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re: i have never duck hunted before

Posted on 1/5/12 at 3:27 pm to
Posted by NS Who Dat Nation
BR
Member since Jul 2007
8802 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 3:27 pm to
Everyone uses a 12 gauge. Type doesn't matter. Semi is better for duck hunting bcs u shoot a lot but a pump could work.

Like I said, it took one long hunt for me just to tell what was a duck and what wasn't. Need help for this. Can't do it alone.

I still don't know all the duck types. Just teal vs big duck.
Posted by lsufisherman
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2006
248 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:02 pm to
I have a remington 870 12 gauge, hard to go against it. They are made to me abused and are inexpensive. $350 will get you one. I bring about 3 dozen decoys with me, my shells, and my gun. Its hard to bring more just because of space in my pirogue or yak. Next season I am gonna get some palmetto leaves and small leafy branches and bring them with me.

I usually find some good high grass and sit in the marsh. You always want the wind to your back. Make sure you have good cover around you, because those ducks can always seem to spot you if you arent covered.

As far as duck id'ing, if it flaps fast and constantly its most likely a duck. if it glides or hovers or flaps real slow, not a duck

other than that, it takes time. you just have to be careful, because if you go over your limit on one species or shoot the wrong species and get caught, LDWF isnt very forgiving.
Posted by NS Who Dat Nation
BR
Member since Jul 2007
8802 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:21 pm to
quote:

if it flaps fast and constantly its most likely a duck. if it glides or hovers or flaps real slow, not a duck

Perfect description. Wings a very very quick. All others are a slow motion.



I bring a gun and a camo booksack in my pirogue. Always have 2 boxes of shells. In my booksack is flashlights, hand warmers, water, TP, shells, knife, etc...

quote:

lsufisherman

You hunt alone or with a crew? Had my boys back out on me last weekend and I was solo. Kinda sucked that way. Was that foggy Saturday. Killed 3 koots. Had to get something.
Posted by Dooshay
CEBA
Member since Jun 2011
29879 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:29 pm to
quote:

I usually find some good high grass and sit in the marsh.


so yak/pirogue some distance from the landing and set up in some tall grass? that's it?
Posted by rustyjohnson
LP
Member since Oct 2009
434 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:30 pm to
quote:

LDWF isnt very forgiving


Exactly. It's not one of those slap on the wrist, don't do it again speeches for breaking a law. Birds are migratory so it's federal laws you'd be breaking. I'm not familiar with the area but wood ducks are very distinct and easy to pick out. When in doubt, don't shoot. NEVER be in possession of too many ducks.

I'd try to find somebody to go with to show you the main things.

My final advice is cover your face. Most guys get excited when the birds are flying and stare at them, and their faces are glowing in contrast to all the camo and backgrounds. I don't like facemasks so I just put on a little black facepaint. The old timers will make fun of you, but every year more pressure is put on the birds and we need all the advantages we can get.
Posted by speckledtrout
Birmingham, AL
Member since Apr 2011
2035 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:33 pm to
From someone that has hunted waterfowl for 20+ years please go with an experienced hunter first. They'll be able to educate you on safety first and foremost. Two guys died just last week in Missouri because their boat capsized.

What you need if you're gonna get serious:

1. 12 gauge shotgun (either 870 or Nova)
2. Good pair of waders
3. Good GPS if you're hunting the swamps
4. Duck marsh camo jacket/pullover/parka
5. Steel shot #2, #3, or #4
6. Hunting license and duck stamps

I'd try to find someone that's a member of a private lease or go with a guide service. That way you can see if you really enjoy it or not.
Posted by Tchefuncte Tiger
Bat'n Rudge
Member since Oct 2004
60767 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:41 pm to
Posted by BayouBandit24
Member since Aug 2010
16814 posts
Posted on 1/5/12 at 4:51 pm to
I definitely wouldn't go it your own at first
Posted by NS Who Dat Nation
BR
Member since Jul 2007
8802 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 7:49 am to
quote:

so yak/pirogue some distance from the landing and set up in some tall grass? that's it?

That's all I do when I'm alone. If with my crew, we set up deeks and paddle to the end of the earth.
Posted by Tchefuncte Tiger
Bat'n Rudge
Member since Oct 2004
60767 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 8:04 am to
Is Big Branch suitable for a bateau and outboard motor? Is it too shallow? I know air-cooled mud motors are not allowed on the refuge.
Posted by NS Who Dat Nation
BR
Member since Jul 2007
8802 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 8:08 am to
quote:

Is Big Branch suitable for a bateau and outboard motor?

I hear some people using that set up, but mostly they just put in and ride in the Lake. I've never seen them get near the Marsh, but I'm sure they do at some point. It's way too shallow close up to the Marsh where I go.
Posted by Tchefuncte Tiger
Bat'n Rudge
Member since Oct 2004
60767 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 8:47 am to
I'm interested in hunting the west end of this refuge next season; it's only a few miles from my camp above Goodbee. Perhaps I'll invest in a canoe or pirogue and simply hide in the grass.
Posted by Blue Velvet
Apple butter toast is nice
Member since Nov 2009
20112 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 11:02 am to
I've been standing up in chest deep water in my waders at Three Rivers this season and thinking of checking out Big Branch next week in my pirogue. Know where the best place to launch for ducks is?
Posted by Da Hammer
Folsom
Member since May 2008
5898 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 12:16 pm to
Really only 3 launches on BB, Cane Bayou, lake Rd, and Bayou LIberty.

You can of course launch a pirouge on the side of the road. For those that have never done this, esp, the original poster, I would strongly discourage you from trying this by yourself first time out. I can tell you have no idea what your are doing and if you try by yourself first time out you are going to unknowingly break some laws. Find someone to go with. I rarley hunt Big Branch so I can't help you there.

Also be aware there is private ground within the boundaries of Big Branch.
Posted by Jake85
New Orleans, LA
Member since Sep 2009
549 posts
Posted on 1/6/12 at 10:43 pm to
quote:

I bring a gun and a camo booksack in my pirogue. Always have 2 boxes of shells. In my booksack is flashlights, hand warmers, water, TP, shells, knife, etc...


This is word for word what I bring with me... I hunt out of a pirogue too.
quote:

NS Who Dat Nation

How often are you out at Big Branch? I just got into duck hunting last year... I've mostly hunted Pearl River WMA this season, haven't done much at all the second split. I've been wanting to check out Big Branch, but figure I need to scout a bit instead of going out there in the dark one morning hoping to find a spot. Let me know if you ever planning a hunt and wouldn't mind somebody tagging along... I would like to go with someone who has hunted the area at least once.
Posted by Zilla
Member since Jul 2005
10629 posts
Posted on 1/7/12 at 12:31 pm to
so do ya'll shoot out of your canoe ? or do you just stand in the water ?
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
58623 posts
Posted on 1/7/12 at 12:59 pm to
quote:

appreciate the offer, but i do not have gun, ammo, license, etc...

if i can get that stuff squared away maybe we can make it work one weekend.


man, you really don't need any of that shite as you are not gonna kill much anyway...if this guy is willing to introduce you to the sport, you should not miss the opportunity..

just get whatever permit is necessary, dress appropriately and go hang out with him...you'll basically be just birdwatching for a few hours...
Posted by BRgetthenet
Member since Oct 2011
118105 posts
Posted on 1/7/12 at 1:03 pm to
I think ya boy is scared.
Posted by lsufisherman
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2006
248 posts
Posted on 1/7/12 at 1:58 pm to
Did anyone end up hunting big branch today? Wanted to head out but had some commitments this morning.
Posted by Jake85
New Orleans, LA
Member since Sep 2009
549 posts
Posted on 1/7/12 at 8:38 pm to
I didn't do any hunting at all. I'm definitely going to try and make a trip out there before Jan 29, if nothing else to paddle around and see what's going on.
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