Tips for New Duck Hunters: get on the X

Finding good places to hunt can seem complicated, especially if you’re new to hunting ducks. The following approach took me years to develop—I wish I’d learned these lessons sooner. What I like is the focused simplicity. I believe it will improve your success at putting birds on the strap, as it has for me.

Scout for Habitat. Look for areas of quality habitat that consistently attracts birds. Spend some time learning how and when ducks use that particular spot, identify the best place to set your hide, and establish your access route.

“The spoon is already bent.” The secret to Uri Geller’s famous illusion can also be applied to your hunt. Once you’ve found a great spot, prepare your hide ahead of time. Keep it simple (see our previous blog on building a Rollup Blind). If your hide is ready ahead of time, it’s one less thing to spend time on during early-AM setup.

Practice. As you build your portfolio of choice spots and spend time hunting them, you will naturally become more efficient at getting onsite and setting up. Be intentional about deploying your spread. Make incremental improvements as you go. The key to simplicity is consistency (and vice versa).

Keep in mind that anyone that does this sport professionally is doing these three steps by default. If the guys you’re following on the Instagram seem dialed-in, it’s because they are. I believe that by using a standardized method like this, your time l behind the gun will feel more focused, satisfying, and productive.

All the best to you,
Jordan