Hunting ducks and geese out of a float tube.

[Walleyeguy31]

I am very interested in this and I am wondering if this is a very commont practice or not? I just placed an order for a bighorn wetland camo tube and would like to know also what else would be needed besides waders? What do you folks use for float tubes? Anything at all that pertains to this in the replies would be very very much appreciated.

[Bauer and Standke]

My thoughts on this would be the only time you would need the float tube is if you were in deeper water or getting to and from your duck spot or retrieveing birds but just remember you have to be part hiden by natural vegitation Minnesota law it might be tough to get into the weeds.

[Seabass77]

Not 100% but I think that is illegal in MN. I.E. Sinkbox rule.

[Rost]

Legal or not legal, I just can't imagine trudging through the cat tails, retreaving birds, carrying gear etc.. It's hard enough with waders, much less with a float tube.

[Bauer and Standke]

I dont think it would be considered as a sinkbox because you are actaully in the water.

[delta hunter]

it would be just like you were hunting a little pot hole with just you waders so it shouldn't matter! But it sounds like more work than anything!

[hanson]

OK... Here's a scenario.

You've located a couple potholes on WPA land that are over 3/4 mile from the nearest road or parking area. The walk back to the pond is easy, rolling hills covered with prairie grass. When you discovered them, they were plump full of mallards, hundreds of them. The only problem is the cattail growth around the perimeter and the muck bottom. You cannot walk out to the edge of the cattails, you've tried, and almost had water coming in your waders. You don't have a dog either so retrieving downed birds is going to be a problem.

What do you do?

Camo float tube, dozen decoys or so, and your shotgun, and it sounds like you can have quite a morning hunt.

Everyone doesn't have access to great waterfowling boats, gear, and locations, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. Some of these little out of the way places can hold some good hunting. You might not be able to pound them but you can definitely get a couple good hunts out of them.

When I found the place I'm thinking of, I went back the next day with a big tractor innertube (like you'd use to tube a river in), and put a couple short 2x8s across it to form a seat. I put on my waders, put my shotgun in my lap, tied the decoy bag behind me in the water, and carefully paddled out with a canoe paddle. It was tricky, scary as all sh*t, but I had a great morning hunt. I should probably say I was much younger and reckless when I did that too.

I really wished I had a camo float tube for that situation.

[Rost]

Holy Smokes Hanson! That could be a skit on the Red Green Show!

[Seabass77]

The rule was you can't hide any of yourself under water.

[Bauer and Standke]

So you are telling me that I cant stand in the water in my waders and duck hunt I DONT THINK SO

[Seabass77]

2005 Waterfowl sup. Page 9. Summary of federal regs. " From a sink box or any other low floating device that conceals you beneath the surface of the water."

Like I said, I wasn't sure. The state regs say "permanent" however.

Easy on the tone Bauer.

[ddsbyday]

You need FLIPPERS. Do not think you are going to be mobile. If you do not have waiter flippers you will be like a bobber floating in the wind no matter how hard you kick. I love mine, it allows me to get to places you could not get a small kayak to. No flippers no movement. With flippers limited movement.

[tealitup]

This year turkey hunting I found a large pothole/swamp in the middle of no-where. It was filled with mallards, teal, geese, and woodies. I can see where it would not have any pressure on it. However, getting a boat, canoe or something else might be hard to get to.

A float tube might work very well. But, how about an inflatable boat/raft? A dozen decoys on the back and a shotgun - maybe a trustworthy friend (not to give away the spot) and a gammot of calls. Sounds like a great morning to me. Wish I had a dog