New Duck Hunter Advice

[runway1]

I've hunted some upland birds, pigs, and varmits here in CA. Really want to get some ducks. I live in Orange County.

Would you suggest a first time duck hunt with a paid guide, just wing it on a NWR...try some BLM near Slaton sea....or what do you think? Thanks all.

P.S. Don't have a dog - at least not one conducive to ducks.

[lewdogg21]

I'll just wait for the "pros" here on calguns to put in their $.02 on this topic. Since we haven't argued over this one this year I'm sure there will be some very strong opinions.

[jmonte35]

I've hunted some upland birds, pigs, and varmits here in CA. Really want to get some ducks. I live in Orange County.

Would you suggest a first time duck hunt with a paid guide, just wing it on a NWR...try some BLM near Slaton sea....or what do you think? Thanks all.

P.S. Don't have a dog - at least not one conducive to ducks.

Get a mentor....very hard just going about it on your own. Duck identification is probably the most important thing. Start studying that now. Ducks Unlimited has a good identification website.

You can get yourself in a heap of trouble if you shoot something over limit or flat out not a duck. I've seen many guys shoot at swans thinking they were geese.

If you were closer I would take you out but we are far too far apart. Good luck...there has to be someone you know that will take you.

Biggest thing to do as a noob is offer help with anything. Offer to drive, push the cart, etc. etc. Duck hunters are a different breed so you have to crack the code.

Paid guide is a good idea as well.....find a reputable one. Once again I don't know anyone in your neck of the woods.

[ElvenSoul]

It has been a long time but I hunted backside of Lake Perris with good results.

There used to be a waterfowl hunting club out there.

[runway1]

Get a mentor....very hard just going about it on your own. Duck identification is probably the most important thing. Start studying that now. Ducks Unlimited has a good identification website.

You can get yourself in a heap of trouble if you shoot something over limit or flat out not a duck. I've seen many guys shoot at swans thinking they were geese.

If you were closer I would take you out but we are far too far apart. Good luck...there has to be someone you know that will take you.

Biggest thing to do as a noob is offer help with anything. Offer to drive, push the cart, etc. etc. Duck hunters are a different breed so you have to crack the code.

Thanks jmonte. I joined DU just last month anitcipating needing some help. As for work - I'm there! I'll drive, shlock carts, listen, keep my mouth shut and eyes/ears opened and even buy lunch and a cold beer.

[taperxz]

Save your money! I love duck hunting but duck hunting loves my bank account too.

[runway1]

Save your money! I love duck hunting but duck hunting loves my bank account too.

You mean private blind costs? Outside of guns and gear, what's the expense? I'm ok with guns and gear but the $3k-$5k blinds are out of my ball park.

[duckman1]

Read everything you can find. Start buying equipment like waders, jackets, gloves and decoys off season to save money.

A guided hunt is a great way to get up to speed in a hurry, you'll gain some calling technique and practical decoy experience along with a look at the essential gear you'll want to add to your pack.

Pick up a call and a video you can practice at home and in your car.

I don't know what the public land area is like where you live but they are an excellent and inexpensive way to get started and hone your skills. You can then progress to a lease or equity membership if that's what you want.

It's not difficult to learn and I'd be happy to help you get started.

[JohnnyGuns]

dfg does a advanced hunters clinic usually once a year. $45 bucks and I got 2 calls and more information than I know what to do with. Check it out on their website.

BTW their predator hunting class got canceled because anti's pushed it. Just thought our hunting community should know.

[jmonte35]

You mean private blind costs? Outside of guns and gear, what's the expense? I'm ok with guns and gear but the $3k-$5k blinds are out of my ball park.

LOL....yeah you'll see. Waterfowl is one of the most expensive hunting sports. You'll shoot boat loads of ammo....refuge fees are rediculous.

Decoys, cart, decoy bags, motorized decoys, gas, gear.....every year you'll spend a pretty good chunk of change on all of the above.

The only good part is you can chip away at it little by little but you'll need to find someone with everything already. If you don't have it all and want to give it a go by yourself plan on spending A LOT of money....here's the bare minimum...lets assume you have shotgun and waterproof jackets..

Waders- $100 (for cheapies $300 for quality)
Decoys- $100 used decoys off craigslist for about 3-4 dozen mixed species ($200-300 new)
Shells- $10-25 bucks a box (plan on shooting a bunch especially if you're in a decent spot)
Refuge passes- $15 bucks a pop or $150 for a season pass
Misc (Gas, maybe a starter duck call, blind bag, duck strap, etc.) - about $100-$200

Plan on around $500 just to get your foot in the door.....after that the SKY is the limit. A seasoned duck hunter usually has thousands invested in gear including calls, decoys, etc. etc.

Plus there's all sorts of other costs once you really get into it. A hard duck hunter will go through waders like underwear, once you decide you're ready to get a dog (which you will) you'll have a plethera of fees to deal with between training, vet visits, etc. SOOOO much more.

To feed my addiction I probably spend $1000-$1500 a year minimum.....and that's from a guy who already has all the gear neccessary.

I do pay for a blind but in all honesty my seat in a blind dwarfs what I spend on everything else. If I decided to give up on refuge hunting I bet I would save money hunting a private club. The 3-5K blinds are also for a whole blind. You would share those costs....however a 3-5K blind is the bottom of the barrel....more like 6-10K for a good shooter.

But still you will enjoy every minute of it. Don't let the costs bring you down....just accept that it is very expensive and enjoy it.

[Moonshine]

Duck hunting is probably the most expensive hunting sport there is next to out of State big game hunts. Expect to spend thousands to get started and then even on public land $1,000+/year to feed your addiction.

Is it worth it though? ABSOLUTELY. My wife has a t-shirt that says "love me like you love duck season"

[nothing4u]

30 bucks in gas, 20 bucks in food, 45 bucks in ammo, 45 bucks refuge fees, split over 3 people is about $46 bucks per trip is what it costs me. I've spent $125 waders, $300 bucks on decoys which includes two mojos, $100 on calls, $75 bucks on choke tubes, $100 bucks on camo gear. Comes out to about $700 initial startup cost.

[runway1]

30 bucks in gas, 20 bucks in food, 45 bucks in ammo, 45 bucks refuge fees, split over 3 people is about $46 bucks per trip is what it costs me. I've spent $125 waders, $300 bucks on decoys which includes two mojos, $100 on calls, $75 bucks on choke tubes, $100 bucks on camo gear. Comes out to about $700 initial startup cost.

Agreed! Recurring cost seems to be about $110-$150/trip ("recurring" - after the gear). I have three very nice 12g guns. 2 Berettas and a Rem 1100.

After a few $100 in wear-ables, I just don't see the $1,000/year. I see 2 trips/year costing about $150-$250 each. Heck a guided duck hunt, with decoys and a dog included is only $250. Two of those is only $500 and I don't need decoys!

http://www.valleywaterfowlhunting.com/rates/

[wisterhunter]

Im going out to wister this friday with my buddy if you want to tag along were coming back on Sunday. Were going to sweat line it i not the best duck hunter but who cares.im out to enjoy the day amd shoot some ducks.

[chris]

heck I have to hunt by myself now. used to go with my roommate for years now solo. joined a duck club my dog's trainer is a member too so now I know some people to hunt with.