Looking to learn about duck hunting.

[Okie4Life]

I have always used the cheap Mud-Dog or Bass pro brand waders. $100+, 3 or 3.5mm. they always last just as long as my buddies expensive lacross waders. The key is a right right. Too baggy in the crotch and they will have excessive wear and start to leak quickly.

As far as durability, I hunt 2- to 3- days a week every week, mine don't get babied and they hold up just fine for me. Plus hole are imminent, I'd rather ruin a pair of $100 waders on a fence then $250.
Shoe Goo will be your friend to patch small holes.

Also, carry your waders inside the truck, minivan, Miata or whatever you drive. Nothing worse than putting on cold waders.

 

[tulsanewb]

Ordered the Cabelas 5mm Neostretch Waders in stout as they had the right inseam for me. We'll see, more than I wanted to spend since I am brand new to this and have no idea if it will be something I enjoy or not. Seems like it will.

On a reverse train of thought (i.e, spending more money) is 6 magnums and 12 regular decoys, plus a moving wing decoy, enough for hunting areas off a river (no idea if where I'm looking is any good, but only one way to find out), or should I order another dozen?

 

[Porter]

Ordered the Cabelas 5mm Neostretch Waders in stout as they had the right inseam for me. We'll see, more than I wanted to spend since I am brand new to this and have no idea if it will be something I enjoy or not. Seems like it will.

On a reverse train of thought (i.e, spending more money) is 6 magnums and 12 regular decoys, plus a moving wing decoy, enough for hunting areas off a river (no idea if where I'm looking is any good, but only one way to find out), or should I order another dozen?

If it's an area that the birds are using on a regular basis, that should be plenty. If you're trying to get bird's attention and pull them away from their regular routine then I would add some more. Motion is your friend and that doesn't necessarily mean spinning wing decoys.

 

[tulsanewb]

Going tomorrow for the first time. Getting there very early to hopefully get a good spot. Any birds in the NE areas so far?

 

[Master Carper]

Any birds in the NE areas so far?

There are still a lot of teal hanging around, with just a few mallards....

 

[makeithappen]

How'd your hunt go?

 

[tulsanewb]

My buddy and I got nothing. I'm feeling a bit discouraged. I did at least pick a good spot in that when we got there (all kinds of fluke problems delayed us until 8am) we stumbled onto a flock of about 200 (ducks, but couldnt identify in time so didnt shoot) when we rounded the corner to where I had picked. They all spooked and left. Then as we were setting decoys I started playing with call since nothing was around to scare and all of a sudden they flew over our heads... I like to think I called them, but I am guessing coincidence. We were chest deep with no shotguns. Still didn't*identify. After that, one duck 3 hours later 100 or so yards away and a lot of pelicans, and a buck swimming. I am going to try again next weekend, and be there well before sun-up. Any chance there will still be birds? I really want to get SOME my first season.

 

[makeithappen]

Don't get discouraged. That's a part of hunting. At least you saw a ton of ducks. I've had several hunts where I didn't see a duck. The first season is iffy. Once it gets cold, there's less people and more ducks. On public water, try a mid-week hunt as you'll have the place almost to yourself.

 

[tulsanewb]

I wish I could go mid week, but I'm stuck at work. I hope it gets cold before the season ends as that is the weather I thrive in.

 

[Okie4570]

Not sure about your side of the state, it's been a crap shoot for us over here the last couple of years. First couple of weeks of the first split we had a few birds. Second half of the split, not much around. If you saw that many this morning, I'd bet you'll still see some. Huge front and weather change coming in a couple of days...we shall see what it brings.