New, simpler plan for 2011

[TylerS]

When I first started hunting waterfowl, and ducks in particular, it was with the most modest of methods. A dozen Carrylite aqua-keel decoys from Gander Mountain, a Primos Timber Wench call that I didn't know how to blow, and a 20 gauge youth Remington 870 shotgun. That was it. I didn't even own a pair of waders that first year, having instead to borrow a pair from my cousin who had a boot size 5 sizes too big.

For some reason (maybe it was the fact I was hunting in Minnesota) I quickly discovered a problem with my methodology: I wasn't shooting ducks. The painful few that even came remotely close were much more interested in the raft of 500 birds out in the middle of the big water, than my measly offerings near shore.

Than it dawned on me as I'm sure it's dawned on many a duck hunter: I need MORE. More decoys, better waders, a bigger gun. More calls and BETTER calls.

Thus began a quest that has lasted more than a decade. I've scrounged, bought, pilfered and commandeered a plethora of plasticized waterfowl clones that has brought me success on fields and water. And it feels like it still isn't enough sometimes. Boy, what another dozen decoys would add to my spread. Just one more dozen, then I'll be set. Maybe a few snows, too, just in case there are any around. And I need more honker water decoys. You know, for realism.

But as I started my spring cleaning tasks a few weeks ago and struggled to dig out equipment from a shed packed to the gills with all manner of hunting paraphernalia, I was struck by an epiphany: I have TOO MUCH. Do I really need this many decoys to kill birds? I mean, what would happen if I only used two dozen water decoys instead of five? Or maybe just a dozen? Or even HALF a dozen? Could I kill birds that way? Would it effect my success? And in that respect, what IS my definition of success?

Eureka: limits don't matter anymore. I think my dog has a lot to do with that. Last fall was the first year that I honestly admit I didn't give a rat's patooty if I shot a limit of birds. My only goal was to get Remy on every feathered creature imaginable so he'd get a good season of hunting under his young belt.

Now I suddenly have an urgent desire to undo all the work I've done for years and return to a simpler time. A time when all I needed was a dozen cheap decoys and a crappy call to enjoy myself. Because honestly, folks, those early times WERE fun. Sure, I didn't kill hardly any ducks, but I don't have any memories other than fond ones.

And think about all the stress that would be released if a morning hunt didn't require getting up a 2 a.m. to beat out other hunters, set up a spread, and bury blinds just limit out in 15 minutes. What if, say, you got up around 5 a.m., grabbed the bare essentials (six decoys, waders, coat, gun, dog) and went out with the intention of simply enjoying the outdoors on a beautiful fall morning?

That's my goal this year, people: to unstress and unwind. I'm doing things simply and efficiently. No longer will I be making five trips to and from the vehicle to haul out an armada's worth of equipment because I HAVE to have it in order to kill birds and feel complete. I'm going to go out with the sole intention of spending time with my friends and our dogs and maybe kill a couple ducks.

Anyway, I have no idea why I felt possessed to write this post, but there it is.

In closing: does anyone want to buys some decoys

[magnum mike]

Tyler the Zen waterfowler. You seem to have found your inner peace and I wish you a successful and joyous season. I once had the same vision. I would only offer a suggestion that you don’t thin the herd just yet. If you have the space to store your current “overstock” and it is paid for, hold off for at least this season. I would wager that there will come a time when that big spread is needed and regret the decision.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

In for the decoy sale.

Scaling back has some added benefits. You probably will start hunting smaller overlooked areas, and probably have just as good if not better success.

[HNTNBUX]

I hope it works out for you. Getting up at 5am though to go duck hunting is unheard of unless you are just going out your back door on private property.

[Gordie]

No longer will I be making five trips to and from the vehicle to haul out an armada's worth of equipment because I HAVE to have it in order to kill birds and feel complete. I'm going to go out with the sole intention of spending time with my friends and our dogs and maybe kill a couple ducks.

So guys if Tyler wants to go hunting with ya he wants you do all the work

J/K Tyler great plan and I hope you enjoy the outdoors stress free I think sometimes we all need to take a step back from the I need More and better stuff just to have a good time. I myself have found joy in watching my sons shoot there birds

[Quackaddict9]

I hope it works out for you. Getting up at 5am though to go duck hunting is unheard of unless you are just going out your back door on private property.

I do it often on one particular public land. It is a 25 min drive from my house so it is not a "back door private property land". Usually set up by 6:15-6:30 am or right when birds start flying across the lake. Best duck hunting out there is after 9 am anyway.

[TylerS]

So guys if Tyler wants to go hunting with ya he wants you do all the work

Oooooo....loophole!!!

[bemidjibasser]

I shot more ducks this year with less than a dozen decoys out than I did over big spreads... It helps to have private land to hunt though... =)

[goblueM]

Something that came up in the boat this year while hunting: wonder how many spreads ducks see of a 1-2 dozen mallards and 4-6 geese? (or variations on this theme). I'm willing to bet a LOT over the course of a season

We shot an awful lot of ducks this year over 6-10 decoys

[brittman]

Scouting and locating good areas is far more important than the number of decoys put out.

If you are hunting ND and find the right area --> two dozen mag decoys is all you need to carry into the slough. Buy a big enough decoy bag to that there is plenty of room to stuff a couple limits of birds on the walk out. I usually carry in the waders too. If it is just me, then i have found that 1/2 dozen decoys are more than enough.

Likewise in MN if you are hunting area holding strong numbers of birds, the number of decoys is less important.

Now if you plan to hunt traffic or migrators on Minnesota public land, then you probably are best off running as many decoys as you can.

Same strategy for field hunting ... if you are hunting where they want to feed - it does not take many.

[TylerS]

Scouting and locating good areas is far more important than the number of decoys put out.

If you are hunting ND and find the right area --> two dozen mag decoys is all you need to carry into the slough. Buy a big enough decoy bag to that there is plenty of room to stuff a couple limits of birds on the walk out. I usually carry in the waders too. If it is just me, then i have found that 1/2 dozen decoys are more than enough.

Likewise in MN if you are hunting area holding strong numbers of birds, the number of decoys is less important.

Now if you plan to hunt traffic or migrators on Minnesota public land, then you probably are best off running as many decoys as you can.

Same strategy for field hunting ... if you are hunting where they want to feed - it does not take many.

Truer words have nairn't been spoken

[gurkster]

Go for it! I also have joined the less is more club. I have simplified in all my hunting and fishing outings. I can't say I do any better or worse than before, but I feel more stealthy and less stressed than I was when I was carrying around a bunch of gadgets and things that I rarely, if ever, used. I hope it works for you. For waterfowling I agree with brittman, be where they want to be and a few dekes is all that is needed. A hunt a private swamp, and only use a few decoys for realism (hopefully), but that is for puddle ducks and geese, where I am getting in small groups only. I am sure hunting divers and big water would not work well the way I do it.

[brittman]

All the companies, videos, and pro-staffers would like you to think otherwise.

Many want you to believe that buying the latest decoy, call or clothing with a new camo pattern is the sure way to quick succcess rather than learning through experience (your observations or hunting with others).

You do not have to spend a bunch of money on gadgets to be successful, the only real expenses are your time and gas money to explore new areas. If you do not have parents or friends to show you how ... then you just have to get out there and learn for yourself.

Do not get stuck into a single hunting style or location.