Stuff for Sneaking Up on Ducks

In earlier pieces on sneaking up on wild ducks I have described something of the tactics of spotting and sneaking, and also on what one might expect to encounter. In this piece I will describe some of the `stuff' involved, and other stuff.

1. Camouflage - if you are trying to attract or sneak up on flying birds, consider camo, including face paint, and a blind if your position is fixed. If you are sneaking up on birds that are already on the water, or land, it may not matter much if you are camouflaged or not, as you will probably need to stay out of sight altogether. At the fringes of civilization I will sometimes dress up like a `jogger'.

2. Waders and Warmth - if you are having to enter or cross water you may need waders, or other means of staying dry. If it is cold you will need means of staying warm. I generally `sneak' pretty close to home, so if I get wet it is only temporary, as I go home and dry off. Generally on the final sneak I shed as much clothing as possible to be quiet and able to use my equipment (camera or gun). This can backfire, however, if the action slows, the stalk gets long, or I get `stuck' out in the middle of nowhere wet with little clothing

3. Camera - ducks mean water and bad weather - so use a waterproof camera and have the means to keep the camera clear of fog and moisture. (I have learned the hard way and my camera is also dust-proof and drop-proof.)

4. Gun and Stuff - if hunting, have the proper gun, shot size, licenses, permits, etc. keep you gun clean and functioning properly, and clean and dry it afterward afterwards.

5. Retrieving - if hunting, make sure you have means of retrieving birds. If using a retriever (dog) it/he/she must be well trained as to not `bust' your stalks. (I generally get wet on retrieves and then go home, but I sneak and stalk small bodies of water.) On larger water you may need to have access to a boat.

6. Optics - spotting scope or binoculars, or both.

7. Hearing Enhancement - optional.

8. Calls (and Decoys) - just make sure you follow appropriate regulations if hunting. Calling waterfowl is a lot of fun, and itself an art.

9. Communication - cell phone, satellite phone, 2-way radio, whatever. As with all outdoor recreation, it is good to be able to communicate with civilization or at lest let those in civilization know where to come looking if you don't return on time.

10. Boats, cars, etc. - whatever vehicles and craft are to be used, use them legally and respectfully. Don't drive vehicles across cultivated land unless you have express permission to do so. Drive and park safely. If using watercraft follow all appropriate regulations and safety precautions.

Sneaking up and `shooting ducks' (with camera or gun) is a sport that can be enjoyed all year long. (Well, the gunning part only during applicable hunting seasons.) During the spring of the year the ducks can be enjoyed during their love-making and family-raising. During the summer you can watch the families grow and learn to fly. In the fall you can witness the mystery of migration and the fun of the hunt (if you are into hunting). And in the winter the birds generally have their peak plumage. Winter can also be a time to observe them in their greatest concentrations, unless you live too far north, it is too cold, and they have all flown south.