Best Duck Hunting Supplies for Field and Pothole Hunts

Duck hunting requires the right gear, and having the right supplies can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the field. Whether you're setting up in a dry field or hunting over a pothole, the right blinds, clothing, decoys, shot shells, and calls are essential. Here’s a breakdown of the key supplies you need for each hunting scenario, along with expert tips for Saskatchewan duck hunting and refuge duck hunting back home.

Dry Field Duck Hunting Essentials

Dry field duck hunting is one of the most exhilarating ways to target ducks. Large flocks of mallards and pintails often feed in harvested grain fields, providing excellent opportunities for waterfowl hunters. Here’s what you need:

Blinds

A well-concealed blind is crucial for field hunting. Options include:

• Layout Blinds – Low-profile and easy to set up, these work well in open fields.

• Panel Blinds – Great for multiple hunters and setting up along fence lines or field edges.

• A-Frame Blinds – Excellent for hunting in groups, offering comfort and concealment.

Clothing

Saskatchewan’s unpredictable weather demands proper gear:

• Camo Pattern: Opt for stubble or field-specific camouflage.

• Layering System: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear are essential.

• Gloves & Facemasks: Keep warm and hidden with lightweight gloves and camo face coverings.

Decoys

Field duck decoys mimic feeding birds, making your spread more attractive. Consider:

• Full-Body Decoys: Provide realism and visibility.

• Silhouettes: Lightweight and easy to transport.

• Spinning-Wing Decoys: Adds motion to your setup and attracts distant birds.

Shotshells

Choosing the right ammo is key:

• #2 to #4 Shot Size – Excellent for knocking down ducks at field distances.

• High-Velocity Loads – Increase effective range.

• Steel or Bismuth Shot – Legal for waterfowl hunting and provides ethical kills.

Calls

Field hunting requires effective calling techniques. Essential calls include:

• Mallard Duck Call: The go-to call for most situations. We blow JJ Lares Duck Calls.

• Feeder Chuckle Call: Mimics feeding ducks to create realism.

• Whistle Calls: Attract pintails and wigeon to your spread.

Pothole Duck Hunting Essentials

Pothole hunting involves targeting ducks in smaller water bodies, such as sloughs and marshes as they travel between their roost and feeds. This method is highly effective in Saskatchewan duck hunting as the province is filled with these prime hunting spots.

Blinds

Concealment is key when hunting small water spots. The best options include:

• Natural Cover Blinds: Utilize tall grasses and vegetation.

• Boat Blinds: Perfect for floating potholes with a small boat.

• Portable Pop-Up Blinds: Quick setup for public lands and refuge duck hunting.

Clothing

Wet and cold conditions demand waterproof gear:

• Breathable Waders: Essential for navigating marshes and retrieving birds.

• Waterproof Jacket: Keeps you dry in changing conditions.

• Gore-Tex Gloves: Keeps hands warm and functional while calling or handling decoys.

Decoys

Pothole hunting decoys differ from field setups:

• Floating Decoys: Mallard and teal decoys work best in small water.

• Jerk Rigs: Add movement to your spread.

• Confidence Decoys: A few goose or heron decoys increase realism.

Shot shells

For pothole hunting, select loads that offer pattern density:

• #3 or #4 Shot Size – Ideal for closer-range shooting.

• Standard Steel Loads – Effective for shallow water.

• Bismuth for Dense Cover – Provides more knockdown power through vegetation.

Calls

Duck calling in potholes should be subtle and realistic:

• Soft Quacks & Feeding Chuckles: Imitate relaxed ducks.

• Wigeon & Teal Calls: Increase variety in pressured areas.

• Wood Duck Whistle: A great addition for mixed bag hunts.

Final Thoughts

Both dry field and pothole hunting require specific supplies to maximize success. Whether you're hunting Saskatchewan’s vast agricultural fields or navigating secluded potholes, having the right gear can mean the difference between success and frustration. Refuge duck hunting is another great opportunity we will explore in a future article, helping you find even more ways to improve your waterfowl hunts when access may be tough on private land.

Stock up on the right blinds, clothing, decoys, shotshells, and calls, and experience the thrill of successful Saskatchewan duck hunting this season!