How to get into waterfowl hunting.

[Crippledsledge64]

My lab was gun shy and timid, I sent him to a trainer and she was able to correct all my mistakes. He was around a year when I sent him off. There are some good trainers in Idaho, it will be the best money you will spend.
He is 2 now and gets more excited to go hunting than I do.
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That's awesome to hear, any trainers that you would recommend? I have one in mind but im debating if I should spend the money or not. Its encouraging to hear that a good trainer might be able to help him with some of that stuff, he's coming up on a year pretty soon. Saw a rooster by the road the other day and its getting me to think more and more about getting him trained.

Also if I do get him trained do I need to focus solely on waterfowl or can most dogs also be trained in both waterfowl and upland? I'm starting to notice plenty of ducks in my area as well, just not sure if its public or private.

 

[Spoonbill]

That's awesome to hear, any trainers that you would recommend? I have one in mind but im debating if I should spend the money or not. Its encouraging to hear that a good trainer might be able to help him with some of that stuff, he's coming up on a year pretty soon. Saw a rooster by the road the other day and its getting me to think more and more about getting him trained.

Also if I do get him trained do I need to focus solely on waterfowl or can most dogs also be trained in both waterfowl and upland? I'm starting to notice plenty of ducks in my area as well, just not sure if its public or private.

If you go the trainer route, I would say talk to them about what you are looking to do and they can steer you in the right direction. I would find someone within driving distance so you can go work with the trainer and your dog. It is expensive but if your dog is gun shy it may be better to hire a pro to fix your mistakes. ( that is what I had to do at least)

 

[Blackstorm]

Like the others have said find someone local to show you the ropes, is a really good way to learn. I find that getting a well bred dog and training it to a decent level gets you invited to a lot of duck hunting blinds and there is nothing better than seeing your dog pick up a bird.

 

[BoTheHunter]

Like @Rob5589 said it is VERY addicting and your money will transfer straight from your paycheck to companies that sell duck hunting stuff because you just have to have it lol!

 

[BuckWild]

Amazing thread. I'm wanting to get into waterfowl hunting and this answered a lot of questions I had !

 

[edbentle]

First off I would make sure you really want to try it because if you do it will get in your blood. And like all other hunting it's not cheap Then get some waders, put them on, and go fall down a couple times in a pond and get soaked for practice. You can also try what I did and go with a buddy and sink a boat on opening day in October.

Just kidding. It is incredibly fun and the tablefare is stuff you just can't get anywhere else. And then if you love it and get a gundog everything about how you hunt will change for the better.

I'll second trying to find a mentor who will take you along a couple times to show you the ropes and have all the gear. Then what I would suggest is to try and find someone who is at your same skill level and hunt together. I find when starting something new figuring something out with someone who also knows nothing is more helpful than being told what works and what doesn't from and experienced guy. Maybe that's just me because I tend to not learn something until I try it for myself and it either works or doesn't work for me. Whatever you do you're going to have fun.

Oh and join Ducks Unlimited and Delata Waterfowl and go to some events!

 

[Chesapeake173]

I hunt ducks 70plus days a year. It is the most over thought hunting there is.
If you hunt where you’ve seen ducks, you’re ahead of the game.
Your “hide” is way way way more important than how your decoys are set or your calling.
A duck call for most is the best conservation tool going. Place a few decoys where you’ve seen ducks, hide really really well. Sit still. Ducks land into the wind, I try and always set decoys so birds land coming left to right or right to left. Decoys directly below you give birds the opportunity to start their approach coming directly at you. Easier to kill, but they have longer to stare at you.

The absolute hardest part about duck hunting is figuring out how to retrieve birds and most importantly knowing exactly what you just shot.

Ive hunted ducks for a long time, and have personally never ever shot a duck I didn’t know exactly what it was when I pulled the trigger.
My dog screws up from time to time though.
I kill a hen wigeon and the dog brings back a gadwall. Even after sending her out numerous times she never finds the wigeon. Poorly trained obviously.

This about sums it up! If you’re where the birds are that’s 95% of the battle. Hide good, don’t over call and your set!

Takes time to find where they want to be and that location will change day to day, week to week.

For dog training the most basic thing you can do is obedience training. Sit, stay , heel. Those are the foundations to all of the crazy marking and handling that you see. If you have a dog that has the basics of obedience down you’re well on your way.

Check out Mike Ritland and Trikos training programs. Mikes a former SEAL trainer and his methods are strictly rewards based. Not at all “retriever” training but obedience. I incorporated a lot of his style to my young Chessie and it’s much less stressful on the dog and the trainer.

Good luck. I can’t believe you left Michigan for Idaho and NOW you want to focus on waterfowl! I can believe (and am jealous) that you left Michigan! This states a mess!


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