Interested in duck hunting but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Duck hunting is one of the most exciting and rewarding outdoor sports — combining patience, strategy, and skill. Whether you’re after mallards, wood ducks, or teal, this guide will walk you through the essentials so you can hit the water with confidence.

Why Try Duck Hunting?

Duck hunting offers more than just the thrill of the chase — it’s a full outdoor experience. From early morning sunrises on the water to working with trained retrievers, it’s an adventure that connects you with nature like few others. If you embrace the challenges and joys of duck hunting, you will find it rewarding.

Benefits include:

  • Great opportunities for camaraderie
  • Delicious wild game meat
  • Skill-building in marksmanship and wildlife identification
  • A chance to support conservation efforts

1. Know the Laws and Get Licensed

Before you grab your shotgun, check your state’s hunting regulations. Duck hunting is heavily regulated to protect waterfowl populations, so knowing the laws is crucial.

You’ll need:

  • A state hunting license
  • A federal Duck Stamp
  • State waterfowl permits (varies by region)
  • HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification

Visit your local Department of Fish & Wildlife website for up-to-date info.

2. Essential Duck Hunting Gear

You don’t need everything on day one, but having the right gear will help you stay safe, dry, and successful in your duck hunting endeavors.

Basic beginner gear:

  • Shotgun (12 or 20 gauge is common)
  • Non-toxic shotgun shells (steel or bismuth – required for waterfowl)
  • Waders – Waterproof chest waders keep you dry in marshes or flooded fields
  • Camo clothing – Match your surroundings to stay hidden
  • Duck calls – Simple mallard calls are a great place to start
  • Decoys – A small spread of 6–12 can be effective in duck hunting
  • Duck blind or natural cover for concealment
  • Headlamp or flashlight – Mornings start early!

3. Learn Duck Identification

One of the key skills in duck hunting is knowing what you’re shooting at. Some species may be off-limits or have daily bag limits, making identification essential for ethical hunting.

Focus on learning:

  • Mallards
  • Wood ducks
  • Teal
  • Pintails
  • Wigeons

Download a waterfowl identification guide or app to help with this early on in your duck hunting journey.

4. Pick the Right Spot

Ducks go where the food and water are. Common hunting locations include:

  • Marshes
  • Flooded timber
  • Agricultural fields (with permission)
  • Public wildlife management areas (WMAs)
  • Rivers and lakes

Pro Tip: Scout your area ahead of time to find where ducks are feeding and resting. Prior scouting can make all the difference in a successful duck hunting trip.

5. Practice Your Shooting

Ducks fly fast and unpredictably. Practicing with clay targets at a shooting range will help you build the reflexes needed to hit birds on the wing, which is essential for duck hunting proficiency.

Tip: Learn to shoot from a seated or crouched position — like you’d do in a blind.

6. Master the Basics of Duck Calling

You don’t need to sound like a champion caller to attract ducks. Learn a few basics first to improve your efforts:

  • Quack – Basic call
  • Feeding chuckle – Mimics ducks feeding
  • Comeback call – Used when ducks fly off

Keep it simple at first — overcalling can do more harm than good in duck hunting scenarios.

7. Safety First (Always)

Water, firearms, cold weather, and early mornings can be a risky combo in duck hunting. Always prioritize safety:

  • Let someone know where you’re going
  • Wear a life jacket if boating
  • Unload your firearm when not in use
  • Dress for the weather and avoid hypothermia risks