How to Duck Hunt From A Kayak

Kayak duck hunting has skyrocketed in popularity because it’s very accessible, but there are a few tips you should know before jumping into kayak duck hunting for the first time.

I’ve been kayak duck hunting for many years. I started using a kayak before it was cool to reach spots others couldn’t and retrieve birds I would have otherwise lost. Today, I also hunt out of my kayak, using it as a floating layout blind.

This is all possible because I purchased the right kayak.

Choose The Right Kayak

A good kayak duck hunt begins with choosing the right kayak. I look for a stable, versatile platform like the Nucanoe Unlimited. However, if you only plan to use the kayak to get to a spot or retrieve birds, consider a lighter, more agile kayak.

Here’s everything you should consider when buying a hunting kayak-

• Safety
• Rigability
• Comfort
• Versatility

Kayak duck hunting is dangerous because of the cold water, so make sure your kayak doesn’t tip easily, and you always wear a lifejacket.

Customizing your yak is part of the fun, but not all kayaks are as easy to rig for hunting as others. For instance, some kayaks have aftermarket blinds you can install, while others require you to build a DIY blind.

Since you’ll spend many hours in this kayak, you want it to be comfortable. Increasing the comfort level of your yak can also be accomplished with after-market products like the Kayak Kushion.

Lastly, you only get to duck hunt for a few months out of the year, so to get your money’s worth out of it, be sure you can take it fishing or paddling when it’s not hunting season. This is pretty simple because most kayaks are designed for fishing or paddling, not hunting.

Rigging Your Duck Hunting Kayak

I love rigging kayaks because this is when you get to make them your own. You can customize them to fit your needs instead of trying to adapt to the kayak.

How I rig it ultimately depends on how I use it. If I’m hunting from my yak, I’ll install the blind and remove the high-sitting seat. However, if I use it to reach a spot or pick up birds, I’ll leave the blind off and install a trolling motor.

Improperly rigging your duck-hunting kayak can make or break your hunt, so be sure you test out a few variations before deciding kayak duck hunting isn’t for you.

Here are a few quick tips for rigging your kayak-

• Keep safety top of mind
• Set it up so everything is easy to reach
• Test it out with all your gear at home first
• Make your first trip an easy one for testing
• Consider your hunting conditions

Hunting From Your Kayak

As I mentioned, there are several ways to use a kayak for duck hunting, and that’s why it’s one of my go-to tools during duck season.

Learning to shoot from a floating blind is slightly different, so don’t set your expectations too high for your first hunt. If you plan to use it as a blind, brush it in with natural vegetation from the area you are hunting; that way, it looks like it’s supposed to be there. Thoroughly brushing it in will help you shoot more ducks with your 12-gauge than anything else.

Using your kayak as transportation usually means you need a good place to hide it, a reasonable distance from your spot. I like using a kayak because it’s much easier to hide than a boat, but it’s also slower than a boat, so some people can beat you to the spot.

Another way to use your kayak is to pick up birds with it. This could be because you don’t have a dog, or sending your dog after the birds is too dangerous. You’ll need to hide it nearby, so you should brush it in until it disappears. Don’t just pile a few sticks on it and call it good; that will flare birds.

Disclaimer: Always check your local hunting laws and regulations before hunting from a kayak. Some areas do not allow it or require special permits.

Parting Shots

You are now equipped with the basic knowledge to begin kayak duck hunting. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of always wearing a PFD and being safety conscious while hunting from a kayak.

I look forward to seeing you at the boat ramp this duck season!


About Author:

Sam Jacobs is a writer, and chief historian, at Ammo. As a self-proclaimed outdoorsman, it’s his responsibility to use his knowledge and experience to educate others about ammunition, the outdoors, and conservation.