Duck Hunting for Beginners: Gear, Calls, Decoys & First Sits
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Quick answer: Before you buy a decoy, buy the paperwork. Duck hunting for beginners starts with a federal duck stamp, a state hunting license (with HIP certification), and hunter education if your state requires it. Then hunt a small spread you know how to set: a dozen mallards with a 12-yard landing hole will kill more ducks than four dozen blocks you never learn to space.
Year one is identification, one hen mallard call, and sitting still. This sits inside our waterfowl hunting hub; the waterfowl hunting gear list is where the kit gets specific.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a federal duck stamp to hunt ducks?
How many decoys do I need for duck hunting?
Do I need a dog to duck hunt?
What shotgun should a beginner use for ducks?
Can I hunt ducks with lead shot?
Should I hunt from a layout blind or in timber?
How close should ducks be before I shoot?
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