By Ben Davis
Wildlife Biologist

Each fall, millions of migrating ducks and geese begin their annual descent across the continent in search of wintering habitat. Before heading south, they spend the spring and summer months raising young, replenishing their feathers and bodies in preparation for this extensive annual journey. Waterfowl begin preparing early for the harsh conditions that they will endure the upcoming winter. Waterfowl hunters in pursuit of these birds need to make extensive preparations also since waterfowl hunting can take place in some of the harshest winter conditions.

Get your equipment together early. Items such as waders and boots should be checked in advance to be sure that there are no leaks during your first morning in the marsh. Practice your calling before opening morning. Gather your hunting coat, gloves, and any other gear in advance and have it ready to go. Become familiar with any other items you will carry along.

Begin preparing early by practicing at the range with your shotgun. This will help keep your shooting skills sharp and develop confidence and familiarity in handling your weapon. Patterning your shotgun with different waterfowl loads will help ensure clean killing shots when opportunity arrives. Check the condition and operation of your decoy’s weights and lines annually. Some decoys may need repainting to ensure the most lifelike appearance.

Many hunters choose to hunt waterfowl from the relative comfort of a boat. A well-equipped “duck boat” can be a very effective way to get where other hunters cannot go. Items such as PFDs, batteries, fire extinguishers, and boat and trailer lights should be checked for working order. Make sure both your boat registration and your vessel license are current. Know how many people and how much gear y our boat can safely carry. Practice loading and unloading your boat from the trailer before you hunt. Being able to get your boat into and out of the water quickly may help you get to the most preferred hunting areas as well as clear the ramp quickly to allow other groups the same opportunity.

Few situations on a hunting trip to the marsh can match observing a well-trained dog make a great retrieve. This is especially true when you have spent countless hours in the yard and at the lake training one from a pup. Practice your dog continually. Don’t expect a star performance if you neglected practice during the off-season. Vary your training sessions to as many different hunting situations as possible. Basic obedience skills should always be an important part of your hunting dog’s training. A dog that is obedient and prepared for the season will be a joy to watch and will make for a much more enjoyable hunt.

Scout your hunting areas early and often. Spend time watching birds fly to find routes taken by waterfowl. Learn how to get to the location you intend to hunt in the dark. Having several different locations to hunt will allow you to choose a location that best suits each day’s conditions. Sporting goods stores, landowners, and other sportsmen are valuable sources for your scouting efforts. Local conservation personnel can also be contacted to provide assistance with regulations and license requirements. Careful preparation and scouting will always pay off.