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These are all you need my friend. I have severe hearing loss and very sensitive ears. These are affordable, amplify pretty dang well, and also block out noise just as good. The batteries last surprisingly long too.
The connector is a flat 2 pole SAE connector. Like this. I haven't completed the full electrical build yet. Prior to this, I was using just a cheap battery box I made and just ran the cable through the front hatch.
Now I plan on using flush sockets drilled into the kayak to power the lightbar, my fish finder, and in the future, my trolling motor. I really want to go for a clean set up. I'm also going to put a switch in to toggle the light bar.
All of this will just lead to one SAE connector in the hull to my battery box.
This is what I use.
Rain, snow, fog, clear. Whatever. And it has a red light option so you don’t go blind.
. DeWalt
Use it on my 14 foot runabout or in the marsh rat.
If you're looking to train them yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Water-Dog-Charles-Jurney/dp/B00007AXTA
Water dog. I trained 2 awesome working golden retrievers to duck hunt in Louisiana marshes with this. The fist version I had was actually a VHS and I toted a VCR around for years just to re-watch this.
I used to be able to do this at work but I'm management now and no longer have access to any of our Adobe stuff :(
My budget is limited so I looked for free alternatives.
At home I was playing around with Lightworks. Its free mode is limited by resolution so good enough for online video. The tools were easy to use and seemed powerful enough.
Previously I tried Blender. OMG it drove me crazy. Its UI is not good for anything simple.
If I did anything with a lot of volume I would definitely pony up for Adobe again.
I bought the primos high roller for a pintail call. Duck's seem to respond well to it. I couldn't do the pintail call on the 6 in 1.
https://www.amazon.com/Primos-Hunting-838-Duck-Roller/dp/B000JVKK5A
Search amazon. We just redid our basement and found several nice waterfowl pictures, and centered it around This
I looked far and wide for many waterfowl pictures. Besides checking sporting goods stores for pictures, your best bet is finding an artist or photographer locally who sells prints online or at game shows.
So I bought these Birchwood Casey Off-Eye Optical Lens Filters 40/60/80 Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFTSGC8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Du7yFbVQJJX2Q and shot with them a couple of times I took it off while hunting and hit 4 out of 6 birds. I feel like it’s helping tremendously! I also wore one until shooting light before I removed it.
And
These two books have been around forever. I have heard on this sub that they are dated, but these books have trained a lot of dogs. Just remember a dog is a being with it's own mind. It will get upset, it will not want to train sometimes, IT IS NOT A ROBOT. If you want a real hunting dog be prepared to spend a lot more time than you think, but you form some weird bond with a dog like that.
Best I've found are the Darn Tough Mountaineering socks, but also just started using the Hollow Boot Socks this season and have been impressed with those.
The gun dog one works great and the actual leash seems pretty good quality. But if you already have your own leash and string just get these and make your own set up. That’s what the gun dog one uses
I use a sled but to hold the silos together I use garden bags
I cover them with burlap once I'm done with them. Sometimes I'll sit on them.
I bought one of these on sale for like $15. I have it loaded with 2 dozen canada goose silos (upside down with the bag handle in-between the stakes) and it works pretty well as far as I'm concerned.
Amagabeli Fireplace Carrier Waxed Canvas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTHQFHP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_4V88J8R6RAWB22MV93FC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ive used a backpack by Landing Gear waterfowl , I've liked it a lot. Got a waterproof bottom on it and straps for your gun on the side. Even got a decoy bag that clips on the back of it and can carry a dozen dekes, but I don't use it. Got enough room that I even pack my jacket so I'm not a sweaty mess when I get to the blind
Another one that I've heard real good stuff about is the one from Alps Outdoorz. Their stuff is usually quality and having the gun holder in the middle seems like a better design to me
A few of my buddies brought there pop up blinds which definitely did the trick.
It was something like this. AUSCAMOTEK Pop Up Ground Blind for Deer Duck Turkey Hunting Portable Quick Setup Lightweight Green/Brown/Dry Grass Ground Peg Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HV4NS5J/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_F62KYYVKFC4EEKZVWH7T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I just ran a bolt through the PVC blind frame to mount them to the blind so I can take them off with the blind after duck season.
Also I wired in quick disconnects like these between battery boxes and lights so I can pull battery box as a unit for recharging. The switch in the wiring kit was mounted to the tops of the battery box so it’s like an entire self contained power source.
I used this and it works great.
Tip: make sure to trim the ends even with the crimp! Any excess will catch the other lines and make untangling a nightmare.
One of my all time favorite waterfowl hunting tools is a handwarmer muff, similarto this. Waterfowl specific ones usually are.made of neoprene, and this waterproof. Mine doubles up for deer hunting also.
Toss a handwarmer inside, a granola bar, phone, etc and you will be a hero.
Motion decoys to liven that spread up. These are on sale for a pretty solid deal, and they add that ripple effect to the water nicely
+1 for gear aid. been using it for years. Seals and cures flexible so it doesn't peel off or crack. If it's on the shin that's still within the boot section? Should be able to find some appropriate rubber.
Gear aid has a patch kit that includes patch material.
Haven't tried something super high-end like Tetra but I've used these for years. I've had a couple of cheaper ones (both sub $60) and the sound quality, and battery life on those units was noticeably worse. The Peltors have surprisingly decent sound quality and never seem to run out of batteries. A pair of AAAs last me for years and I hunt most weekends from September to January.
You have to remove the pads after a wet/sweaty hunt to let them air out. I would probably go with in-ear protection if I lived in a hotter climate. Other than that, they are virtually maintenance free. One time, I accidentally submerged them for a second and they continue to soldier on.
I enjoy hunting with them because I know I'm protecting my hearing and I can usually tell where a sound is coming from. Do the sounds of nature sound better without them? Yes, but the difference isn't that noticeable except on very windy days.
https://www.amazon.com/Shappell-Jet-Sled-Multi-Purpose/dp/B002RWBPQM
This guy right here. Honestly amazing, especially if you're hiking in and camping. Don't have one but have used my buddy's. Drug it through chest deep water at night (got a little lost trying to take a more direct route like an idiot) with probably 30 lbs of gear/supplies in there and it was stable. Didn't lose anything.
Haven't seen anyone mention these, so I use the Peltor Tactical 500.
Solid 26db protection, integrated bluetooth, solid battery life. They've never gone dead on me from full charge, and I've hunted full days. If you don't mind full sized muffs, I love them. My dad doesn't like them because they interfere with the way he cheeks down onto his stock. But he also has to shave off the top of every stock or it bites his cheek, so he's abnormal. I also use them at the range, and they're solid for that as long as you don't have a 50 cal close to you.
I second the intro to guns ASAP. All your training will be useless if you have a gun shy dog. Try and find some BLM land or national forest to at least get them somewhat familiar. I’d recommend the book Waterdog. It’s old school for sure. When asking a bunch of veteran waterfowl hunters how they trained their dogs, almost all pointed me to this book. Also either work on hand signals or whistle to direct your dog once their out on a retrieve. Helps if a cripple dives and your dog loses sight of them.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/shappell-jet-sled
Guide Gear Deer Cart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UNKQ7Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_ZQr0FbFRTKNFH
The sled does fit on the game cart but it’s not a perfect fit FYI. But gets the job done.
Also to makes things a little easier, I suggest getting one with an extended handle
I got my dog from tom dokkens kennel, and trained him from this book. easy to read and comprehend and has pictures and diagrams explaining the process.
https://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dokkens-Retriever-Training-Developing/dp/089689858X
If anyone is interested this is the cart:
Running a 15x30 Inch Cargo Net, slotted bag and a Drake Blind Bag. It all fits nicely and is well balanced. The wheels pivot to allow going over logs and rough terrain. Hoping it works better than the cart I used last year.
Boy am I glad I caught your thread. Rarely have I ever felt as compelled to write a recommendation.
I have had these for seven seasons with at least 30 days of hunting per season. They have been ABUSED. Lots of use in sub zero temps, blizzards and heavy rain. I dropped them in the water early last year and they performed well on the same hunt. Dried them out when I got home and they kept on doing their job the entire winter. Here's the best part: I only have to change batteries (2x alkaline AAAs) every other season. It has a self-shut down function built in, so you don't have to worry about leaving them on by accident.
When the headset gets completely soaked, you can sometimes hear a slight ringing/buzzing noise from the speaker. It goes away when they get less wet. I've replaced the foam inserts and cushions once, that's all. Remember to store them in an "open" position, so the foam gets a chance to air out after a hunt.
Good on you for protecting your hearing, I wish more hunters did.
Edit: Forgot to mention I did own a couple of cheaper headsets before getting these. One pair stopped playing sound from the right speaker, the other drained batteries like there was no tomorrow. Both had inferior sound quality.
This one got really good reviews on Amazon, although I can’t say as I’ve tried it, personally. I’m still using my grandfather’s old Bushnell.
To add: u/aislin809, try listening to duck call audios or watching actual duck hunting technique DVDs.
For you, specifically: Duck Dynasty
i switched to the orvis silver seam... sonic seam..? what ever they are called, because the boots lace up and can be tightened when not wearing the felt liner. they are pretty... ok, nothing stellar. in my neoprene waders I added an additional insole and if they are still too loose I cut a pair of these down to size to help tighten things up a little more:
​
https://www.amazon.com/Powertye-Buckle-Lashing-Strap-2-Pack/dp/B01KP24GMK
For what it's worth, I camo wrapped my gun for $30 and about 75minutes of my time. It came out pretty nice and my hunting buddies have ordered their own wrap for me to do their guns as well
http://imgur.com/gallery/FvKnBGo
Mossy Oak Graphics Bottomland 14004-BL Shot Gun Camo Kit Vinyl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P7CJOS/ref=
FWIW--this is the paint I used when I did my repaint and it worked great. Khaki, black, and brown. A totally flat white as well. The camo WAS flatter than the white but the white is so sparse and not on top so it's fine--but DO get a "flat" white.
I’ve found this useful in the past: Turning Custom Duck and Game Calls: The Complete Guide for Craftsmen, Collectors, and Outdoorsmen https://www.amazon.com/dp/156523281X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DFBVAbKRKRRAX
1 Get the book Water Dog https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525247343/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5V2LAb6HYR8KD
It has been a staple for decades, and anyone who has trained a half decent dog has read it.
2 Just buy a simple large crate and section it off with cardboard moving or removing as it grows. You don't want your pup to have too much room or it will piss and shit in there.
3 You are not going to get a good honest answer about food, as it's all personal experiences. My grandpa fed his labs nothing but biljack, my dad just feeds his whatever, some people swear on some high protein stuff. I know as my dogs got older, one had a bad joint issue. I switched over to Purina Pro Plan and gave them a bite of sausage here and a spoonful of peanut butter there. Literally went from limping around to full blown jumping and sprinting again. So I'm pretty a fan of that.
Remember that your dog is not a robot and it does want to please you over anything else. Have patience and have fun.
Edit:Sorry for funky format I donno how I did it.
Just some stretchy camo tape I found, it's almost like the tape they use to compress wounds. https://www.amazon.com/McNett-Tactical-Camo-Fabric-Realtree/dp/B00URWJGSS/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1508949482&sr=1-8&keywords=realtree+camo+tape
You can raise any of those 3 to be all around great dogs/retrievers if you put in the time and effort. Just be damn sure to find a reputable breeder or you'll end up with a dumb one with life long health problems. Honestly, I would check into breeders' prices and make a decision from there.
Personal experience, my buddy's black lab is the best damn retriever I've ever seen.
I know you didn't ask but I suggest getting this book if you haven't ever trained before.
As /u/Booney3721 said, you still want to learn to identify as many ducks as you can so that you can identify before you shoot.
You also want to learn when certain ducks are going to come through. In my state, Mallards and Blue-winged teal are the two most harvested.. but the Blue-winged teal are going to be long gone by the time we start seeing mallards.
Likewise, there are birds on that list that are below well below 10k harvest numbers that we saw a TON of toward the end of last season.
I recommend picking up a small identification book and studying it. I have a this book in spiral bound that I keep in my blind bag: https://www.amazon.com/Waterfowl-Identification-LeMaster-Method-Richard/dp/0811729826/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492797039&sr=8-1&keywords=lemaster
It shows the different stages of plumage of each species, with approximate dates for when they go through each plumage. Also shows their typical height while in flight. Pretty handy little tool.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006IUK2CC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These gloves are constantly out of stock, because they are pretty damn good and waterproof. They get the job done. They aren't drake, but they are solid.
I have strapped the mojo pole to a cinderblock before when a rocky bottom stopped me from shoving it into the ground. Worked great at the time but there could be a problem with it being top heavy if you wanted the mojo to be really high above water/ground level. It could also suck to have to carry out a cinderblock along with your gear if you hike out to hunt.
As for a flag something like this is what my cousin uses and swears by. FYI That link is just the first one that I found so if you go that route be sure to shop around. I will text my cousin to find out what brand of one he uses and edit it into this comment later.
Where are you going to be hunting from a sailboat?
If you are in California pay attention to this section of the fish and game code. Just because you are not a scull boat don't think the wardens won't nail your ass.
>§507.5. Scull Boats. Migratory game birds may not be taken by a scull boat or similar watercraft while under motorized power. The motor shall be removed from its mountings before any take or approach is attempted.
>This section shall not prohibit shooting migratory game birds from scull boats or similar watercraft with motor attached if beached or anchored; nor shall it prohibit the use of a motor for the sole purpose of picking up dead or injured birds.
To answer your question, buy one of these. Or if you can afford a 55' sailboat buy an over/under with extractors and have no problem keeping your shells around.
I've been thinking of doing it this year myself. Hank Shaw of Hunter Angler Gardener Cook claims to have two recipes in his book here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607745291/
Google came up with this as well: http://simplegoodandtasty.com/2013/12/10/hunting-for-dinner-making-coot-edible
Batteries last for 16 hours and these things really work well. No sweaty ears from muffs - can still hear the birds calling and flying :)
23/30dB reduction depending on which ear cups you use - nearly as good as foam plugs.
The Surefire Sonic Defenders are a good pretty non-electronic compromise between being having some protection, still being able to hear conversation, and not spending a ton of money. The trick is getting them to fit just right.
Otherwise, I've heard good things about SportEAR - they specialize in this stuff - but I don't have any personal experience.