The Stuff that Actually Kills Birds

As waterfowl hunters, we're a breed that is constantly vying for an edge to make your hunts that much more successful. Here's 5 simple tips to finish birds the right way,

1.) Scout, scout, and scout some more:

In the age of immediate gratification, we've forgotten about the "process". For all of you 76ers fans, no I'm not referring to Joel Embiid. What I'm referring to are the guys who are seemingly always on birds. The one thing they all have in common is that they spend more time behind a windshield than they do in a blind. Be patient, study your feed or loaf or whatever your hunting. Learn your targets habits and build a strategy. Focus on what birds are feeding on, the comfortability they have in a spot, and how often/ what specific time they're hitting that spot. Once you've gotten a pattern down and you're confident, make your plan!

2.) HIDE and hide well

For the love of god, spend the extra time brushing in your blind. If you're hunting permanent blinds, add natural cover as the seasons change. When you first brush your blind, the cover isn't going to look the same as it does at the end of the year. I like to use cedar trees on permanent blinds and mix in other natural cover. Most importantly, conceal you're movement and hide your shooting holes. If you're hunting layouts or elevated layouts, blend them into whatever ground your hunting. Simple tip, keep a rake or brush cutter in your trailer. Add cover to every blind prior to shooting light. A good hide makes a good hunt a great one. You have the time before the hunt so use it productively, the extra honeybun can wait 30 minutes.

3.) Decoy Spreads

Match what you see, hence the time spent scouting. If you're hunting a feed, make your spread look natural. If you're running traffic, I like to go BIG. Earlier in the season, we like family groups, and our decoys more spread out. Later in the year, I prefer to focus on realism. When I refer to realism, I focus on making sure I'm using my best stuff. Later in the year, I'll switch to fully flocked decoys and very realistic spreads. I LOVE spinners early in the year, I don't run them as much as the season goes on. TIP- use "on water" motion if you're hunting water in every situation. Ducks don't generally sit in a sedentary position. If you can add agitators or swimmers (Lucky Duck), do it, you won't regret it.

4.) Calling

If you can't blow a call proficiently, leave it in the bag! I've seen more great hunts get ruined by a bad caller than I would ever care to. If you can blow a call, go watch feeds, roosts, and loafs. Study the vocalizations you hear. More importantly, if you're going to call, learn when to use it. Hit birds on the Corners! Early season- I like to get aggressive depending on the situation. Late season- USE A WHISTLE and let the birds work. Tip- learn how to blow a goose call before you learn to blow a duck call. Goose calls require proper air presentation to run them properly. Once you can blow a goose call, blowing a duck call will be a breeze!

5.) When To Call The Shot

I don't think that there is a sexier thing in the world than ducks or Canada's feet down just over the stubble or water. Hell, that's why I fell in love with waterfowl hunting. You are convincing a wild animal to go where you want them to. With that being said, I have a rule. If birds aren't at 25 yards or closer, we're not shooting. To each there own, but I don't love chasing cripples, and believe it or not, your dog doesn't either! Chasing cripples adds stress and takes time away from the hunt that you should be enjoying. Let the birds work, finish them in whatever hole your hunting, and enjoy the time with your group!