Brodie Swisher
Here’s a look at what you need to know and the must-have gear to make your child’s first duck hunt a success.
Despite what you might see, hear, or say, few hunts draw the attention and admiration of a child like the pursuit of ducks. Duck hunting was made for kids! No other hunt offers the adventure, and social camaraderie like waterfowl hunting.
I remember the first time I climbed into a duck boat as a child. I hunkered down in a pile of gun cases, ammo boxes and decoys, swallowed by an oversized lifejacket. The sting of cold air bit my face as I strained to watched the flooded timber trail ahead with squinting, watery eyes. I didn’t want to miss a thing!
“You boys watch for logs and stumps,” the captain said as he motored the boat up the ditch. I was filled with incredible excitement for what the morning would bring, mixed with uncertain fear of what could go wrong in the frigid waters all around us along the way.
I thought I would freeze to death on that first hunt. Proper duck gear was lacking back in those days. But the experience put me on an endless search for the best duck gear for hunters of all ages. And it’s come full circle nowadays with kids of my own hunkered down in the boat for the ride into places ducks call home.
That first hunt also helped me better understand how to go about preparing for a child’s first duck hunting experience. There are some things you need to know before you go. Read on for a look at some tips, tactics and words of waterfowl wisdom gained over the years from a few avid duck hunters.
Start Them Early
My good friend and duck hunting guru, Jason Baker, knows what it takes to make a duck hunter. In fact, he’s been “building” duck hunters for decades through youth hunts, veteran’s hunts and family hunts with kids of all ages. He’s seen it all when it comes to the good, bad and ugly of a child’s first-time duck hunting experience. Baker is quick to point out that a child’s first duck hunt should start long before they’re actually old enough to hunt.
“Much like driving a car, a kids first duck hunt should be years before they can actually hunt, and they should be taken often,” says Baker. “Explain things to them on how, why and what you are doing. Don’t make a fuss and overdo it but guide them. Let them hear you pray before and after the hunt. Let them watch you respect the game. These early tag-a-long hunts are all about letting them feel the experience.”
Baker’s son, Ethan, started joining him on hunts when he was 3 years old. He spent 7 seasons observing how the hunt works before he was finally of age to hunt in Montana. Ethan still talks about one of those first hunts with his dad when 2,000 ducks fought against the wind to get down into a barley field they were set up in. “The wind was howling, and when the ducks cut sharp to approach our decoys in unison, it sounded like a jet airplane. It’s an experience neither of us will ever forget,” says Baker.
Bottom line, kids can learn a lot on these observation hunts without the stress of having to shoot a gun for themselves.
Get the Gear That Fits
Back in the day, youth-sized hunting gear options were slim to none. That’s why countless kids went to the woods with oversized guns and garments season after season. It’s all we had at the time. Unfortunately, many of us have grown up with that same mindset, sending our kids out with adult-sized gear and hand-me-down clothing and guns. And while it may help save some cash, it’s certainly not a necessary, or recommended, means of outfitting your child for the hunt.
Yes, the game has truly changed these days. Quality gear is now easily accessible for kids of all sizes. From boots and waders to guns and all manner of gear, youth-sized options are here to stay.
Guns
“The biggest mistake parents make is setting their child up with a gun that’s too big,” says Baker. “Grandpa’s old gun is rarely gonna be the best choice when it comes to instilling confidence to set them up for success as a young hunter. They need a light, small pump or semi-auto shotgun that fits them. My son’s first gun was a Mossberg Super Bantam. It’s the smallest, lightest 20 gauge on the market, and it’s affordable, so it doesn’t break the bank. When he outgrew that, we moved him to a semi-auto Franchi Affinity 3 youth model. Having him outfitted with a gun he could handle built the confidence he needed to become the super deadly waterfowl hunter he is these days.”
Gear
Another mistake parents make is buying gear that’s a couple sizes too big for their kids so they can “grow into it.” This obviously allows for several years of use before having to purchase them upgrades or larger sizes. But it can also mean that your child is uncomfortable in gear that simply does not fit. Again, it’s all about having gear that fits properly. Not too big, and definitely not too small.
Waders are where kids often struggle the most when it comes to a proper fit and staying warm and comfortable. Waterproof and breathable waders are a must. Waders that can be dried, warm and ready to go for the next day’s hunt are of the utmost importance. Fortunately, waders from brands like Chene Gear have changed the game in waders that work. They’re built to be rugged and dependable for years of use, and they’re available in Mossy Oak camo. Even better, Chene has a youth wader program that allows kids to trade in their waders when they need a larger size. As they grow, they can pay $125 to exchange their waders, which must be in good condition and approved by Chene, for a larger size. It’s an incredible program that allows kids to stay in a quality pair of waders year after year as they grow.
Gloves
You can search and search for a quality pair of hunting gloves, but Baker says you’re best off to simply buy a cheap pair of rubber gas station gloves and call it good. “These cheap gloves will keep their hands dry, then we add Hot Hands foot warmers to the mix to keep the top of hands warm inside the gloves,” says Baker. “Don’t buy a $50 pair of big and puffy hunting gloves. Kids can’t hold their guns and function with them. They’re not flexible, and they get wet and heavy when you’re picking up decoys. Rubber gas station gloves may be ugly, but they work as good as anything out there for keeping you dry.”
Gear & Essentials for Duck Hunting with Kids
- Waders – Chene Gear 2S Youth Waders, Drake Waterfowl Guardian Elite Waders
- Youth Shotgun – Mossberg Super Bantam .20 Gauge
- Boots - Chene, LaCrosse, Muck
- Duck Jacket – Chene Gear Youth Over/Under, Drake Youth Eqwader
- Face Mask & Gloves
- Cabela’s Wool Wader Socks
- Fleece Wader Pants
- Youth Lifejacket
- Duck Call – Rolling Thunder 2-Stroke Double Reed, Wood Duck Call
- Hot Hands
- Buddy Heater (blind hunting)
- Snacks
Final Thoughts
Remember, keep it fun and exciting. That one simple rule can make or break the experience altogether. It can mean the difference in a child that wants to go back to the duck hole again, and one that swears off waterfowl hunting forever. Encourage the qualities you want to see in your child as a hunter and hold back from the urge to scold them when they fall short. Again, keep it fun. Food, snacks and their favorite beverage can go a long way in keeping them in the game, particularly when the action is slow, and the ducks don’t cooperate.
Follow the insight shared above and you’ll be well on your way to properly introducing a child to the wonderful world of duck hunting this season.
