This waterfowl hunting can be an addictive, not to mention an expensive proposition for a newbie such as myself. New shotgun, shells, new clothing, waders, layout blind, calls, decoys, guide fees, motel rooms, fuel, possible leases, maybe a boat and a lab puppy on the way. I'm waiting on a pregnancy confirmation for an expected litter to be born in about six weeks. The dollar bills are flying out the wallet, but it's been worth it so far.

Your better off getting addicted to meth, the withdraws are easier and it's not as expensive... Welcome to the madness.

I feel your pain...

Lmao

It could be worse.
I also sail. A boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money. Sail racing is described as standing in a cold shower fully dressed tearing up $100.00 dollar bills.

But think how much fun it is.

Slow down a little. it does not have to be that bad work together with your huntin buddys and it's a lot cheaper.

Buy used

Clearance sales.Tis the season.

You're right...I'm out.

I used to blow money on waterfowl stuff like crazy. After the smoke cleared I realized I had everything I needed and then some. As long as you don't fall for every new marketing scheme with new products you can save some money. The first years are the worst, but after you have it all then it's pretty much there.

I don't know anyone that hunts waterfowl, so the buddy deal won't work. It's not that bad. I have no other interests as far as hobbies are concerned, so it's worth it to me. I have much to learn and look forward to the new challenges.

Yea you're going way overboard. You might as well be shooting money at them. I've never been on a lease or a guided hunt and I kill 100's a year. Layout blinds and retrievers are luxuries but sometimes you got to go ol school on them.

^^^ Enough said.

There are a million ways to skin a cat, you will figure out what you need / don't need. Heck I just dropped $300 on two calls, but they should last me forever.

Getting the basic gear is expensive all on it's own. I've been through that quite recently. However, you don't need to get carried away with dogs, leases, boats and guides on top of all that right away. I have been hunting solidly for about 2 years now on public and have had great success with just the basics. There is plenty of public water where you can be very successful. Just have to learn what to look for on public, do a lot of scouting and be ready to put in a little work. Ask around and you will probably find someone to show you what to look for and give you some tips (YouTube and the internet are full of advice and how-to videos). Also it's not a big deal to pick up your own birds for a while. Makes you learn patience and to let them work in real close. However, if you have the money then go for broke!!

Dogs are alot of fun to hunt over, and make great companions but dang they are pricey. Don't buy into all the hype on expensive brands of everything. Old timers killed many a duck over painted bottles with old school camo before $1.50 a pop shells.

I have meet all my hunting buddy's right here I'm sure you'll do the same in the near future where you located?

Look into rescued dogs I have two I'm working with now they may not be your field bread champion but they get the job done.

Yup

I've owned good labs for thirty years, so hunting retrievers are nothing new to me. They were mainly used for dove hunting. I had to put my last one down this past spring at the age of thirteen. I love watching a good dog work and, for me, it is half of the enjoyment of getting out there. Most of my hunting will be taking place on stock tanks and private conservation lakes...not much in the way of public land around here. By leases, I'm speaking of offering day rates or seasonal leases on area stock tanks and conservation lakes. I only have one good tank myself and would need additional options. I wouldn't necessarily need a duck guide, except for tips and pointers since I'm a complete amateur. However, I would need to hire a guide should I choose to goose hunt.

Look into rescued dogs I have two I'm working with now they may not be your field bread champion but they get the job done. [/quote]

My last 3 gun dogs have all been rescued chocolate labs, they want to hunt already you just have to invest time in them everyday and they will fetch birds no problem. Now I'm not going to win any field dog trials but that's not what I have them for.

To the gear junkie, duck hunting may as well be The Trojan Horse wheeled haphazardly into their bank account. Before long, men clad in Drake from head to toe, wielding quiver-butts and Mack's PW catalogs will jump out of it and lay waste to your nest egg. Enjoy the ride...