With many states set to open this week, the prophetic duck opener is upon us. It’s a day every waterfowl hunter dreams about. Early mornings driving to the marsh, and the chance at the first birds of the season signal the start of duck season. To this day, I still toss and turn in anticipation of the alarm going off.
In all the chaos, excitement, and anticipation, hunters experience the aptly named “duck brain.” A condition in which all rational thinking, morals, and ethics go out the window for a chance to shoot a few birds. As waterfowlers and hunters in general, it is our duty to hold ourselves to the highest standards. Even the actions of a few can lead to public outcry and major ramifications and sweeping regulation changes. To keep hunters safe and make opening day enjoyable for all, here are some opening day ethics to remember.
Don’t Overcrowd:
We’ve all been there–you pull up late to your spot, and an ensuing army of lights flashes you, indicating you’re late. In an effort to save the day, you might think of setting up closer than you would normally in hopes a few birds work your way. For those hunters who got in early, set their spread, and are eagerly awaiting shooting time, there is nothing worse.
Rather than setting up too close and crowding other hunters, it is best to back out and find another spot. Sure, you may not be on the “X,” but you’ll likely shoot some birds and won’t risk ruining the hunt for other groups. Air on the safe side and set up at least 300 yards away from other groups to avoid messing with each other’s hunts. After all, there should be plenty of shooting come opening day that will bounce birds around and into you.
Safety First:
No bird is worth the safety of others. This key sentence is something every waterfowler should live by religiously. In the chaos of opening day, this should not be forgotten. Always keep your shotgun pointed in a safe direction, stay in your shooting window when hunting with groups, and always double-check that your safety is on.
In addition to fundamental shotgunning safety, be cognizant of how you set up in relation to others. Groups may seem plenty far away, but no one wants shot rained down on them. Never set up directly across from other groups, and make sure nearby groups are in a safe direction from your shooting lanes.
Don’t Sky Bust:
“Sky Busters” is an opening day hunter’s worst nightmare. We’ve all seen a group of birds flying a mile high and way too fast to be in ethical range only for a group to unload. No birds fall, and the flock continues on, never to be seen again. Waterfowl season is long, and educating birds to the sound of a shotgun blast means wary ducks for the weeks to come. Not only are you educating birds by “sky busting,” but you are also messing with other’s hunts. The birds may be working their spread only to leave from the commotion.
Focus on Your Birds:
In the chaos of opening morning and ducks flying everywhere, it is important to focus on the birds working your spread. This means no overcalling. When you see birds working another group of hunters, it is tough not to let out a call and hope they change their minds. But scratching out a few extra birds is not worth ruining the quality of the hunt for others. Focus your efforts on birds in your vicinity and call at birds working your spread. The end result is much more enjoyable for all parties hunting the opener.
Pick up Your Hulls:
Duck hunting brings you to some pristine habitats and scenery. Getting to a spot only to see a pile of empty hulls is something we’ve seen all too often. The plastic hulls and wads in shotgun shells are not biodegradable and will stay in marshes for years to come. If you brought the shells in, you can bring them out (plus they’re lighter). After every hunt, clean up your empty hulls and leave the marsh just as you found it. A magnetic pickup stick is a great piece of gear to pack and streamline the cleanup process.
Know Where You’re Hunting:
All waterfowlers should be aware of the public and private land boundaries. With ample satellite mapping tools and parcel data available through hunt mapping apps, it is easy to know where you are hunting. If you are hunting public land, make sure you are within the boundaries; if you are hunting private land, ensure you have proper permission.
Regardless of what land you are hunting on, always treat it as if it were your own. This means being respectful of the environment, not leaving trash behind, and leaving it better than you found it. It may seem commonsense, but go the extra mile to respect the land you’re hunting on and protect it for the seasons to come.
Hunt with Others:
If you make it to a spot and see others beat you to it, don’t fret. Often, it’s better to talk to that group and learn their game plan for the morning. Conversations like these give you a better idea of where to set up and, in most cases, whether it’s better to hunt together.
While you may prefer to hunt alone, joining with others is sometimes the best bet. You won’t be trying to pull birds from each other, and you can often make new friends. When in doubt, it never hurts to ask if the other group is willing to join forces.
Enjoy the Opener:
The opening day of duck season is meant to be a fun event, signaling the start of the season. Sure, it’s nice to shoot a limit, but it is never worth it at the expense of others. These opening day ethics are meant to be a guide to get the most out of the experience, make new friends, and have a good time in the blind. So get out there, have fun, and be safe come opening day.
