Tips For Hunting Water Fowls That Can Take Home A “Catch”

Determining when the shot will be called may take years of constant practice to perfect. When a group of hunters enters a blind, determine which one will take responsibility for “calling the shot” when birds approach; this usually is the most experienced hunter in the group.

The technique to be used is evaluation and analysis of the bird’s movement to predict when the birds will arrive and how close they will be coming in. This is crucial because you should not let a flock circle or pass several times before you deciding to shoot because every time the flock passes, there is a big possibility that the birds will recognize movements and move on.

When there are enough birds within range, then a shot must be called. There are exemptions; for example, there will be times when several hunters may not be in “position to shoot”, particularly when hunters are spread out across a field.

In this case, only those who are “in position” should shoot. Call the shot and grab the opportunity. Waiting for perfect timing might take too long and the birds may move out eliminating the possibility of a “perfect” shot...

Here are more tips:

1. Search the field to determine where birds rest throughout the day. When hunting for ducks in the water, search the water area; when hunting for geese on land, monitor them to recognize their feeding ground.

2. Follow several flocks.

3. As much as possible, never hunt in their feeding fields on the first night; be patient and wait for the next day to hunt. The reason for this tactic is that if you attempt to hunt them in the evening, the birds may not return to the area.

4. Place your “decoys” where birds can spot them, preferably near the center of the water or field. When hunting geese, never place the decoys near brush piles, fence lines or areas with high vegetation as geese tend to avoid any rich covering that could hide a predator.

5. When field hunting, on a strong windy day, set decoys “downwind” of vegetation or hills as geese and ducks choose to land and feed during periods of high wind.

6. Set up a "landing zone" or a “hole” in the decoys and spread them to imitate the position of “landing birds” to increase shooting opportunities; water fowl, geese specifically, choose to land in areas where other fowl will not harass them.

7. Position several hunters, pits or blinds near the “downwind” side of your decoys as well as near the landing zone; geese and ducks normally land short of the decoys.

8. Never shoot when birds are approaching at a high altitude; just keep calling. Normally they will circle over a field several times before they land.

9. When hunting during periods of strong wind, and you notice that birds are landing or circling downwind of the decoys; other hunters can position themselves downwind for shooting opportunities since ducks will land short of the decoys.

10. Make certain that you are alert and can see clearly in all directions from your position, as the moment they begin to respond they can “come in” from all directions.

11. Display decoys that are very realistic; full bodied decoys work the best as hard hunted and older birds can be easily fooled.

Fowl will visit different areas throughout their migrating season. The water conditions, hunting pressure, and agricultural harvest all determine the attitude and reaction of birds at any given moment.

With the proper anticipation as to the birds’ reaction, you can successfully shoot them.

Because birds prefer a food source close to their roosting areas, concentrate on those locations that have resting sites and food sources in proximity. .

The success of water fowl hunting greatly depends on several factors; determining food sources and roosting sites, choosing the right decoys and the proper places for them, your position for a good shot, and using strategies so that birds can not detect your presence. In conclusion, it takes a lot of experimenting to determine what works best for you.

Have fun, and enjoy your experimentation; in time, you will come to know more about your prey and enjoy hunting more and more.