Waterfowl Gear & Technique

Early teal duck season is a time for wiping sweat, slapping mosquitoes and popping shells at some of the testiest targets in the marsh. It's also when special know-how must be applied to hunt these fleet birds. They aren't difficult, but neither are they gimmes. Following is a collage of duck hunting tips on where, when and how to pursue these first ducks of autumn, which few hunters unexplainably do.

Where to Find Blue-Winged Teal

Pulling ducks and geese over long distance is perhaps the ultimate challenge in hunting these birds! Working waterfowl that are in-close-and-looking requires great skill, no doubt. But capturing their attention and drawing them in over extreme distances of water, marsh or field is the supreme test for callers.

In the South, some tornadoes are to be feared; others are to be welcomed.
 

Millions of ducks and geese come down the flyways each fall, just as they have done for eons. Likewise, thousands of waterfowl hunters lie in wait, hoping to coax a few of the magnificent birds within shotgun range.

Use it and abuse it, but occasionally give it some TLC. Quality layout blinds are rough and rugged. However, like any piece of equipment, they require basic care to keep them functional and to give you maximum benefit from their usage.

When comes to waterfowl hunting, having great gear is instrumental to your success. A great pair of waders will keep you dry and comfortable, contributing not only to the success of your hunt, but also the likability of it.

The small group of mallards hardly reacted to the shot, which means I wasn't even close.