systems Commander 140 works
great. I can haul 4 dozen decoys between the tankwell, and the front area, it is quite fast, and extremely stable. Kayaks offer a great way to get into duck hunting. They are cheap, and you can start off with very minimal gear. It is a fun way to spend your kayak fishing off season, while still spending time in your trusty kayak. Hopefully you can take some time, camo out that kayak and get to duck hunting this fall. 2
“Practice your re-entries WITH your gear on.”