Looking into waterfowl

[Dbennett415]

Hello! My name is Dustin, I am from Riverside CA.

I’ve been wanting to get into waterfowl for a while now. Looking for some advise getting started. Equipment, where to go, regulations etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SurfNHuntSD]

Dustin,

Welcome to SCH. Closest spot for you would be San Jacinto, and then Wister in Imperial Valley.. lots written about them on here so scour the boards for info. For equipment, I'd say mandatory are some breathable waders, camo top/face mask, a shotgun, non-lead shells, CA and federal duck stamps, and some decoys. Pickup some calls too and start working on them now until season starts.

 

[chessie]

Welcom Dustin,

Your first stop should be here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Waterfowl

Next, become familiar with the type of birds you can and cannot shot: Try the test attached

SurfNHuntSD gave you equipment info.

Last, Join CWA, Duck Unlimited, etc.. Go to a dinner. Go to a cleanup - San Jac-July 13. You'll meet like minded folk and maybe get hooked up to a hunt or 2.

Good luck.

 

[Mud Pigeon]

Welcom Dustin,

Your first stop should be here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Waterfowl

Next, become familiar with the type of birds you can and cannot shot: Try the test attached

SurfNHuntSD gave you equipment info.

Last, Join CWA, Duck Unlimited, etc.. Go to a dinner. Go to a cleanup - San Jac-July 13. You'll meet like minded folk and maybe get hooked up to a hunt or 2.

Good luck.

I killed it on that test I think I'm finally good to go this year!

 

[Zak]

Didn't realize there was so many waterfowl to identify, time to make some flash cards.

 

[ilovesprig]

Welcome Dustin....Lots to know, if you're going waterfowl hunt....Start with "Know Your Ducks" here on SCH waterfowl section....July 13th work party is a must attend event for any new hunter.

 

[Dbennett415]

Welcom Dustin,

Your first stop should be here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Waterfowl

Next, become familiar with the type of birds you can and cannot shot: Try the test attached

SurfNHuntSD gave you equipment info.

Last, Join CWA, Duck Unlimited, etc.. Go to a dinner. Go to a cleanup - San Jac-July 13. You'll meet like minded folk and maybe get hooked up to a hunt or 2.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info! I’ll check out the test, I’m pretty good at identifying dove so I hope they are not hard to pick out.

It looks like the cleanups are only on Saturdays huh? Unfortunately work conflicts with that right now, but I’ll try to see what else works. Thanks again

 

[Dbennett415]

Welcome Dustin....Lots to know, if you're going waterfowl hunt....Start with "Know Your Ducks" here on SCH waterfowl section....July 13th work party is a must attend event for any new hunter.

Is there another way to get involved? My work schedule stops me from being able to go out on a Saturday without some advance. Might be able to make the next one but I’d like to get out there the best I can in the meantime.

 

[ilovesprig]

Is there another way to get involved? My work schedule stops me from being able to go out on a Saturday without some advance. Might be able to make the next one but I’d like to get out there the best I can in the meantime.

You can go to San Jacinto W.A. or Imperial W.A. (Wister unit) 7 days a week....You can ask for the area manager and it's quite possible, he will take you on a tour....Now's the time to start learning.

You can attend a CWA (California Waterfowl Assoc.) banquet....Lots of like minded folks....The next banquet is July 27th in Vista.

You can also ask as many questions as you like here on SCH....Lots of 'fowlers that will help you out.

Ask away.....

Here's a few pictures of stuff you will need....Decoys, breathable waders, strap for shotgun, strap for ducks, buckets, and decoy cart.

.

 

[Dbennett415]

Ok so I am getting a good amount of reading in which I am very happy about. I love obsessing over a new thing as I'm sure some can relate. I did have a couple more questions though.

1) I'm looking into learning about duck calls right now. I see from last year in San Jacinto the most common ducks were Green Wing Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Cinnamon Teal. Any suggestions on specific calls you guys like for these species? Anything else I should be looking at?

2) A couple years ago I bought a Rem 1100 (at a steal) to convert into a waterfowl gun. Removed the wood stock, cerakote, got a nice sling I like etc. However it has a modified choke barrel on it. I usually use modified or full for dove, so I think I could get away with it for a season while I'm learning. But should I be looking into getting a new barrel with removable chokes? Or to make it simple, what choke do you often use? Does it change depending on the stage of the season (early, mid, late, etc)

 

[ilovesprig]

Calling ducks in SoCal is way over rated IMO, especially, those ducks mentioned (it is part of the fun tho)....Buy a Haydel's DR 85 to start, along with a Buck Gardner's pintail/widgeon/teal whistle....Practice at your local park that has ducks....Short small blasts of the DR 85 is all you need most of the time....Like turkey calling....Knowing when to call is as important as being a great caller.

Your Remington 1100 is more than efficient with the modified barrel....The cerakote finish is perfect....3" 1 1/8 3's are ideal....I like Kent's, but most every company makes this load.