New duck hunter

[CHMOM]

I'm wanting to take my son duck hunting/ deer this season but neither he or I have gone before. I do not have a boat and needless to say a clue how to go about doing it. I do hve a 12gauge and a 410 shotgun-rifle. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to go about doing this?

Any help would be appreciated. .

[dmichaelm]

Get yourselves in a hunter education/gun safety course. Its neither safe nor legal to venture out and try to harvest game without one,

Once you have your safety classes done, find a friend or acquaintance who is a hunter and ask to tag along. I have learned through a lifetime of being in the woods with my dad and uncles. Now, I am teaching my friend who never hunted growing up.

[CHMOM]

The safety course will be easy, the hard part is trying to find someone to take us out.

Let me give a little back ground on me. I'm a single mom and my son is 14. I hinted around last year if they might want to take us out but they didn't volunteer( it didn't bother me to much because when I have talked to their GF or wives they don't get to go either)But I'm not comfortable letting son go without me being he has never been before(ok so I might be a little protective:))

That is why I got on here to ask what I might need before going to a store and having a sales person having me buy a lot of stuff..

[BrdHunter01]

It's expensive gun safety for the 14 year old is a must! I would scout around a little bit before venturing out in the am. Have a couple spots in mind. I would also hit the gun club up and shoot a few rounds of trap to a feeling of ur gun and the range it has. There's lots to learn have fun! Very addicting sport! Lots of memories to be made!

[CHMOM]

I must first apologize for my second post..I didnt even follow it to well after submitting it apparently my proof reading skills didnt work last nigh:)

But thank you all. Ill look into finding a hunt club down here.

[Brocster]

Good morning!

I would be glad to help/offer any advice that I can. Long time deer hunter and pheasant hunter here, and just getting back into duck hunting.

What part of the state are you in? I could maybe help pinpoint some areas and places to go. Also, I could help you understand things to get and things you don't need to worry about.

Love to help!

Broc

[jblabsnduck]

Things you will need for duck hunting-

1. Firearm safety training for your son (this is a must have for him to hunt)

2. Gun (you said you have these already)

3. decoys, a dozen or two cheap ones will work (don't let a sales guy sell you the high dollar ones) You can get a dozen decoys for around 25-30 bucks

4. waders (if you plan to hunt water, which I would HIGHLY recommed for beginners)

5. duck ID book and regs so you know what you can and can't shoot

6.Steel shot shells (again, don't let sales guys sell you top end shells, cheapies will work just fine)

7.Duck call (being you are new to the sport, practice at home and get a DVD on duck calling tips)

8.TRY to find someone that knows what they are doing when it comes to duck hunting. Depending on where you live there may be someone on here willing to take you guys out a few times to show you the basics.

There is a LOT that goes into duck hunting.

Just make sure to ask LOTS of questions.

If I think of more things for you I will post later.

If you have questions post them hear and with any luck someone will be able to answer them for you.

If you like, you can send me an e-mail [email protected] if you think of other questions you may have.

Broc, don't give up those secret spots. ha ha ha ha

[WollMan]

If you are in the cities, go to the MN duck and goose callers meeting at the Cabelas in Rogers on Thursday the 29th @ 7 pm. They have all info you could ever dream and you could make connections for a hunt.

[jblabsnduck]

Almost forgot, you both will need camo.

Also find a gun range and go pratice shooting.

Some ranges/clubs have sporting clays.

If you find a place that has sporting clays do it. It will take a while to walk the course but it is very fun to do and puts you in all kinds of shooting situations.

Sooooo many things for you to learn.

But once you know how to do it you will be HOOKED for life.

There is no better sport IMO. (maybe snow goose hunting but that is a whole different ball game)

[CHMOM]

Thanks for the info. I wish I was up y'alls way but sadly I do nor live in your state. I couldn't find a site like this one I figured most of the equipment needed would be the same and the hunting technics.

Have a prospect on a "guide". If y'all don't mind I'll keep ya updated and ask more questions.

[Finlander]

Good Luck! Hope you have fun with duck hunting as this is my if I could only do one thing in life, it would be duck hunting!

[dmichaelm]

Sounds like some good tips since I last weighed in.

The only thing I would add is if you are looking for gear, don't forget the online classified sites. Lots of quality gear and used camo for less the price and no sales tax.

[Brocster]

Broc, don't give up those secret spots. ha ha ha ha

Ha Ha

Actually went out tonight to a pond way back in the woods...about 80 Woodies. Wish it were Saturday

[CHMOM]

1st. Good luck to all today and stay safe.

My prospect guide still hasn't committed so asked someone from work if he didn't mind and had room for my son and I if he would mind taking us. He said he would take son but I couldnt go. His quote" what happens in the duck field stays in the duck field". LOL.

What is it with guys not taking females hunting??

I just want him to have the opportunity So I guess I'll let him go with him.

I'll have to keep looking for someone to take me.

[hunter322]

CHMOM, props to you for trying to get your son involved in the outdoors. Later on in life he wont be able to thank you enough. The outdoorsman is a slowly dying breed and we need as many people as we can to carry on the traditions that come with it. And with you being a single mom, congrat you on getting your son involved! He and yourslef will love it!

[gurkster]

Yes, congrats to you for doing this for your son!!! When you say "guide" I take it as a friend or someone to take your son. I would suggest a professional guide. It may look pricey at first, but consider they have the in on where to hunt, all the decoys, calling, boat, dogs, etc. They also have tons of knowledge to pass on. You could also join in on the hunt as you are the paying customer. I would expect that you get some discount if you are not carrying a gun. All you would need are the proper licenses, gun, shells, clothes, etc. A couple guided trips like this would be less $ than all the equipment needed with a much higher success rate. I am not sure what state you are in, but I would think you would be able to find one pretty easily. Again this is a great thing a mother can do for her son, by getting him in the outdoors.