Duck Hunting In Texas Requires Some Important Preparation
If you are interested in duck hunting, there are many areas in which to find other waterfowl enthusiasts in east Texas. While deer hunting requires hours of time alone in a tree or hutch, duck hunting can be a social event with two or three other hunters, and if you’re a novice, getting experience with a buddy who knows the ropes or a guide who will teach as you go could end-up with a great new hobby.
There will be equipment that you will need for duck hunting. Since duck hunting starts in the fall and continues thru the beginning of winter there will be times when heavy hunting gear is necessary. Waders are an essential for duck hunting. Hip waders will work in shallow hunting areas, but investing in well insulated chest high waders is recommended, and they can also be worn for fishing too. Brown camo shirts, pants, and hats work better for duck hunting than green because there are typically more brown colors than green colors in the areas surrounding swampy/wetlands especially during the fall.
You will also want to start out with about 10 decoys, you can add on as you find necessary. The latest trend is to use a “robo-duck” which is a battery operated decoy that moves similarly to real ducks, and are found to be extremely effective. But they are not necessary if you have done your homework and scouted out the best area where ducks want to be for feeding.
The last item you will need before you are ready to go hunting is a gun. A 12 gauge shotgun is the firearm of choice for most hunters but if you limit your range when firing to 35 yards or less and remain patient you can use any high powered shotgun. Wear a facemask at all times so the ducks cannot see you when you look up to see where they are.
Be willing to seek out new territory rather than hunting in the same spot all the time, and avoid skybusting, or shooting at ducks that are too far away. This can ruin your hunt for the day, waste shots, and unnecessarily wound birds.
Learn more about Texas duck hunting and the guided Texas Duck Hunting services available on land they manage.
