Duck Hunting Gear List: Must-Have Essentials
So you're ready to explore all that duck hunting has to offer. Great choice! But first things first - you need to do some shopping and prepare for that first trip to the blind. This can be overwhelming for new waterfowl hunters as there are so many different essentials you need to snag. But don't worry - we're here to simplify things for you. Today, we're going to go over our essential duck hunting gear list.
You'll learn why it's so important to have all your essentials loaded up before heading out. Most importantly, by the time you finish reading this guide, you'll know your next steps and where to start shopping for gear. Ready to get started? Let's begin.
Why Having The Duck Hunting Essentials Is So Important
First things first - why do the duck hunting essentials matter so much? Can't you just grab your gun and ammo, dress warm, and head out on your trip? Trust us - that is a recipe for disaster. You'll end up cold, wet, and likely empty-handed unless you carefully plan out your gear list. Because, unlike some types of birds you're used to hunting, you're going to have to get a bit wet and dirty during duck season.
And, the cruel reality is that the worse the weather is, the better conditions for duck hunters like yourself. The colder, the wetter, the more miserable - the higher your chances of a successful hunt are.
But don't let this deter you - with the proper gear, you won't even feel the weather. You'll be comfortable and warm, and too busy collecting your birds to notice anyway. Now, with all that said - let's share our duck hunting gear list so you can get ready for that first trip and enjoy it in all its glory.
Duck Hunting Gear List: A List Of Must-Have Duck Hunting Gear
There are three basic categories we're going to go over in our list of must-have duck hunting gear: the obvious (guns, ammo, license), your clothing (what to wear duck hunting), and the blind bag essentials - where you'll spend most of your time shopping. We're not going to hold you in suspense any longer - here are the essentials for that first duck hunt:
The Obvious Duck Hunting Essentials
This one should go without saying, but we're going to cover the most obvious duck hunting essentials first:
- The Shotgun & Shells
- Your Hunting License
If you don't already have your shotgun picked out, we recommend a twelve-gauge or twenty-gauge shotgun. These are the preferred choice among duck hunters. And, in terms of ammunition, stick with non-toxic shells. This is a requirement under the federal fish and game department. So, stick with steel, bismuth, tungsten alloy, etc.
Oh - and don't forget your hunting license. The last thing you want is to come across a warden empty-handed. Along with your valid hunting license, you should be sure you have a state duck stamp and a HIP (harvest information stamp) if your state requires these pieces of information - most do. With all this out of the way, let's move on to one of the most important questions we see new duck hunters asking: what to wear duck hunting.
What To Wear Duck Hunting: Consider The Elements
Ready to learn what to wear duck hunting? The answer will depend on the conditions you're hunting in, as you can probably imagine. This is not a one size fits all answer. Those who are hunting in the south may not need as much protection from the cold as those hunting up north. Similarly, some days will be warmer than others - and you may want a pair of uninsulated waders for those warmer days.
With that said, every duck hunter should have a few basic types of waterfowl clothing in their arsenal for when the time comes. This includes:
Base Layers & Outer Layers
The foundation of your hunting outfit will call for the proper base layers and outer layers. Remember, you're going to be in cold, dreary conditions. So, you need to trap in that vital warmth. Thus, your base layers are one of the most important elements of your outfit. We love merino wool and Capilene - these are our preferred materials for base layers.
When it comes to your outer layers, you have a few more options. One thing to keep in mind is that neither your base layers nor your outer layers should be cotton. Cotton is known for absorbing moisture and will weigh you down and add a chill factor. When in doubt, stick with a quality waterfowl hoodie and waterfowl jacket as your outer layer along with some waterfowl pants. These are specially designed for the harsh elements you'll face. On the lower half, you can go with a pair of duck hunting bibs. These are like suspenders, but for waterfowl hunting in particular. But, these aren’t the most important outer layer of your outfit - waders are.
Waders
Along with your base layers and outer layers, you need a quality pair of waterfowl waders. As the name suggests, these provide waterproof protection while you wade in and out of the water. Whether it's setting your decoys or collecting your birds, you're going to want a pair that keeps you warm, comfortable, and most importantly, dry.
There are so many different types out there to choose from - so don't take this decision lightly. Some come up to your hips while others reach as high as your chest. Some are neoprene while some are more breathable. Picking the right pair comes down to how much water you need to wade through, and how cold that water is. Keep in mind that if your hunting location is not one where you'll be wading in and out of the water, these are not necessary. Check out our review of the best duck hunting waders online for recommendations!
Headwear & Glasses
You've got to think about protecting your head and face from the cold as well - that's where choosing the proper headwear comes in. On warmer, sunny days a standard cap is a great choice. But for those colder outings, you'll want something to protect your face - such as a balaclava. These keep your forehead, neck, cheeks, and chin protected from cold, wet, windy weather.
The only thing exposed? Your eyes - which is why you need to grab a quality pair of glasses as well. This will allow you to keep your eyes focused on the prize without watering. Better yet, some glasses will help you see a better outline of the shooting profile of an incoming bird.
Gloves
One final piece of clothing to consider are your waterfowl gloves. These will keep your hands warm so you can load and fire your gun in confidence. Don't let a biting wind ruin your day outside. Not only that - but waterproof, camouflaged hunting gloves will help disguise you from your target.
Must-Have Duck Hunting Gear In Your Blind Bag:
Now that we've covered what to wear duck hunting, we're going to talk about the must-have duck hunting gear in your blind bag. This is basically everything else you need for a productive, safe, and fun day outdoors. In this section, we'll cover everything from snacks to decoys.
Before we get into the list, we want to talk about the importance of selecting a quality duck hunting blind bag. Choose one that is durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. These are an investment that you want to get the most out of. While you may pay more for a quality bag, you'll save money in the long run by getting more life out of it. And most importantly, it will enhance your time out hunting.
Decoys
If you're new to hunting ducks or other waterfowl, decoys are going to be your new best friend. Why? Because you can trick your prey into coming down and hanging out with these fake decoys. You place these decoys out in a nearby body of water or open field. When real ducks fly overhead, they'll see their plastic or rubber friends hanging out below and swoop down to check things out. This presents a window for you to take your shot.
There is much more that goes into decoy strategy - but that's a conversation for another day. We talk a little bit about that in our guide to duck hunting for beginners if you’d like to learn more. Just be sure you've filled your blind bag with decoys and organized them properly so you can enjoy an easy setup in the morning.
Duck Calls
Along with your decoys, your duck hunting calls are going to be one of the most important considerations for your blind bag. There are a wide array of duck call strategies out there - and an even wider array of duck call types.
Picking the right one for your excursion requires you to have an in-depth understanding of the duck species in your region. You will likely need a few different duck calls on hand just to be safe. Better yet, prepare a call lanyard to neatly organize all your calls in one place. The last thing you want is to scare away potential prey by rustling around your bag for the right call.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Trust us - there is nothing quite as frustrating as trying to set up your blind and decoys in the dark. Your phone light isn't going to cut it. A flashlight is better, but a headlamp is best. This will allow you to get the blind set up hands-free - seeing everything you need to see. This is something you should always double-check you have in the bag before heading out.
Handwarmers
You're not going to spend the entirety of your day holding your gun. During that in-between time, you can get your hands warmed up a bit with hand warmers. These are great for those extra cold days where you may struggle with numb hands. Numb hands will prevent you from loading your gun, grabbing your call, or even pulling the trigger with ease.
Thermos & Snacks
Your thermos and snacks are another important consideration for your blind bag. Let's face it - you're going to get tired throughout the day. You can start a fire or bust out a stove if you have one, whip up a pot of coffee, and keep it warm in your thermos. This will also keep you awake and attentive throughout the day. And, you should pack some easy snacks to keep you filled throughout the day. This can be as simple as a bag of chips, a protein bar, and some candy. Whatever it is you like to snack on, grab it on your way out the door or better yet - put it in your blind bag the night before.
Walkie Talkies
Are you hunting in a group? Walkie-talkies are definitely going to be on your duck hunting gear list if so. You don't want to yell across the valley to your crew and scare away birds. Being able to quickly and quietly contact your group - or other groups nearby - is a huge advantage. You'll be able to gain insights into what other groups are seeing around the area. It also makes it far easier to coordinate lunch or head home. More than that, this will add an element of safety to your outing.
Binoculars
Even if you've got 20/20 vision - a good pair of binoculars will help you track wounded birds or monitor your dog as they chase down birds. And in our opinion, much of the fun when hunting waterfowl is taking it all in. Binoculars are great for helping you watch other wildlife while you kill time.
Game Tote or Bag
One of the final duck hunting essentials to add to your blind bag is a game tote or bag. This is what you'll carry your birds in after the hunt. While you really can't go wrong with either a game tote or bag, we do see the average duck hunter opt for a game tote. These take up limited space and make it easy to take quality Instagram photos of your haul!
Where Can I Find The Duck Hunting Essentials?
The list of must-have duck hunting gear above covers most of your necessities for an upcoming duck hunt. However, there may be a few other pieces of gear worth adding to your blind bag. These include plastic bags and freezer paper/tape for cleaning your birds on the spot - along with a very sharp knife. You may also want to invest in a layout blind/bed. These are great for concealment and comfort.
With all this said, though, you're just about ready to start shopping for your duck hunting essentials. But where should that journey begin? At Texas Fowlers, we have everything you need to hunt ducks in style and comfort. From ammunition to waterproof clothing, decoys, blind bags, and more. Shop now and enjoy waterfowl hunting as it was intended!
Wrapping Up Our Duck Hunting Essential Gear List
That concludes our must-have duck hunting gear list. You know what to wear duck hunting as well as what supplies and gear will make for a more comfortable, successful hunt. In summary, here are the things you'll need for a successful hunt:
- The obvious essentials: gun, shells, license, and stamps
- The right attire: warm base layers and waterproof outer layers. Consider bibs, waders, face coverings, boots, gloves, and glasses.
- The bling bag essentials: decoys, calls, light, snacks, radios, binoculars, and a game tote.
While you may find the need to add other duck hunting essentials over time, this will get you started on the right foot. Head over to Texas Fowlers and prepare for the big day!