Tips For Safe And Successful Kayak Duck Hunting

Waterfowling from a kayak is a fun and exciting new way to harvest ducks and geese, but it can also be one of the most effective tactics you use this season. The biggest advantage to any hunt is getting a spot where other hunters can’t access. Kayaks by design will open up access to places where you wouldn’t dream of taking your boat or hiking-in. There are a lot of fishing kayak owners out there looking to find ways to put their watercraft to use through the fall and winter once the bite slows, and hunting from your kayak is a great way to get more value out of your kayak purchase. Buying the kayak is the obvious first step, but there are a unique set of advantages and challenges you’ll want to consider before hitting the water.

CONCEALMENT

One of the most important factors in creating a successful hunt is concealment. The lines of a kayak don’t exactly blend into the natural environment, so it’s important to break up those lines with natural or artificial grass and foliage, or a combination of both.

One option is to purchase a kayak-specific layout blind. These types of blinds come out of the box with complete bow-to-stern coverage, outfitted with plenty of straps and attachment points to add your preferred grass or foliage, and a comfortable, adjustable layout seat.

The advantages of a layout blind are that it:

1. Covers the kayak from bow-to-stern
2. Conceals you, plus everything in the kayak
3. Fold-up for easy transport

Another option is to rig up your own cover. It’s important to know what the area you’re hunting in looks like, so you can do your best to match the natural landscape. Always be sure to check with the landowner and get permission to cut vegetation. If you’re hunting public land, always check your local laws.

The advantages to creating your own concealment are:

1. Highly customizable
2. Leaves the kayak open for easy paddling and maneuvering
3. More affordable

GEAR STORAGE

Hunting from a kayak versus a larger boat or blind means you’ll need to carefully consider every piece of gear you bring with you, and where you will store it on your kayak. Most modern fishing and hunting kayaks are a sit on top design, giving you a nice open deck to store your gear, both while paddling and while hunting.

The stern tankwell is where most of your gear will fit. Models like the Sportsman Bigwater 132 have large tankwells which will hold a slotted-style decoy bag. Hunters typically can store between one and two dozen decoys in the stern tankwell.

Another key item that goes in the tankwell is your bling bag. The Flambeau Ruckbox is one option that fits nicely in between the seat and decoy bags. Once the hunt is underway, you can move this up between your legs for easy access to gear without too much movement.

Most importantly, you’ll want to find a secure place to store your gun during transport. On the Old Town Sportsman kayaks you can lay it flat on the deck, tucking it under the seat to keep it secure. On the Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 it can be laid flat on the bottom of the hull, tucked under the forward thwart. Always use a floating gun case when hunting over water. A piece of burlap nicely conceals your gear in the bow and stern tankwells once you are set up and ready to hunt.

GENERAL TIPS

1. Always wear your lifejacket. There are many different options available that make it easy to paddle without interfering with your ability to shoot. Check out our Lure Angler or Treble Angler options designed for sportsmen.
2. When hunting in cold weather, always wear the appropriate safety gear, including dry suits, strobes, and a safety knife. 
3. When shooting from a kayak, avoid shooting perpendicular to the hull. The recoil can make it easier to tip over. Always try to shoot within 10 and 2.
4. Fully loaded, your kayak can have upwards of 100 pounds of gear in addition to your body weight. Paddling a kayak that has been freighted down with gear means you are less agile and will need to paddle with caution, so you should avoid choppy water and strong currents.
5. Keep your hull clean to avoid introducing invasive species. This also means replacing any vegetation when moving from one body of water to the next.
6. Always pick up your spent shell casings from the water.