March 30, 2022

Choosing A Hunting Kayak [Guide]

BENEFITS OF HUNTING FROM A KAYAK

Man in camouflage standing with paddle in water near tall weeds next to the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 Hunting Kayak

Kayak hunting has grown in popularity over the years, and for good reason. It allows hunters access to spots that can’t be reached by boat or foot. While most hunters use kayaks for duck or waterfowl hunting, you can also harvest larger land game from a kayak, using water to access remote hunting land.. There are many options on the market, and you’ll need to consider the benefits and must-haves before buying.

ACCESS AND MOBILITY

One of the best benefits of a hunting kayak is that there is no better access to a body of water or lake. Hunters aren’t restricted by roads, properties, rough terrain, or other obstacles. Hunting kayaks can also operate in shallow water compared to other types of watercraft. 

Finally, the size and maneuverability of a kayak allows hunters to set up their shot from a nearby shoreline or directly from the kayak. Hunters often prefer a kayak because they can easily retrieve downed birds and other game. 

SILENCE AND STEALTH

Unlike motorboats, hunting from a kayak contributes to the peaceful nature of duck hunting. Many hunters appreciate the solitude of hunting from the water, and a kayak can help keep that tranquil quiet. Because kayaks operate in near silence and without the distractions of noisy motors,  birds, waterfowl, and other game may not be as easily spooked—making for a stealthy hunt. 

MOBILE CONCEALMENT AND BLINDS

A kayak can easily be turned into a mobile blind with custom options and off-the-shelf accessories. This DIY Kayak Duck Blind Guide can show you how to build an affordable, easy-to-make kayak duck blind at home. All you need is a kayak polypropylene fencing, zip ties, raffia grass, burlap, and tin snips. 

TRANSPORTATION AND LAUNCH WEIGHT

Kayaks are easy to transport and launch from a rooftop, pickup, or trailer. A compact, stable kayak like the Sportsman 120 provides a comfortable and secure stand-up fishing platform, while offering a light, easily transportable size. 

While kayaks tend to be easy enough to transport, kayak carts are an option for those who don’t want to lug around their watercraft to their launch site. A kayak cart like the Malone WideTrak ATB can haul your kayak or canoe from your vehicle to the water if it’s a distance away or challenging access.

Man in camouflage standing with rifle near the Old Town Bigwater PDL kayak in water ready for a hunt

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HUNTING KAYAK

Whether you’re hunting for ducks, other waterfowl, or larger game up the shore, you’ll have to decide what makes the best hunting kayak for you. Take a look at the considerations below to help make your decision. 

STABILITY AND TRACKING

Stability is one of the key elements for a successful kayak duck hunt. Unlike a larger duck boat, you’ll have to plan out your trip and what gear you can and can’t bring when you’re on the water. While kayak hunting offers stealth benefits traditional water hunting does not, keeping stable is a high priority.

A stand-up fishing platform should be quiet and allow you to shoot without worry of becoming unbalanced. Another reason why stability is so important is that if you’re bringing a hunting dog along, they’ll be moving around the boat and jumping out to collect your game..  

Man in camouflage with paddle in hand on the sit-on-top Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 Hunting Kayak

MANEUVERABILITY

Unlike traditional duck or waterfowl hunting on duck boats, pontoons, or anything with a motor, kayaks offer maneuverability that you don’t get with other watercraft Not only that, but you can get to areas that are inaccessible by foot or traditional boats. 

Duck hunters use watercraft to access their hunting spots and retrieve downed birds (if they don’t have a dog), but also hunt from their canoe or kayak using a boat blind or using the jump-shooting technique where you slowly and quietly paddle into coves or marshes where birds are hiding, and shoot as they flush up and fly away.

Many hunters prefer a kayak like the Sportsman BigWater PDL 132, due to an instant forward and reverse PDL drive. The optimal performance kayak will be easy to maneuver, will be light enough to fit on your car top, and will have an easy-docking system for a pain-free launch and landing.  

STORAGE

The best hunting kayaks also have ample storage. Since you’ll be on a small watercraft, you’ll need to prioritize the gear that you are bringing, while simultaneously ensuring that they are kept safe and dry. 

You’ll want to bring the essentials like gear, shotguns, ammunition, decoys, blinds, food, water, and a first-aid kit, so consider how much storage you’ll need before you purchase and where you’ll store your items to ensure stability while allowing for ease of access.

DURABILITY

A duck-hunting kayak can make for an excellent hunting investment. The differences between a loud duck boat or wading through waist-deep water while trying to retrieve your game   versus the quiet stealth of a kayak is considerable. To make this investment last, look for a high-quality and durable kayak. Regardless of cost, you should look for stability, storage, and a superior seat design. 

SAFETY

Like all hunting adventures, safety should be a top concern when you’re on the water. While kayaks open up access to places you couldn’t take your boat or hike to, there are many safety considerations when you’re duck hunting.

Look for a large open tankwell that can store your decoys and a secure place to store your gun. Use a floating gun case when you are hunting over water and be mindful that when loaded with gear, you’ll have an extra 100 pounds of weight added to your kayak, making you less agile when maneuvering in choppy water or strong currents.

Man in camouflage paddling in Old Town Sportsman Discovery 119 Solo Hunting Canoe in marsh water

HUNTING IN A CANOE VS KAYAK

Both canoes and kayaks can be used for duck, waterfowl, and larger game hunting. There are pros and cons to both and what you’ll want depends on a variety of different situations. Remember, hunting kayaks and canoes can also be used for fishing. 

ADVANTAGES OF A CANOE OVER A KAYAK

  • Canoes can fit more gear for longer hunts or camping
  • Easier to fit another person or dog
  • Easier to jump shoot

DISADVANTAGES OF A CANOE OVER A KAYAK

  • Harder to transport
  • They weigh more, making launch more difficult
  • Because they are larger and heavier, there is less maneuverability and location access compared to a kayak

A kayak/canoe hybrid can be a good alternative to traditional crafts, optimized for the best of both worlds. A hybrid like the Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 offers the utility of a canoe, with the agility and slee handling of a kayak. A good hunting kayak/canoe hybrid will be agile, stable, well-suited for paddling, and easy to handle, with plenty of storage space. 

Two camouflaged men in Old Town Sportsman Bigwater Hunting Kayak and Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 Hunting Canoe approaching marsh in water

CHOOSING A HUNTING KAYAK COMES DOWN TO YOUR HUNTING STYLE

Since there are so many kayaks on the market, it may be tough to determine which one is going to work for you. Remember to consider stability and tracking, maneuverability, storage, durability, and safety when going over your options. Using a kayak can improve your hunting skills and give you access to waterfowl and other game you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach on foot.

Tagged Hunting