Wanting to learn about duck hunting. I live around Austin and have been reading all the posts. Is anyone out there willing to yeach what they know about the sport. Willing to pay for fuel and such also. Any help is greatly appreciated

first lesson is that there are no ducks in central texas





and before anyone gets their panties in a wad about the "jerk" duck hunters not being helpful a PM was sent

Im near ya, couple others on this forum too. Gimme a shout.

Thanks guy. I definatley got the itch just got to figure out where to be. I thought bowhunting was addicting

You got that right. I think waterfowl hunting has to be the most addicting hunting there is. Good luck to ya.

Thanks. Any tips on gear and such is greatly appreciated

Tips:

1. Don't get started in this an adictive sport

2. Forget tip #1

I don't know what gear you have already for hunting, but I think waders and a good waterproof jacket are a must.

My first year duck hunting I purchased some cheep wader from Academy made by Columbia. I paid about $100.00. Here are some waders at Cabela's that are reasonable priced for your first set: Cabela's 5mm Waders. Academy doesn't carry the ones I bought.

When you purchase your waders, make sure the boot size is not to big. You don't want to your foot coming out of the boot when you are walking through the muck and mud.

For shells, I like #2 3" FPS 1550, in Kent Faststeal.

Get the TPWD APH, which will give you a map booklet of all the public wildlife hunting areas. APH If you ask where to go hunting duck, you'll draw all kinds of comments, and most won't be to positive. Folks put in a lot of time finding spots to hunt, so it is a sensative topic. The best bet is to get the APH booklet. It will get you going on where you can go.

I'm sure there are other items folks here will recommend.

To be honest for any consistancy you're going to have to make the trek to the coast or northeast Texas depending on which is closer.

I'll get you out this winter

I *just* moved to Austin and there are a lot of guys on here that would be better suited to take you out, however, I know first hand how quickly invites dry up once season starts since schedules are hard to sync up a lot of the time. Feel free to pm me during season if you need a hunt partner or want to tag along. I wouldn't be hunting if it weren't for the kindness of strangers and even if I can't offer a lot of experience I won't be sitting at home scratchin myself when I can get outside and at least give it a go.

Yah I thought bowhunting was addictive too till I got heavy into duck hunting a few years ago. I surprise myself sometimes the effort we go through just to make it to a spot before sunup. It's really a disease I think. That's what I tell people when they ask me why I go so much, get up sooo early sometimes, and always go out in the absolute coldest, windiest weather most people try to avoid. I say, "you wouldn't understand, I have a disease."

It's especially tough when you live in Austin and have to travel so far to hunt since there are no ducks in central Texas. Never have been, never will be.

it really is a disease and it takes hold and makes you spend all sorts of money...I waste more money on my dog Gene then anything else...he is a real pain in the arse

Thanks for all the help guys. The coast is not too far really and there are a few lakes around with public access too. Where do you find rules for coastal duck hunting. Going through google all I find is guides

Thanks again for all the offers. There's nothing better than a site that offers all this kind of help

I'm gonna leave all the technical advice up to the other people on here the know far more than me...but I am still in my waterfowling diapers myself, and these are some things I've picked up my first 2 and 1/2 years...

1) Do more than your share of the grunt work and don't whine about it if you want people to invite you out again

2) Try and never turn down a hunt no matter how early you have to wake up, how long the walk is, or how much work you have to put into it (the harder the hunt the more I normally learn)

3) Try and listen carefully and observe everything the veterans do, ask questions but try and not ask the same one over and over

4) Get your license and whatever permits you may need asap

like I said I'm still learning everday myself, but these are some of the non technical things i've observed about the nature of waterfowling

be patient. your not gonna know every duck in flight at 60yds, like some guys may tell you... and dont worry about calling right now. if you get out with someone that calls, listen and learn from them. buy a call and practice, practice, practice...
X2 on the helping/ work, if someone takes you out, help as much as you can. walk carefully in those waders, they take some getting used to! accept the fact that you will fall in the water... good luck and welcome to the addiction

For waders in this area get 3.5 mm neoprene or breathable. It is too hot for 5mm neoprene down here. Only way I would get 5mm is if I hunted around Dallas or farther north at least 5 days a year.

With the thinner waders I just put on layers under them.

Important rules when someone is taking you hunting.
1. If you are early you're on time
2. If you are on time you're late
3. If you are late you're probably left behind
4. Pay for gas/buy breakfast
5. Listen and learn
6. Have fun - people enjoy bringing hunters who have fun
7. practice shooting before the season
8. wait for the shot to be called, don't move, shoot or flare the birds early

Great advise guys. Thank you.
What are your opinions on guns? I have an 870 express but would like a semi-auto. I looked at the Stoeger and its fairly inexpensive. Would it be wise to save and spend the extra coin on an xremma 2 or SBE 2? I dont want to start a debate on which is best, just tryimg to figure out how to spend the money in the best way

Stick with your 870 and save the money to get either one you mentioned.

what he said...that 870 is a beast, no reason to rush into a another shotgun before the season unless you just want to...then it hands down the SBE, you dont want no gas operated gun like the barneys shoot

Hey, I'm not a barney just cause I shoot a gas operated shotgun. Maybe I'm a barney cause my dog garrett flares birds like he's trying to save an endangered species. Maybe I'm a barney cause I just don't have the heart to put that worthless dog down like I should.

I would definitely shoot the 870 express for another season or two, then after you've had a chance to shoot other hunter's guns on various hunt, and see what you like best, go buy a Maxus.

yee haw!

You will be addicted! I hope you have an understanding wife!!!

Now that's funny!

dont get me started on who has the worse dog, if I could punch my dog in the throat everyday I would

Its alright man, my dog and I fight MMA style on a daily basis