Outdoors Angle: Ready For Ducks!

Steve Carney Outdoors
Steve Carney Outdoors

The Flag Outdoors Expert Steve Carney has your weekly Outdoors Angle right here!

     The waterfowl season is just days away and being a successful duck hunter means being prepared ahead of time and having your gear in order. Here are some tips as we head into a very exciting time of the Fall.

 

1.)  Prepare Decoys

     I always make it a point to spread my decoys out in the backyard and let the sun, rain and wind knock down some of the coloration, giving them more of a mottled look. Shiny decoys with fresh paint are not realistic. If you ever notice real ducks on the water, they are dark toned. Also add some bluewing teal into your mallard spread. This adds realism in terms of duck body size. Again, watch ducks on the water and you will have several different body sizes. Nothing looks more awkward than a dozen mallards of the same size.

 

2.)  Scouting

     The most successful waterfowlers always put in their time scouting for birds. Because of the migration patterns, ducks are constantly moving through the midwest and are never on the same body of water for any length of time. Hit the road and knock on some doors. Go to the ducks, don't expect the ducks to come to you.

 

3.)  Wear a Life vest

     I choose a life vest that has padded centers with netting on the shoulders allowing me to keep the shotgun butt right against my shoulder without obstruction. It is imperative to have a vest on during the dark hours when you are heading to your duck spot. Another tip is have a powerful spotlight with you to illuminate your area when moving in the wee hours of the morning.

Steve Carney is The Flag WZFG Outdoors expert. He can be heard every Thursday morning at 8:05 on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. Check out his weekly podcast on am1100theflag.com and hear his Outdoors Angle reports every Friday on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. You can also visit stevecarneyoutdoors.com for more information.