Gear Up: The Best Duck Hunting Equipment for Your Bird Hunts

Whether you're hunting flooded timber, marshes, or open water, having reliable, quality gear increases comfort, safety, and success rate. That said, you don't have to go out and blow the bank on the latest and greatest, especially if you're a duck-hunting newcomer.

With the basics covered, plus HuntWise to help plan and execute a successful hunt, you'll be one step closer to bagging out on new birds.

What is the best duck hunting equipment to gather for a successful duck hunt? Keep reading to learn about:

• Shotguns and Ammo
• Calls
• Decoys
• Waders
• Clothing
• Blinds
• And more!
   

What is the Best Duck Hunting Equipment for a Successful Hunt?

Whether you're new to waterfowl hunts or you're ready to add to your tried-and-true gear set, check out this list to make sure you have what you need to get after some ducks this season. 

Your Shotgun and Ammo 

It wouldn't be a duck hunting gear list without mentioning a shotgun and ammunition choice. 

When duck hunting is good, you'll burn some serious shells and give the shotgun a decent cycle. Most duck and waterfowl hunters would agree that you won't have much luck without a 12- or 20-gauge shotgun.

Remember to load it with waterfowl-specific shells (steel or non-toxic shots that are federally approved). Typically, waterfowl shots range from no.2 to no.6. 

Ducks are fast and surprisingly tough (there's a lot of highly conditioned muscle behind those feathers), so you'll need a reliable firearm and proper load to bring them down humanely and legally.

Duck Calls 

A lovely duck spread and some on-point calling is an irresistible combination for an incoming flock looking for a safe waterway to set up shop for a day or two.

Start with a mallard hen call and a whistle for pintail, wigeon, or teal. From there, you can dive deeper into call intonation practice, comeback, feed, and even greeting calls. 

Duck calls are helpful because they enable you to simulate natural sounds to attract birds. Mastering a basic quack or feeding chuckle can bring in wary flocks and works much better than silence.

Decoys (and the Right Spread)

Decoying is an essential component of any successful duck hunt. While some trial and error is involved, you can start with a relatively basic spread of floating mallard decoys, with a few motion decoys like a spinning wing. 

Decoys add realism, sure, but more than that, they signal to incoming flocks that the water is safe. Motion furthers the realism, adding life to your spread, especially on quiet mornings. 

Check out the decoys from our friends at Hardcore Waterfowl (and save money with 20% off as a HuntWise Pro or Elite Subscriber). 

Waders

Waders are non-negotiable in any waterfowl hunt, let alone duck hunts.

Opt for insulated chest waders with a waterproof shell (neoprene or breathable material) for maximum comfort and functionality. 

A decent set of waders will contribute to your staying power, meaning you can hunt longer and in greater comfort, especially when wading out into cool water. 
 

Camo Clothing and Facemask 

Ducks have highly evolved and adapted eyesight, which gives them vision superpowers. Okay, maybe not exactly superpowers, but they can see objects two and a half to three times farther than humans and are highly sensitive to movement. 

So, keep yourself concealed so the birds don't spot you. Grab some waterfowl camo patterns (like Realtree Max-5 or Mossy Oak Shadow Grass) with a face covering or face paint. 

Headlamp or Hands-Free Lighting

A decent headlamp is one of those items you might not think about until you need it. From setting up your blind in the early morning to laying your spread, every step will be a thousand times earlier in the early morning marsh darkness.

A headlamp is also a navigation tool and essential safety equipment. 

Duck Strap or Game Carrier 

An overhead incoming flock can be a chaotic time. A strap or carrier helps you organize and keep track of your belongings and keeps your hands free.

In addition, it makes it easy to carry your harvested ducks back to the truck or boat. 

A Blind or Layout Blind 

If you're spotted from above, it's likely game over.

The cautious nature of incoming ducks, plus the keen eyesight we just highlighted, means it's essential that you break up your outline by camouflaging effectively. A portable layout blind or a DIY blind made of natural brush, if you're stretched, will make all the difference on a big duck hunt. 

Dry Bag or Waterproof Backpack

Maybe you need to put on a dry pair of socks after cool water finds its way into your waders. Or you need to keep extra clothes, calls, and snacks dry on hand to enjoy throughout your hunt.

A dry bag or waterproof backpack is the ideal piece of equipment for long hunts or wet weather.

Thermos and Snacks 

While it might not "technically" be part of the best duck hunting equipment, food and nutrition are essential components of any hunt, especially hunts that may occur in cool-weather environments. 

You burn a surprisingly high amount of calories during an entire duck hunting session. Keeping your nutrition up and calories in will help you stay more alert, meaning straighter shooting.

Along with sandwiches packed with your favorite fillings, load up on jerky, dried fruits, nuts, cookies, and a hot thermos of strong coffee, which goes a long way, especially in the morning. 

Dog Gear (if You Use a Retriever)

If you're bringing your retriever on your next duck hunt (which we recommend), a few critical items will help protect your best friend on those cold, still mornings.

A dog vest, like one made of neoprene, will keep your dog warmer and increase its hunting capacity and morale. A collapsible water bowl, first-aid kit, snacks, and peanut butter will keep their nutrition up and ensure you're prepared if something goes wrong. 

Duck Hunting Gear List Bonus Item: HuntWise 

If you want to get the most out of your duck hunt, choose the right spots to set up decoys and your blind, and time your hunt to perfection, then you'll need the HuntWise app. It should absolutely be part of your duck hunting gear list.

With detailed waterfowl migration maps, timing insights and ratings, weather forecasts, wind direction, and property boundaries, you can plan access routes, track hunting pressure, and predict the best days to hunt based on moon phase and weather patterns. 

Use the Best Duck Hunting Equipment and HuntWise to Bring Home More Birds 

A successful gear hunt is equal parts preparation, the right gear, thoughtful planning, and experience. You don't need to blow out your budget on brand-new gear, tho. You can get started with a lean kit before slowly adding to it as you develop skills and requirements in the field. Function and fit are what matter most!

And of course (as we mentioned), for better duck hunts, choose HuntWise. With the app's mapping features, weather and wind forecasting, and data-driven insights helping you time your hunts to perfection, you can make the most of your next duck hunt and bag some big birds. 

Duck season will be here before you know it! Start planning now by downloading HuntWise and exploring the app for free for your first week.