Duck Hunting Gear
The gear you need at a cost you can afford
Midwest Flyways Tips
Duck Hunting 101
When you decide to start hunting It could seem like you need a pile of cash. If you approach it the right way, you can get the gear you need at an affordable cost.
We put together a lis of things you should consider when starting and a few quick links to so affordable gear.
The Necessities:
Gun
You don’t need a high tech shot gun to get started hunting. A lot of times you might have an old family gun laying around somewhere that could be useable! You’re just looking for a 12 or 20 gauge shot gun. Best if the barrel is 26 inches or longer. If you need to buy a gun, we recommend a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 to get you going. Both guns can be found for under $300 if you time it right. Both guns are extremely reliable and have been used by duck hunters for, well, ever.
Camo
This is a good spot to skimp on when starting out. Whatever you can find! Check your local thrift store or goodwill. Walmart has cheap camo as well! As you go along you will want nicer camouflage but when you’re starting out you shouldn’t worry about what pattern is what and how nice it is. Just get what you’ve got and get out there. If you hunt colder climates make sure to have enough warm clothing to keep you from freezing up as well!
Calls
You don’t need anything special! Find a cheap call and buy it. Just start practicing. Don’t bring your calls in the field until you feel confident and even then, keep it simple. You don’t have to call to get birds to land if you’re in an are they would want to be in! Check out our video on 3 beginner duck calls!
Decoys
Again, whatever you can find/afford. Check craigslist for some old used decoys. Search for deals. My first decoys were a 12 pack of economy mallards that I bought on sale for $30!
Flashlight of Headlamp
This is a simple one, but it’s almost necessary. You will be up and going before the sun is, so you’ll need light to see what you’re doing at times! Cheap headlamps or flashlights are just fine!
One or the Other:
Boat
This is dependent on where you hunt and if you’re hunting water or fields. Almost all hunters tend to experience both at times but there will commonly be one or the other you hunt more frequently. It’s very difficult to be a water hunter without a boat of some kind. That doesn’t mean there aren’t options! Check craigslist for an old aluminum boat! Often times, I’ve seen old 12ft boats for less than $200 on craigslist. You can also use a canoe or a kayak for hunting. Lots of hunters just buy a cheap trolling motor and throw it on a little jon boat or a canoe and this can work well!
Layout Blind
If you think you might be doing more field hunting then you could skip the boat and get a layout blind. A layout blind is a blind you lay inside on the ground in some type of field or area while waiting for birds to come in. You can find a cheap run and gun layout blind for around $100 if you look around on the internet. Otherwise, check craigslist or ask a friend if has any buddies with an old one laying around!
Nice to Have:
Waders
Get something you can afford! Might be something at a garage sale, or in your dads box in the garage. Otherwise, expect to spend at least $100 on waders. Neoprene is a safe bet, 5mm is better than 3. Thinsulate might be necessary for guys in color areas. In Minnesota, we hunt temps down to 0 degrees breaking ice, so we look for thinsulate around 1000gram or more. The warmer the area, the less you need.
Blind Bag
Doesn’t need to be camo. Just something you can bring a few simple items in along with some ammo! If you have an old backpack or drawstring bag that will work for now! Hell, Conor’s first blind bag was a lunch box!