When hunting ducks, you will typically be in a boat, or in some cases, on foot. This is due to the risk of being hit by a duck during flight or if it gets stuck in the boat.
There are two main positions when duck hunting on foot or on a boat. The first is when the duck is hiding and the second is when it flies away. Both of these positions are critical in getting your ducks!
When hiding, you want to be able to see your target before you try to get it. You want to be able to display your target to your family and friends before you take any shot.
Sit behind the boat
Most hunters are familiar with the position behind the boat, with your back against the side. This is typically considered a safe position if you are duck hunting in open water.
You are also typically in this position if you are hunting during warmer weather, such as right now, since duck season is June through August.
This position requires some level of comfort, as you have to be able to lean back and support yourself on your arms and feet when necessary. It is also more difficult to positions yourself in order to get a better view of the area around the duck and start searching for it.
Finding a comfortable location that offers good visibility for this article has been hard, since this article is about difficult things hunters can do wrong at least two times before they succeed.
Sit in the middle of the boat
Most hunters will tell you that you should be able to see and be seen by wildlife while duck hunting in a boat. This includes being able to spot ducks moving around in nearby trees, docks, or ponds, and being able to spot them while they are swimming around in the water.
However, there are some rules that apply when duck hunting in a boat. One of them is the sit-in-the-middle-of-the-boat position.
This means that you should be able to sit upright in your chair or at the top of your boat without touching the sides, and you should be able to put your feet up on the bottom of the boat.
The sit-in-the-middle-of-theboat position may seem difficult or unsafe for some hunters, so let’s go over some tips that can help you feel more comfortable and safe.
Stand in the front of the boat
When duck hunting in a boat, you must be able to shoot directly at a duck that is swimming next to your boat. When this happens, your only option is to stand in the front of the boat with your gun pointed at the duck and shoot.
This is the safest position to shoot in because you can still see your target and put a round into their backside if they take off. You can also move around without worrying that you will lose your shot due to movement.
Stand as close as possible to the boat as possible
When duck hunting in a boat, you must be able to shoot directly at a duck that is swimming next be your boat. When this happens, your only option is to stand in the front of the boat with your gun pointed at the duck and shoot. This is the safest position to shoot in because you can still see your target and put a round into their backside if they take off. You can also move around without worrying … more
Bullet point: Dodge when necessary
Duck hunting requires some dodging of birds when they fly out of danger areas such as high branches or flybys where they are not seen by you while boating.
Hold onto a pole
Most duck hunters don’t consider the option of holding on to a pole while diving-bill swimming past your boat very seriously. However, this is one position that you will want to be comfortable in during boat hunting.
Duck hunting is most commonly done on floatation devices such as rafts. While floating in the water, you need to stay aware of where you are goading and fishing, and not get too involved in what others are doing.
Getting too involved can become a problem when trying to fit a seated position on the floatation device. If you have trouble finding a solid spot that is comfortable, try one of the following positions:
The hunter is sitting with his or her back against the gunwale and then drops onto one hip; The hunter is lying face down with their back against the boat and then tries getting up onto one hip; Or The hunter is kneeling with their legs under them and then tries getting up onto one hip.
Don’t duck hunt in a boat
Most duck hunters are afraid to stand up straight and put some distance between themselves and the duck. This is due to the fact that most hunters think that by putting your feet up on the boat’s floor, you will be more secure.
This is a good idea at first, but it does not work out like that. A proper safe place to put your feet up on the boat is under the seat. If you have a nice soft foam pillow or two, this will work out nicely!
By putting your feet up on the boat, you are also putting extra strain on your thighs, knees, and back. You will be forced to extend your legs and legs in order to stay in position while you wait for the ducks to fly by.
You will also be moving a lot with each shot which can cause stress on your back and joints around it.
Know your boundaries
When duck hunting, you should know your limits. These limits determine how much duck hunting is safe for you to do.
Some areas of the country have more than others. There are some areas that encourage boating and other recreational activities, like water skiing and fishing tournaments. These areas have specific limits on boats, boat sizes, and amount of people per boat.
Any time you add a new dimension to water sports, you should check into what limits are in place for expansion. If you exceed those boundaries, you may risk being kicked out of the event or being denied access to the boat or grounds due to safety concerns.
Know your limits
One of the most important things you can do before hunting ducks is to know your duck limits. Duck laws vary by state, but most have a minimum duck limit of two birds per season.
Many states have a daily or weekly limit, so be sure to check your state’s website to find out what these are. Most have three–ducks, wren, and woodcock –per day, per person!
Duck hunting is not for everyone, but if you are interested in this bird style of hunt, be sure to know your limits. You may be limited to two birds per day on poor weather days or when many other hunters are away due to boat trips or duck hunts being popular this season.
Know what birds look like and feel like I say “ducky-looking” and that may help you decide if it is safe to go outside in the rain or if you need a different position.
Have a safety check before you go out hunting
When you are hunting, you should always be safe and protected. There are a few things you can do to be safe while hunting, such as wearing a hat, keeping your weapon holstered or in the case tucked into your side or in a holster, wearing protection for your hands and feet, and using cover to protect yourself.
In addition, you should always have a safety on your weapon when it is not in use. You can wear something around your waist or pack a knife or gun in case something happens that causes you to need them.
And lastly, you should always have a safety check before game is spotted or before any moves are made to get into position.
