If you have already found a place to hunt for waterfowl, got all of your licenses in order and are ready to start preparing your gear, then a checklist can help you get everything covered. This way, you will not forget something important and only discover it once you get out to the lake. Let’s go over what you might need by breaking it into different categories for easy reading.
General Waterfowl Hunting Equipment
For pretty much every waterfowl hunter out there, the things listed here are going to be the basic essentials that you’ll want to make sure that you have ready to go. Granted, each person is different so you might not need all of these items (which also goes for the other categories down below), so read over the lists and use the information that is relevant for you.
- Ammunition supply
- Blind bag
- Choke tubes
- Cleaning kit
- Ground blind
- Gun case
- Gun sock
- Hammer and stakes
- Hunting backpack or waist pack
- Shotgun
- Shotgun sling
Clothing for Waterfowl Hunting
Now that you have your basic gear, it is time to outfit your body with some attire that is fit for those long spells of sitting outside near the water. To help you get prepared, check out our suggestions below, just keep in mind that you might not need everything that is listed based on your own personal preferences.
- Boots (insulated or not depending on weather, waterproof or not depending on usage)
- Camo baseball hat or knit cap
- Camo belt
- Camo jacket
- Camo pants
- Camo shirt
- Gloves (need dependent upon weather)
- Handmuff
- Insulated pants/overalls
- Rain suit
- Socks (breathable and insulated)
- Thermal long underwear
Calls for Waterfowl Hunting
One thing you’ll definitely want to add to your hunting pack is a good duck call or two. Now, if you’re an experienced hunter, then you probably already have some of these. If not, check out the list below to determine what you need to get for that first outing by the water.
- 6-in-1 whistle
- Double-reed duck call
- Electronic caller (not allowed everywhere so check your local regulations)
- Goose flute
- Mouth calls
- Short-reed goose call
- Single-reed duck call
Decoys for Waterfowl Hunting
Decoys are another thing that you probably already own a few of around the house, if this is not your first time. But even if you do already have them, the list below will serve as a nice refresher for you.
- Confidence decoys
- Decoy anchors
- Decoy bag
- Decoy cord
- Decoy weights
- Decoys
- Floating/field goose decoys
- Floating/field mallards
- Gaff hook (needed for decoy recovery)
Dog Gear for Waterfowl Hunting
Taking your mutt with you? If so, you’ll want to make sure that you remember to pack all the equipment that you’ll need for your trusty sidekick. Below are a few items that you might need to buy before heading out.
- Dog blind
- Dog boots
- Dog first-aid kit
- Dog food
- Dog leash
- Electronic dog caller
- Food and water bowls
- Insulated dog vest
- Travel dog kennel
- Water carrier
- Whistle
General Essentials For Waterfowl Hunting
Now that we covered all the major categories, let’s take a look at some of the basics that you might need for this little trip. And you might not need everything on this list.
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Binoculars harness
- Bug spray or an insect repellent device
- Camera
- Compass
- Cooler
- Emergency flares
- Energy bars or other food
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Glass or lens cleaner
- GPS device or map
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand warmers
- Hearing protection
- Hydration pack
- Ice
- Knife sharpener
- Knife or multi-tool gadget
- Lighter or matches
- Push pole
- Rope
- Safety shooting glasses
- Seat or stool
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Water
- Waterproof bag or sack
- Wader repair kit
After Shot Supplies
Additionally, there are a few more items that you’ll need if the trip is a success. Here are some suggestions.
- Freezer tape and paper
- Game shears
- Gutting gloves
- Plastic bags
- Processing knives or kit
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