Duck Hunting Essentials You Need for a Better Hunt

Duck hunting is all about the right gear — as are most other types of waterfowl hunting. For beginners, it can seem overwhelming. But with early dawn preparations, the right decoys, and a strategic blind setup — success is always within reach. Dive into this guide + gear list to uncover the ultimate duck hunting essentials!

Early morning drives aren’t a new concept for seasoned duck hunters. Part of a successful trip is all in the prep work you do ahead of time. Use our duck hunting essentials checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

• Before the hunt, you’ll need the basics — a hunting license, landowner permission, charged + waterproof gear/electronics, safety equipment (e.g. first aid kit), shotgun ammo (plus some to spare), and a clean, pre-sighted shotgun.

• During the hunt, start with essentials like duck calls + decoys and a hunting blind, camo clothing, waders, binoculars, a boat, a camouflage backpack, a life jacket (PFD), and any dog gear/vests for a safe trip.

• After the hunt, grab processing gear + gloves, knives/shears, processing/plastic bags, and a marker (if you need to label anything).

Having a duck hunting gear list handy helps ensure you don’t forget anything important! The last thing you’ll want is to trek out early in the morning only to realize you've forgotten something.

For duck hunting, 12, 16, and 20-gauge shotguns are each popular choices. You'll need to decide between a semi-autoloader and a pump action.

A shotgun sling keeps your weapon within easy reach. Waterfowlers get a convenient, ergonomic method to carry their shotgun over the shoulder while hunting. Consider investing in one to free up your hands for other tasks.

Always use non-toxic shells when hunting ducks. Toxic shots harm the environment and are illegal. Never choose lead shots for ducks. They severely impact the duck population.

Use a duck hunting blind to hide from unsuspecting waterfowl. Most blinds can comfortably fit up to two hunters. Ducks possess superior eyesight compared to humans. Staying concealed while hunting is essential.

Use a mix of feeding, sleeping, & motion decoys to mirror as many authentic duck behaviors. Carry them in decoy bags for easy transport, and employ decoy anchors to set and retrieve them from the water.

However, don’t think that decoys will salvage your success when you choose a poor hunt site. As you continue your duck hunts, you’ll begin to pick up on the little nuances and skills that go into knowing how to scout the best sites that ducks use to feed and take shelter.

A game strap typically holds up to 12 birds. Hunters secure the duck’s foot using a locking clip to hold them in place. It's an excellent tool for efficiently transporting your catch.

Single reed calls are perfect for more experienced waterfowlers. However, if you want simplicity or are a beginner, choose a double-reed call. Manufacturers use different materials to produce duck calls — each giving off unique sounds and volumes.

Waterfowlers should have at least one duck call of each reed type. Each reed shines in different situations. Having both only prepares you for a wider range of scenarios! Ultimately, choosing a duck call comes down to your preferences + picking one that most closely resembles your preferred duck(s) sounds the best.

Stay energized during your hunt. Load your camo/hunting backpacks with snacks and water. On colder days, use a thermos to keep your drinks warm while in the field.

When you plan to bring your hunting dog along, having the right training supplies is a great choice! From dog whistles to training callers and trainer mallards, guide your dog in gentle game retrieval techniques. These tools are ideal for honing your pup's skills in fetching ducks.

As you prepare, knowing what to wear for a duck hunt is crucial! Ensure you have everything you need for a successful outing: camo waders, a cap, hunting clothes, gloves, hunting boots, & a life jacket (PFD).

• Waders: Waders ensure your boots remain dry — even on wet terrain. Opt for Neoprene or other breathable materials. If you're braving colder climates, thicker, insulated waders are a must! Pick from chest to hip waders and various camouflage patterns.

• Duck Camo + Hunting Clothes: Don camouflage attire like shirts, pants, and jackets to blend seamlessly into your hunting environment. Ducks have keen eyesight, so wearing camouflage is so important.

• Hunting Gloves: Hunting gloves shield your hands from blood and bacteria. They also offer protection against the cold. This ensures both safety and comfort during your hunt.

• Hunting Boots: Expect a lot of walking while duck hunting. Pick boots that offer comfort for long treks. Options include insulated, waterproof, & camouflage designs to suit various hunting conditions.

• Life Jacket (PFD): If you’re duck hunting by boat, a life jacket is essential when you topple over in the water. If you bring a dog, pick a PFD (personal floatation device) up so every passenger remains safe!

Without these duck hunting must-haves, you may not see the success you want. So let’s take a deeper look into the essentials you might not otherwise think about.

• Headlamp: Boost your visibility in the water with a headlamp. This is necessary during evening hunts. Using a headlamp maximizes safety and increases your chances of success.

• Hunting License + Stamps: Make sure you get a hunting license plus a harvest information or a federal stamp. Prerequisites differ by state, so make sure to look up your local regulations.

• Bug Spray and Sunscreen: During duck hunting, bugs and harsh conditions can pose challenges. Safeguard your skin by applying bug spray and sunscreen.

Q. What Not to Do When Duck Hunting?

Don’t forget to scout the land to pinpoint duck feeding grounds + shelters. Also, do not skip your camo! Blending in perfectly with the natural landscape is part of a successful hunt. You’ll definitely not want to skip learning about how to stage your decoys.

Q. Is Duck Hunting Expensive?

Duck hunting costs vary based on your choices + local regulations. You can always borrow your buddy’s gear or use your current shotgun. Start with the essentials. Then, gradually expand your collection of decoys, duck calls, & more as you progress.

Ready to bag your dream duck? There’s nothing like the thrill of waking up before the sun, finding the perfect honey hole, and taking home a duck for dinner. But you’ll need the right gear to get you there. At Academy, we stock all the essential duck hunting accessories — enabling you to concentrate on maximizing each shot's impact. Have fun out there!