If you’re starting your career like a duck hunter, you no doubt have no end of questions. Where do I start? How? Do I need to sign up for anything etc? For Texas waterfowl hunting, there are quite a few things you need to keep in mind/get in order, etc. before you can begin in earnest. As for what those things are, while this article cannot cover every little detail, it will cover the basics, the important stuff, that you need in order to get started on the best foot possible.
#1. Get the gear
First and foremost, you need some camouflage. But you need to be smart about this because not every camouflage is meant for every situation. You wouldn’t go deer hunting, for instance, in desert camo, you’d stick out like a sore thumb. Some think that buying a gun is the first step, but then again, some people are wrong. You don’t need a gun to hunt half the time, just ask most duck hunting guides. But what you do need is a means of hiding from your prey. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean a camo suit, as there are alternatives, such as a layout blind.
#2. Experience
If it’s your first time hunting seriously, then you’ll want to bring along someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone who will be able to spot the rookie mistakes you’re inevitably going to make. Don’t feel any shame in these mistakes, as the point of them being “rookie” mistakes is that enough practice ensures that you stop making them. Having a friend come along to cover for you ensures that that process hurries along a little faster.
#3. Scout
Half of the hunting is the scouting. All of those bullets, bait, and bravado won’t mean much if there aren’t any ducks to use them on. Take your experienced friend/relative out for a drive, let them guide you to the spots that have the most game around that time of year. Make sure you get permission from whoever owns the property you’re going to be hunting on first. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of hunting, only to be interrupted by a police officer called in because your constant shooting spooked the neighbors.
There are many other tips when it comes to Texas waterfowl hunting for the first time. But these three will help you out the most, and keep you out of trouble. For more helpful tips and tricks, as well as requisitioning a trained professional to help you out, visit us.
