FAQ
Common questions
Should I buy a pump or semi-automatic shotgun for duck hunting?
Start with a pump. Pump shotguns (Mossberg 500, Remington 870) are cheaper, simpler, and work reliably when cold, wet, and neglected — exactly the conditions of a duck blind. Semi-automatics cycle faster and have milder felt recoil with heavy steel loads, but cost two to four times more and require more maintenance. Buy a pump for your first season. If you're still hunting hard in year three, the upgrade will feel earned.
Do I need a dog to duck hunt?
No — you can retrieve birds yourself or with a partner in most situations, especially in shallow water. A dog transforms the experience and dramatically improves recovery rate, but it's a 3–5 year training commitment and real expense. Hunt a few seasons first to confirm the addiction before investing in a retriever.
How many decoys do I actually need to start?
A dozen is the minimum that looks convincing from the air. Twenty-four is the sweet spot for most hunting situations. More is sometimes better on big open water, but most successful spreads are 12–36 decoys positioned thoughtfully, not 100 decoys placed randomly. Spread design matters more than count.
What shotgun loads should I use for ducks?
Lead shot is federally illegal for waterfowl in the US — steel or other non-toxic shot is required by law. For mallards and most puddle ducks, 3-inch steel loads in #2 or BB shot is the standard. Avoid small pellet sizes; steel is less dense than lead and needs larger pellets to maintain knockdown energy.
How early should I get to my hunting spot?
Plan to have decoys set, your blind concealed, and your shotgun loaded before legal shooting time — which is typically 30 minutes before sunrise. Ducks move heaviest in the first hour after sunrise. Getting there an hour before legal light and rushing setup is worse than arriving 90 minutes early and being ready.
What is a federal duck stamp and do I need one?
The federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp — called the 'duck stamp' — is a $27/year federal license required to hunt migratory waterfowl in the US. You need it in addition to your state hunting license. Buy it online at USFWS or at most sporting goods stores. It also doubles as free admission to any National Wildlife Refuge.
What's the difference between puddle ducks and diving ducks?
Puddle ducks (mallards, teal, pintail, wigeon) feed in shallows and jump straight up when flushed. They respond well to decoys, calling, and standard marsh setups. Diving ducks (scaup, canvasback, redhead) are found on deeper open water and require larger spreads, different positioning, and less calling. Most beginners start with puddle ducks.
