I am fairly new to duck hunting, so far, I have done most of my hunting from the reed line. I got a boat two summers ago. I think I am gonna try using it for hunting this year. Is there a duck hunting "boaters etiquette" I should be following??

 

My best buddy and I used to duck hunt ALL the time when we were kids, and like you, hunted from the reeds. Eventually we set up a little shack at the waters edge to keep the wind off of us.

The only time I've hunted from a boat was when we had the brilliant idea to use his dad's canoe. The only words of wisdom I have for you is do NOT, under any circumstances, fire a 12 gauge over the side of a canoe!

Good luck with the boat and sorry I couldn't be more, (any), help.

chaikwa.

 

I heard a story about a DNR guy up in MN (he isnt very nice, so he kinda deserved what he got). He was in his boat with 3 of his buddies, and a bunch of teal flew in, and then over them. They all stood up to shoot and capsized the boat. None of them were wearing life jackets, and were all treading water with the safety's off on their shotguns.....So, I guess there is another lesson, dont stand up and try and shoot with three other people in your boat.

 

We live on the big horn river. The only thing I hate is hearing pellets bounce off the roof. We actually had a horse shot through the trees once too. All I would say is try to get familiar with the area you are hunting in so you don't make an inadvertent mistake.


Other than that just make sure to leave your truck keys on the shore!!!!!

 

What type of boat? Are we talking lay out boat, V bottom, or flat bottom john? You wanting to use the boat to hunt out of or get a other destinations that are water acceible only. With a little more info i could share my knowledge of all 3 as I have hunted them all for years. As far as a "boaters etiquette" some bodies of waters have limit to what and where you can hunt but as good rule of thumb I never get with in 200 yards of another boat if possible. Never closer than 100. 2 reasons: 1. I hate shot falling on me. 2. Any closer and my movement or the other hunting parties movement or blind designe could affect the other hunters opportunities. They could be working a flight and I rock the boat or drop something and if your close it could screw up thier flight or they do the same and screw up mine. Also if you want to hunt from any type of boat pay close attention to your blind design and the area you will be hunting in. If the boat doesn't look like it belongs on the shore line you'll flair them all day long. In open water try to stay away from anything to square. You want to try to look like mound floating on the water if you can. If you post some more about your boat i can share even more of my .02 if you like.

 

I used to play the duck hunt game on my nintendo...

 

Try this for duck hunting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUiTBC0AfVE

 

I inherited an old (I think its from the 60's) 14' v bottom alumacraft. its fairly skinny, so I dont know how suitable it would be for hunting out of, but I dont know. thats why I am posting here. I kinda figured I would use it to get to my location, then wedge it on shore to stabalize it, then use it as the blind. I dont think it would be good for hunting while floating around.

I am taking it up to MN with me tomorrow and my bro in law and I are going to paint it flat green and get all the shine out of it.

 

Should be good boat for what your mention as your intentions, ther are just somethings to consider with it. If it was a little longer and wider you would be ok with open water but since its not I wouldn't recommend it. As for hunting slews and coves it would be ideal and should slip into cover easly. It will be fairly stable as well but be mind ful after you have setup on a spot where you have your gear at to keep it balanced for shooting. That is just something you will have to learn with a narrow V but it very doable. I would not hunt any more than 2 people in it to stay safe in case it was to rock which it will but no bad. I would suspect is has some inner rails that you could put some time of device to secure your gun while hunting from as they will slide on you. I got the router out and put some notches in a ripped 2X4 and attach to the boat. Hunting from it should be fine if braced to a shore line as well. I have found it best to make sure your blind material touches the water. I always have built my own as well. Stores and Manufacture are to proud of what they make and I don't think they cover as well as what I make. I have never though to take picture or I would share some of what I have built and I am in boat transition right now. Overal for what your are planning you should be very happy with it and you should be safe which is the most inportant thing. Also keep an eye on your weight ratings as well. Waders, shells, supplies, heaters, guns, dogs, decoy can really add up. And decoy in the bad drag just find in the water so you can keep them out if you running out of weight capcity. Also while painting i would add some brown and black squwigly lines as well to add a little depth. Nothing fancy but you want to break up edges and give an appearance of some type of depth. ALSO don't forget a life jacket. If you have any more question feel free to ask. I don't claim to be an expert but have been hunting ducks from boats, blinds and wade and shoot for close to 15 years now and haven't missed a season yet.