Back-to-basics duck hunting guide

Waterfowl hunting has a reputation for being expensive, but hunters don’t need to shell out tons of money on a boat or a truckload of waterfowl gear to be successful. That’s especially true in a state with as much public land as Idaho.

Jump shooting is a low-cost option for public land hunts, but it is not the only one. The classic method of hunting over decoys is a good option for public land waterfowl hunters. The excitement that comes with watching ducks work a decoy spread (circling them to see if it is safe to land), the interactive component of calling, and the close shooting provide an experience that many waterfowl hunters live for.

Public land hunters may have to work a little harder to set themselves up for success when hunting over decoys, including dedicating time for scouting, and being willing to put in extra effort to get away from most of the hunting pressure. But for those who are willing to make the commitment, there are many walk-in public hunting spots scattered throughout the state that can produce good waterfowl hunting – and it doesn't take hundreds of decoys. Idaho waterfowlers can put together a successful hunt with nothing more than what they carry in on their backs.

That includes:

• Shotgun
• Idaho hunting license
• Migratory bird (HIP) permit
• Nontoxic shotgun shells
• Federal migratory bird stamp
• Six to 24 decoys
• Waders
• Camouflage clothing
• Duck call(s)

Eye in the sky, boots on the ground

By finding and setting decoys in a place where ducks already want to be, hunters can eliminate the need for a large decoy spread that might be needed to attract birds from far away. 

A smartphone or a computer can be all that’s needed to start looking for a potential waterfowl spot. The first step is finding water, and when walking in with decoys, it pays to think small. Using Fish and Game’s Hunt Planner or some sort of GPS mapping tool, hunters should scour smaller rivers and streams for public access points, and search for potentially overlooked pockets of water — creeks, sloughs, ponds, etc. — on all different kinds public property, including those that are more traditionally associated with upland game hunting.

Don’t ignore traditional waterfowl spots including larger rivers, reservoirs, wildlife refuges and Fish and Game’s Wildlife Management Areas and habitat areas. For these, try to identify spots where there is likely to be less hunting pressure, such as areas inaccessible by boat or off the beaten path.

With a list of potential locations, it’s time to get out and see what it looks like from ground level, and more important, whether the ducks like it.

Observe potential spots frequently to see if ducks are using them, both before and throughout the season. While not necessary, a decent pair of binoculars makes spotting far-off ducks a lot easier.

After confirming ducks are using a location, study it closely to pattern the birds and determine when they are arriving and departing. That might be at first light, but it could also be mid-morning (which means a couple hours of extra sleep and warmer temperatures), or in the afternoon or early evening. Have decoys out and be ready to hunt before they start pouring in. Putting in this work ahead of a hunt can minimize the amount of time staring at empty skies, and allow time to plan a more efficient and productive hunt.

Hunters shouldn’t put all their effort into one location because it does not take much hunting pressure to discourage ducks from using it. This is especially true of smaller waters. Work to find and pattern ducks at several locations, avoid over-pressuring any single spot. Continue to scout various spots throughout the season, and above all else, be adaptable and mobile. For the best results, public land hunters need to be able to adjust their strategy based on where the birds are, and where other hunters are not.

Develop game plan(s)

Once promising public areas are tracked, consider concealment (i.e. is there natural cover, or will building or bringing a blind be necessary) and be adaptable. Ducks will generally land into the wind, so set up with wind toward your back if possible. Identify a number of different places to set up at each location depending on the wind direction.

Think about where to position decoys. Keep in mind that decoys should be within effective shotgun range (somewhere around 40 yards). When hunting without a dog, make sure that the water is shallow enough to safely wade, both to set out decoys and to retrieve downed birds.

If it’s a popular spot consider making a weekday trip. On weekends or holidays, focus efforts on more secluded locations.

Another consideration is weather. Earlier in the season, small waters, such as ponds, sloughs and backwaters may be a good option, but may freeze as the temperatures begin dropping. Freezing could force the focus to a different location. This is where scouting for a variety of options pays dividends.

Idaho's varied geography means duck hunting opportunities are different depending on the location, but most areas have places where a person can hunt waterfowl, and it doesn't require a huge commitment of money and gear to be successful.

Brian Pearson is a regional communications manager with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

    A Chesapeake Bay retriever out duck hunting.