Even though duck season doesn’t officially get started until November around here, I figured this would be as good a time as any to give you your essentials list for those fun-filled months. October 1 has brought with it the most glorious reprieve from South Carolina summer heat, and I know the next few months will be fantastic. What about early teal season, you ask? I had plenty of questions, as you know. To answer yours, no, I did not participate in teal hunting that weekend. Why? A casual afternoon 4-wheeler ride (more on that later… eeeeek!) down to the duck ponds to scout where we were going to hunt the next morning left me with one image. Well, 3, really. Alligators. Three of them. Right. Where. We’d. Hunt. I am talking like right where we would be standing in the water, trying to hide amongst the phragmite. I will admit it, I am that big of a wuss when it comes to large-ish alligators. A little small one? I have no problem holding him in my hands like a new pet. BUT WHERE IS HIS MOMMA? Exactly.

Now gear yourself up before November, friends, and enjoy!

First off, you obviously need a gun to shoot ducks. Unless you’re an exceptionally skilled bowhunter/ sling shot aficionado. In which case… let’s be friends. Immediately. There are so many different kinds of guns out there that people are die-hard about when it comes to duck hunting, so I will spare you what all I think about those. Either way, I think a 12 gauge is what you need if you’re really trying to knock down big ducks. I, personally, can.not. shoot a pump to save my life, so I use a Benelli pretty similar to this one here, as does my dad. Please feel free to leave comments about what you have found to be a good gun in the blind below!

Up next – waders. Duck hunting is done over/around water. Duh. And if you don’t have a dog, I am sure no ones wants to take a chilly swim out into the pond to pick up a duck you knocked down. Thus, waders! Such a great invention. Get ones with warm boots, but not too warm. I have only hunted in 24* weather once or twice in South Carolina, so around here you will be fine. Mine are from here. Along with your waders, snag a shell belt to keep your shotgun shells handy. If you get the kind that snaps around your waist, it can also help prevent water from going all the way down your waders when you tip over in the water. Not that I’ve done that or anything….

 

Lastly… Our best friends.

Well, friends… I don’t think I have forgotten anything! If I have, feel free to comment below. Be sure to eat at least a little breakfast before heading out – you’ll need your strength during those chilly winter mornings! Follow up your hunt with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa, and a hearty breakfast, too. You earned it!