Duck hunting has gained a lot of popularity in the recent past. However, this has come at a cost for the duck hunting lovers. This process is quite gear intensive which has in many cases scared off many people who would have liked to be duck hunters.
The thought of buying and packing all these gears can at times be quite tiresome. However, there is no way you can be a duck hunting enthusiast minus these most important gear. So this article is a guide for beginners or any other professionals who may want to know how dress for the task.
What then should you put on whenever you are hunting for ducks? How are the gear related to the hunting job? Worry no more as we have all these plus more comprehensively covered in this piece.
List of the gear needed for duck hunting
Without wasting any time, it is necessary to have a look at some of the things you need to wear while duck hunting. Here is a list of some of the most important gear and what their functions are. Have a look.
Waders
You will need to have waders on for purposes of slogging through muck and water in most cases unless you decide to go field hunting. The waders will also be of great help when collecting and setting up decoys as well as picking up birds.
Never make the mistake of buying low quality waders as the leaks will be so irritating as you hunt. Ideal waders need to be boot-foot models that have been designed with deep and fine treads for stability and proper grip. The product should be more insulated.
The best waders are made from Neoprene and have their knees reinforced besides being puncture resistant. You might sweat in these waders but it’s better that way but keep yourself protected.
Jackets
Camouflage jackets are also essential especially in the absence of waders. There are instances that you might want to hide in the grass, timber or in the cattails where it won’t be quite necessary to choke yourself in waders, that’s where you’ll need the jacket the most.
A jacket that will match the surrounding color patterns and at the same time matches the conditions will do. It is the very jacket that will also shield you against the cold whenever you’re out there hunting.
The jackets are also good for keeping you warm as you hunt.
Headlamp
There are lots of stuff that duck hunters do in the dark. Unless you have the capabilities of seeing in the dark, you need to have some headlamp(s) just in case darkness settles in whenever you are still in the field.
The headlamp will give your hands the freedom to engage in other activities such as putting out decoys. Can you imagine how difficult it might be handling all the decoy jobs while at the same time holding a hand-held spotlight? What a hell of tasks! Avoid such by settling for head lamps.
Head net
There is absolutely no need to camouflage your entire body then leave out your face. If it is a matter of hiding everything then let it be so. To keep your face away from these creatures you’ll need a head net. The head net is often ignored by many it is a very important gear when it comes to duck hunting.
The head net will also form part of your head protection mechanism. Any falling objects like tree branches might not have that direct impact on your head.
Gloves
There are seasons like in winter when the waters are very cold. Who really enjoys touching icing waters with their bare hands? And for how long can you do that? These are some of the things that have in the past discouraged many from going back hunting.
A pair of gloves, of course waterproof, will come in handy in handling such situations. Get a Neoprene pair of gloves and have all the decoy works performed with a lot of ease. You can therefore attract waterfowl in their numbers once you are in a position to set up all your decoys with ease.
The gloves will also protect your hands from touching the waters, some of which are usually contaminated, directly with your hands. One of the best ways to avoid contracting water—borne diseases is by having the gloves at any given time you’re in the waters duck hunting.
Boots
Any hunting task that requires you to wade in the waters requires you to have boots that cover up to your hips. You never know what lies deep in the waters. To protect your feet from getting injured, there is need to have boots on. What will you gain if you catch as many ducks as possible but in the end you get out with a serious injury like a snake bite?
The boots should be tough to the extent that nothing can easily penetrate it and end up hurting your legs.
Wrapping Up
Duck hunting is a very adventurous activity that can be enjoyed by men, women and children alike. In most cases, hunters get it wrong by concentrating on the hunting equipment leaving out all the clothing aspects. You really need to know what to put on in as much as you need to know all that you’ll use to catch or kill the ducks.
It is for this reason that I thought it wise to share with the duck hunting enthusiasts; whether beginners or professionals, some of the most important clothing that they should never leave behind. These things aren’t costly at all.
Is there anything that you feel I haven’t included here but should be put on by every duck hunter? Do you have any questions that have troubled you a lot when it comes to duck hunting clothing? Well, feel free to engage me. I’ll be more than ready to help you out.