Self Starting...

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[Up North Journal]

Great advice from both Kenster and Chico!  I've hunted with both of them and that alone is a trip!  My son got me started and I fell in love with it, then I met Chico and he just made it worse! Keep us posted on your progress!  Feel free to PM any of us from the Up North Journal or Team Fowlmouth for some help.  Just stay away from Kenster's bucket!  He will have to tell you about that one!  Good luck this season!

[kenster]

Mike, I'm taking that bucket on ever trip you and I go on this coming season! Heck maybe if you're nice I'll get you your own!

[Up North Journal]

I will be a true sportsman and donate it to Duane 72 since he is going to need some gear to get started! 

Duane 72, make sure you take some photos of those sea ducks when you get one!  I think Kenster is doing a hunt over near your way this coming season, you guys should meet up, heck who knows he might even loan you his bucket!

[MichiganLouie]

I also come from a non-hunting family, but have been fortunate through the years to find mentors willing to show me the ropes.  I had been interested in goose hunting for quite a few years before I actually started.  I started looking at hunting programs, to get an idea about what was involved.  I eventually met a friend who was willing to take me goose hunting during the early goose season.  Not much equipment needed other than a few field decoys, and a tarp to lay on.  Eventually, I purchased some big goose shells at a garage sale.  I got 8 42" long Carrylite decoys for $75.  I already had a 12 ga with a choke suitable for steel shot.  I had purchased a couple of calls through eBay.  Later, on the man that processes my deer agreed to take me goose hunting during the late goose season.  That was a real blast.  Ended up getting 2 geese and a real nice drake mallard (my first duck ever, wish I had had it mounted)  I eventually felt comfortable enough to go out on my own, at a friends farm.  1st time out, I got a few shots, but no birds.  (I'm a terrible wingshot, RH shooter, left eye EXTREMELY dominant)  The second time out, I manage to cripple a bird, but got it anyway.  I was really surprised when I saw it coming down.  Anyway, at least, I could manage to get some birds to come and take a look at my decoys.  So I have said all this to say that I think the best way to get into waterfowling is to try to find someone willing to take you and show you the ropes.
BTW, I would like to try getting into hunting ducks more, but I think it may turn out to be an exercise in futility, due to my shooting ability (or lack of it)  Time and money also enter in the picture.

[sundowner]

I'm guessing you can get to a marsh. Get a few dekes a call 12 ga. waders jacket and have at it. Keep it simple. Then progress as need be. I still have decoys in plastic sleeves still in a box I haven't used.

That's the way I did it , also checkout Ducks unlimited web site , all sorts of info there .

[DPD]

I've duck hunted (and goose) for years in the marsh's in northern NY...really its not that expensive...you can get along with a few decoys and their not that bad....a good duck call and practice...you can use camo clothing the same that you turkey hunt with and I don't know the gun you use but your shotgun with a full choke...you can pond hunt or marsh hunt for the ducks...geese, I use some silhouettes and I field tested some nice fold away decoys from Lem-o-ward which is a little expensive but they field tested well...I still use them.....really don't need a dog but if your in a marsh or blind hunting a dog is handy but you don't absolutely need one .......I hope this helps a little and  it is one of my favorites...if you like turkey you will like waterfowl too

[bberger]

I didnt have a hunting dog, so I had to improvise, a wire coat hanger bent into a hook, with a couple big bobbers, on it and do a little fishing, not only do you get the downed birds off the water, you get to practice your casting skills, or shoot them over land 

[bugfixer]

I think your already off to a good start by coming here to TalkHunting.com. You will find loads of info and help from folks here on just about any kind of hunting in the US. Look for people close to your area, introduce yourself to them. Who knows you may get an invite to go hunting. I can tell you that in the last 2 years that this is site has been running there have been lots of members that have made road trips to go hunting with other TH members. Networking with like minded people can open all sorts of possibilities. Good Luck, and keep us posted.

[Duane72]

Duane, sounds like you and I are in similar situations as far as duck hunting is concerned.  Luckily I had a dad who taught me to deer hunt, and my Grandfather used to take me dove hunting and quail hunting around the Guyton, GA area, but that was about it.  I've pretty much taught myself about how to hunt turkeys, and I'm doing almost the same thing with ducks.  Luckily I have a few buddies who are more than willing to share some information, and my wife's Godfather has been gracious enough to offer to take me on a duck hunt or two next year.  I've only been a couple times, but I'm already hooked.  I can't wait til next fall.  I think I may have to plan my deer hunting around duck seasons this next year.  I never thought that would happen!

Does sound pretty similar. You've got a step on me with the dove and quail, but I did have a friend show me some ropes hunting turkeys. I love it and am sure I would love fowl to. I'm just hoping to find the time and right place to make it happen. I don't know about scheduling it around deer season though... that one will have to be seen. lol

[Duane72]

I will be a true sportsman and donate it to Duane 72 since he is going to need some gear to get started! 

Duane 72, make sure you take some photos of those sea ducks when you get one!  I think Kenster is doing a hunt over near your way this coming season, you guys should meet up, heck who knows he might even loan you his bucket!

UNJ... there are way too many scenerios running through my head about that bucket now! 

If I can make it happen this year I'll be sure and post some pictures. Thanks!

[Duane72]

I also come from a non-hunting family, but have been fortunate through the years to find mentors willing to show me the ropes.  I had been interested in goose hunting for quite a few years before I actually started.  I started looking at hunting programs, to get an idea about what was involved.  I eventually met a friend who was willing to take me goose hunting during the early goose season.  Not much equipment needed other than a few field decoys, and a tarp to lay on.  Eventually, I purchased some big goose shells at a garage sale.  I got 8 42" long Carrylite decoys for $75.  I already had a 12 ga with a choke suitable for steel shot.  I had purchased a couple of calls through eBay.  Later, on the man that processes my deer agreed to take me goose hunting during the late goose season.  That was a real blast.  Ended up getting 2 geese and a real nice drake mallard (my first duck ever, wish I had had it mounted)  I eventually felt comfortable enough to go out on my own, at a friends farm.  1st time out, I got a few shots, but no birds.  (I'm a terrible wingshot, RH shooter, left eye EXTREMELY dominant)  The second time out, I manage to cripple a bird, but got it anyway.  I was really surprised when I saw it coming down.  Anyway, at least, I could manage to get some birds to come and take a look at my decoys.  So I have said all this to say that I think the best way to get into waterfowling is to try to find someone willing to take you and show you the ropes.
BTW, I would like to try getting into hunting ducks more, but I think it may turn out to be an exercise in futility, due to my shooting ability (or lack of it)  Time and money also enter in the picture.

Thanks Louie! And by the way, I thought there were ways of migrating your dominant eye? Ever tried patching the good eye?

[Duane72]

Thanks everyone.

[3-Blade]

Once you get going, there is NO turning back!  Waterfowl is addicting....just make sure your pockets are deep enough because you'll always need something 

[Duane72]

Well, let's see... Christmas is already past, but the birthday is coming up... 

[MichiganLouie]

[

Thanks Louie! And by the way, I thought there were ways of migrating your dominant eye? Ever tried patching the good eye?

I tried shooting skeet for two summers trying to overcome this problem.  I figured that if I could obtain a good sight picture, my shooting would improve.  It didn't.  My scores remained consistent, regardless of gauge used.  I could shoot skeet using a .410, and a 12 gauge and get almost identical scores, on the .410 I was shooting 1/2 ounce of shot, and a full ounce on the 12. Go figure.  I also tried placing a patch on the good eye of my shooting glasses.  Ther was a slight improvement but not much.  I never tried blacking out the good eye completely.  I tried switching to shooting lefty, and it seems very awkward.  Maybe I need to try that again, but do it more often.