Duck hunting is exciting, and proper preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, these steps can help you be ready when opening day arrives.
Check Regulations
Before heading into the field, familiarise yourself with your local region’s hunting regulations. At a minimum, you will require a New Zealand Gamebird Hunting License from Fish and Game. Some areas also require Department of Conservation permits, so checking these before shooting is advisable. Regulations can change yearly, so staying current is advisable to ensure there are no issues when the Rangers come calling.
Inspect and Maintain Your Gear
Your gear plays a crucial role in a successful hunt.
Shotgun and Ammunition
Before the season starts, clean and test your firearm, and stock up on non-toxic shotgun shells. If you are changing to a new firearm and/or ammunition, checking the pattern with different chokes for your intended range can help your success rate. Check if your gun fits you, there are plenty of guides on-line on how to do this.
Decoys and Calls
Inspect and repair any damaged decoys, clean, replace frayed lines and fill in any damage they may have. Charge or replace any batteries in your motion decoys. Using J-Hook sinkers with a small bungee cord can help to keep them secure with storing and transporting your decoys. This will save early morning tangles at the maimai. Check for any issues with your duck calls and replace batteries in any electronic calls. Practice using your duck calls. A great place to do this is in your vehicle while travelling to and from work.
Waders and Clothing
If you are wearing waders, ensure they are leak-free, and your clothing is appropriate for the conditions you are likely to be hunting in. Some extra socks can be helpful if you end up with wet feet. I would also recommend taking sunblock along, as the opening weekend is often sunny and hot.
Maimai and Boat
If you use a blind or boat, check for necessary repairs and make sure all equipment is in working order. You don’t want any issues that could make the hunt unsafe, such as an unreliable motor or an unstable maimai.
Scouting and Pond Maintenance
If you are looking for a new hunting spot, pre-season scouting is crucial to locate the best hunting spots. Looking for areas where ducks frequently gather, such as wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Paying attention to feeding and resting areas and taking note of flight patterns. Once you have your hunting location, is your pond ready.
Clear off any weeds or other objects that could cause problems for you or your dog? For example, old posts or things that get hung up underwater. If you can feed your pond are the feeders in good condition and have you got the grain needed to start feeding?
Spend time with your Hunting Dog
If you hunt with a retriever, spending time reinforcing obedience and retrieving commands is very beneficial to ensure your dog is ready to hit the ground running. Your dog will also want to be in good physical condition and acclimatised to the environment it will be hunting. This can be done by taking more regular walks and swimming in local rivers and/or ponds. Even for experienced dogs, any time spent is valuable to ensure they are in peak condition by the seasons start.
Practice Shooting
Improve your shooting by going to the local duck shooter events. Some retail stores put these on throughout the country. They are usually advertised in March when their catalogues are sent out. Practising shooting will help you be more effective in the field. If you find certain targets more challenging, joining a club and getting more practice on targets will help you. It also allows you to check your gun is working before hitting the field. If you have any misfires or failure to feed, now is the time to get it checked over by a gunsmith.
Be prepared
Duck hunting often involves unpredictable and harsh weather. Dress in layers, bring waterproof gear and be prepared for cold, windy, or wet conditions. Even if you don’t think you will need it, take extra clothing. Last season, while I was throwing decoys out, I slipped off the maimai and did a somersault over the side. I ended up in the near-freezing water drenched from head to toe. A quick run back to my vehicle and change, I was able to keep hunting. Without a change, I would have been unable to continue as the cold would have set in leading to possible hypothermia.
Packing your blind bag
Prepare a hunting bag with essential items such as extra shells, a first-aid kit, a torch, a thermos with hot drinks, a cooker and some food and a small repair kit for decoys or waders. Having these supplies on hand can make your hunt more comfortable and efficient.
Plan for Game Processing
Have a plan for cleaning and storing your harvested ducks. Hanging your ducks out of the sun allows them to cool more efficiently and dry. Bring a sharp knife, game bags, and a cooler with ice. Properly handling your game ensures fresh, high-quality meat. Dispose of the carcasses responsibly, if there is an offal pit you can use, do so, otherwise burying them in your vegetable garden is a great fertiliser. Just make sure they are deep enough so cats or dogs can’t dig them up. Every year there are pictures of birds being dumped, which puts a bad image on all of us. We are being watched very closely and do not need any negative stories. I like to pluck the breasts and legs of my ducks and then use a knife to cut the breast meat away and cut the legs off at the same time. This takes about 90 percent of the usable meat. There is also the option to pluck and gut the complete bird and get what we call a ‘Tegal’ duck, just like you buy a chicken at the supermarket.
Safety
This may be the last section but hunting safety should always be a top priority. Follow the seven firearm safety rules on the Firearms Safety Authority website. Do not become a statistic. Always let someone know your hunting location and expected return time.
By taking the time to prepare properly, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, successful, and enjoyable duck hunting season. Happy hunting!
Keen to checkout a delicious recipe for Crispy Duck Breast? Take a look here.
