Tyler Omoth - Duck Hunting for Kids

wood duck

Duck Species

North America has at least 36 species of ducks. These species are divided into dabblingand diving ducks. Dabbling ducks are also called puddle ducks. They like shallowwaters such as ponds, rivers, and small lakes. Shallow water allows them to reachtheir food by dipping their heads underwater. Mallards and wood ducks are commondabbling ducks. Diving ducks catch their food by diving underwater. They usuallylike large lakes and even oceans. Redheads, canvasbacks, and harlequins are divingducks.

species a group of plants or animals that share common characteristics

FACT

The long-tailed one of the best divers of all. It can dive more than 200 feet (61meters) deep!

Being prepared is key for a successful hunt. That means having the right huntinggear. Choosing the right gun, clothing, and duck call will help you bag your limit of ducks.

Shotguns and Shells

A gun is a hunters most important tool. Choose one that is comfortable for you.Shotguns are used for duck hunting because they use birdshot. Birdshot shells arepacked with small beads that spread out as they fly through the air. The spreadingshot makes it easier to hit moving targets and does less damage to the bird. Mostduck hunters use either 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotguns. Young hunters may want tostart with a 20-gauge shotgun. The 20-gauge is a smaller gun, so it is easier tocarry and fire. It also has less recoil, which means it wont kick back as hard whenyou fire it. F

limit the number of ducks a hunter can kill and take home in one day

Choosing the right shotgun shells is also important to bagging a duck. Federal lawrequires hunters to use steel birdshot when hunting ducks and other wetland birds.Small size 6 shot is a good choice for small ducks at close range. Larger size 2and 3 shot works better for larger ducks and longer range shots.

Hunting Clothes

Ducks have very good eyesight. If they spot you tucked into the reeds along the edgeof a lake, they may not land. Camouflage clothing is a must for hunting ducks. Whenchoosing jackets, hats, gloves, and facemasks, look for a camouflage pattern thatmatches your hunting area. If the plant life is still green, youll want a green-basedcamo pattern. Brown works better later in the season. Some hunting clothes are reversibleso they can work for different surroundings. Duck hunters also hunt in or aroundwetlands. They often need to wade through water. It pays to have a good pair of chestwaders. Neoprene waders will help keep you warm and dry as you walk through wetlands.

FACT

Ducks can see a above, below, in front, and behind them at one time. They also canfocus on near and distant objects at the same time.

camouflage coloring or covering that makes animals, people and objects look like their surroundings

Duck Calls

The two main types of duck calls are double reed and single reed. The double reedcall is the best choice for beginning hunters. Blowing through the calls two reedsis easy to do and makes the raspy sound hens make. The single reed takes a lot morepractice, but it also makes a wider variety of duck sounds

Duck hunters try to make the right sound for each hunting situation. The basic quackis the first call you should learn. This single note with a crisp ending is an easyway to lure in ducks. Hunters also bring in ducks with a greeting call. This shortburst of 5 to 7 notes in an even rhythm gets lower with each note.