8 Tools/ Tips to Successfully Hunt Ice 

Matt Opsahl, Maverick Outfitters

If you’ve shot ducks or Canada’s over ice, it’s the only way you’ll want to hunt. Birds have two goals in mind when it's that cold, eat and drink. If you provide one of those two necessities for them, you should have great hunts! The reality is that hunting ice is an entirely different ball game. You’ll need a very specific set of equipment and gear. To be clear, I’m not talking about hunting sheet ice, I’m talking about making sure you can still hunt, and hunt successfully when you have consistent temperatures in the teens. I have compiled a list below of absolute necessities for hunting ice. 

1.) Ice eater- J2 Ice Ripper

I love this specific ice eater. Typically, I will run 2 at the same time to ensure I can keep a workable hole open in truly freezing temps. The J2’s are light, portable, and have never let me down. They also don’t require a ton of power from the generator and use a lot less fuel.

2.) Predator 5500 Inverter generator/ MC Metal Works Gas Tank

There is nothing worse than sitting next to a loud generator throughout an entire mornings hunt. The inverter keeps noise at a minimum. More importantly, you can run (2) ice eaters on one 5500. These are reliable generators that we beat the hell out of. We leave them out all night and they fire up on the first pull every time. You’ll also want to buy an MC Metal Works tank. Hunting ice requires a ton of work and you’ll generally want to keep your hole open which means you need to keep the generator running 24/7. In adding the additional tank, you’re allowing your generator to run longer which saves you multiple gas runs a day. 

3.) Chain Saw/ Axe

I run an electric powered Dewalt chainsaw and I have always have an axe in the back of the truck. When you need to break a hole and drop your ice eater in, you’ll be grateful to have both of these with you. 

4.) Extension Cords 

I typically like to run 100 ft extension cords. I don’t like having the generator in the blind or right next to me when I hunt. The 100 ft cord allows the generator to be a ways away from the blind so it doesn’t interfere with the hunt. 

5.) Decoys 

I love running flocked floating decoys, period. In the ice however, your actual process of setting flocked decoys needs to be very different from the normal set up. Rather than simply launching or throwing your decoys into whatever pattern you hunt, place the decoys so the heads don’t get wet. If the flocking gets wet, it’ll freeze, and shine like a disco ball. Additionally, utilize full bodies surrounding your hole. I like to run a large pile of full body Canada’s and sleeper shells right around the edge of the hole. It adds more of a presence and I think it helps to finish wary, late season birds. 

6.) Blinds 

Take the extra time in the morning and brush your blind in with snow and natural cover! Additionally, try moving your blind an extra 5-10 yards back. When it freezes, it’s generally later in the season, and your birds are already wary. Moving your blind back an extra 5 or 10 yards from where you typically hunt will only help you be more successful. 

7.) Dog Care 

Remember, you’re asking your dog to go and retrieve in some damn cold water. If you’re like me, your dog is an extension of you on a hunt. You want him to experience this with you. If you’re hunting with ice eaters running, turn off the eater and the generator when it’s time for your dog to retrieve, electricity and water aren’t a good combo! Also, you’ll want to keep your dog comfortable. I usually make insulated beds for my dogs in the blind or just outside of it. I like to use pine needles or hay in a large stack to keep moisture off of them. Additionally, I bring a small portable heater to keep them warm and working all day. Bring extra food and water as well. 

8.) Apparel 

Keep your body warm and you get to hunt longer. I’m going to focus on layering gear here. I’ve provided my full set up for when temperatures are in the teens below. 

• Merino Wool socks

• Sitka Core Merino 330 Bottom 

• Sitka Gradient Pants 

• Sitka Core Merino 330 Hoody

• Sitka Core Merino 330 Quarter Zip 

• Duckworth Powder Hoody 

• Sitka Dakota Vest 

• Sitka Blizzard GTX hat

• Sitka Jetstream Insulated Muff