Ballard and Henderson are well known locations when Kentucky residents begin talking about waterfowl hunting in the commonwealth.  Unfortunately, a lot of non- traditional and non-experienced waterfowl hunters may not know just how good the waterfowl hunting may be just a few miles from home.  The state of Kentucky is very diverse and spending many years of my life spread out from Lexington to Western Kentucky, I can assure you I have seen better hunting around the northern Kentucky area more than I have in the east or west.  Waterfowl shows highlight nice blinds placed strategically in more concentrated waterfowl flyways, however,  this is not always needed to enjoy a waterfowl experience.  Many farms, neighborhoods, golf courses, parks, horse farms, and metropolitan areas hold water that tend to attract hunt-able populations of waterfowl.  While you may not find a place that will be productive for you all season it is easy for you to find a spot to enjoy a waterfowl hunt.  Do not sell yourself short and tell yourself that you do not have what you need in order to duck or goose hunt.  More important than the gear you have, scouting is the most important thing you need to consider.  Even those who are die hard waterfowl hunters will tell you scouting is the most important part of your season and success.  While you may catch some migrating birds in large numbers, you are more than likely going to get out and scout for an area that will provide you a good hunt for one or two mornings of the season.  Waterproof clothing, waders, blinds, calls and decoys are all major marketing areas of the waterfowl industry.  Many hunters who do not own these things may not try waterfowl hunting.   Honestly, your trusty shotgun and cold weather deer hunting clothes will more than likely allow you to get out and experience a waterfowl hunt.  A small boat or canoe can help you retrieve any downed fowl and aid in  pickup and placement of decoys.  One word of caution, anytime you are around water in cold weather, do not hunt by yourself.  Many hunters can utilize pop up ground blinds and small propane heaters. If you do use a blind, or make a blind,  focus on blending into your surrounding area. Focus your efforts towards the art of camouflage.

So you have decided to give waterfowl hunting a try.  First and foremost is scout and find a place where waterfowl are feeding, resting, and just hanging around.  You will find that some places are more early morning activity, mid day, and evening locations.  Scouting will help eliminate the need for lots of decoys. If you scout and find waterfowl,  more than likely a seasoned waterfowl hunter will go with you or lend you some decoys to use.  How do you set up your decoys?  Reproduce what you are seeing and place a blind or build a blind that will allow you to hide and shoot at your target.  Calling  is not something you have to do or know how to do.  Does it help?  Absolutely.  It is a tool and strategy used very successfully. Remember, you are trying this sport and admit you are a rookie.  What is more important?   Hunting where the deer are or having grunt call?  Waterfowl hunting is no different. You will find that your scouting is more important that any gear you can buy or any call you can blow.  Many cut agriculture fields allow for hunters to try for geese.  Hunters can use terrain features,such as fence rows, weeds, or other structure to help camouflage them.  If not, be creative. Dig some holes in fields, use burlap, build a blind, and use natural vegetation to help camo the hunters.  If you find areas of waterfowl are using ponds, creeks, rivers, etc…,  find ways to blend in with your surrounding.  While the big areas receive a lot of pressure from die hard waterfowl hunters, a lot of the agriculture fields and pot holes are often overlooked.  Remember just because you scout one day does not mean there will not be waterfowl using the area in the near future.  While hunters are looking to find concentrations of resident and migrating waterfowl, you never can predict migration and waterfowl patterns.  If you do not have any decoys or can not borrow any, many manufacturers sell a dozen duck decoys for under twenty five dollars.  You would be surprised just how appealing residential and farm locations are to migrating waterfowl.  You do not have to place yourself  in a massive surrounding of water and agriculture production.  When trying to decoy geese, buy the decoys you can afford.  Any waterfowl decoys you buy should be realistic looking and durable.  While you may spend a few more dollars up front you will find that paint and material vary drastically and you get what you pay for a lot of times.

For the beginning waterfowl hunter,  it is hard to beat shooting a modified or improved cylinder choke with legal non toxic shot. Anything from BB-#3 shot.  The improved cylinder will be more used for decoying birds. The modified acts as a full on steel, which will be better for hunters who think they will have further shots or pass shooting.  For beginners, you want to make sure that you take shots that are 40 yards or less.  If you get more into the sport of waterfowl hunting, you can experiment with different alloys and choke combinations that fit your hunting style, setup, and situation best.

Play the wind. Many new waterfowler hunters will not know that birds will land and light into the wind.  In most situations, you want to set up with the wind at your back.  If you are not able to do this, do not worry.  Setting up on the sides of the wind will allow you to hide out of sight of the landing waterfowl.  If you are not in the direct path the birds are wanting to land in, you will find that you may not spook and flare as many birds.

If you are fortunate enough to harvest some fowl, it is easy to breast the birds and fix them traditionally as you would dove and turkey.  Some people do not like the taste of waterfowl,  but I have yet to find a lot of people who do not enjoy a nicely marinated breast wrapped with bacon,  hot and fresh off the grill.  Waterfowl hunting is sometimes looked at as an expensive,  cold man’s sport.  Don’t buy into that.  You have to start somewhere,  so why not start on the experimental side of it.  Once you see your fowl with wings locked,  in shotgun range, and  whistling by you, you will be hooked.  Do not be surprised if you make a mistake or two when getting started.  I have been deer and turkey hunting for a while now and still make silly mistakes.  Waterfowl hunting is a great way to get out, extend your season, and make some great memories with friends.  You may even find getting out and scouting for waterfowl may lead to your next new place to deer or turkey hunt.

Scott Cronin

Derby City Pro Staffer