Ok guys I'm looking for a kayak to do some duck hunting. Mainly marsh hunting. I need some suggestions from someone with experience. What do you have? Pros/cons?
thanks,
birdbuff
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Ok guys I'm looking for a kayak to do some duck hunting. Mainly marsh hunting. I need some suggestions from someone with experience. What do you have? Pros/cons?
thanks,
birdbuff
A sit on can be easier to work with if you need to get in and out, or work over beaver dams/shallows.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdbuff
I have no experiences with regards to which kayak to buy; but after having read this article I have been thinking about it myself.
http://www.wildfowlmag.com/gear-acce...ak-duck-blind/
Take a look at the fishing kayaks. The colours are usually shades of green and brown. They are stable and have lots of places for gear storage, etc. Costco sells a couple different models priced from $600.00 to $800.00 http://www.costco.ca/kayaks.html
Rick in Muskoka
I have a nucanoe frontier 12. I bought mine long before the US dollar went up. The cost of the package I have is almost criminal now, but it's an extremely effective and stable boat. Might be alright if you could find one used or without all the bells and whistles. It's pretty awesome to hunt out of, and you can run a motor off the back as well. It works out really well, as I raise my trolling motor and disconnect the battery when I'm pulling up to hunt a rice bed in the afternoon and I paddle my way in, usually manage to bump a couple of loafers and I often get one or 2 birds before I even set up for the evening hunt. Retrieving birds is a snap also, you dump a bird and you can be out after it and back really quick. Have fun.
I've got a Pelican fishing kayak from Can Tire. It's a flat green colour, 10' and very stable. It also has a lash point on the side for the paddle, which doubles quite nicely for a gun in a case.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/pe...-0798240p.html
Here is a post that I did a few years ago on Kayak hunting:
I use a 13.5 foot Swift Kevlar kayak. Weighs only 35 pounds so it is easy to get on and off the car. I wanted something light weight because I nearly always hunt alone.
I like the kayak over a canoe because:
- you are very low (essentially sitting on the surface of the water) so it makes jump shooting in the weeds easier
- it requires only a few inches of water to float so I can get back very deep into swamps
- it is covered so I can handle very rough water without swamping
- the cover protects your lower body from the wind so it is much warmer than a canoe on those cold November mornings
- It has two dry hatches. I carry extra clothing, food etc in one and my decoys in the other
- if you do tip it only the cockpit fills with water so it is possible to bail it even in deep water and safely get back to shore
- it's low profile makes it more stable than a canoe and it handles much better in a strong wind
The drawbacks are:
- it is only a one man boat, no room to take even a dog with you
- the storage space is limited. I can only carry about 12 -14 standard sized decoys.
- getting the decoys out of the back hatch requires that you be pretty flexible
- if you lean over the side at all it can tip before you have time to blink. I found that out one cold morning late last October. It was still dark and I putting out my decoys and the next moment I was in shoulder deep water wondering where the heck my gun was!! Not a fun experience, and certainly very dangerous.
- Kevlar kayaks are expensive
If you decide to get one I'd strongly suggest learning how the boat handles earlier in the year when the water is warm. Now the water is dangerously cold.
Jump shooting is awesome. I do a lot of it from my kayak, especially on bluebird days. I only take the shot when the bird is in front of me. Shots to the side are too dangerous. I work my way along streams or through pools in a swamp to flush the birds and take them as they are 10 to 20 feet above the water. This is very tense, exciting hunting. The trick is anticipating where the birds are and being ready to drop the paddle, grab and mount the gun for the shot, all in a split second. In many ways it is the same rush you get when a grouse flushes in heavy cover.
When using decoys I do one of two things:
- I hunt from shore, but I cover the kayak with a camo sheet which seems to fool the birds
- or I back into bull rushes and get the camo cloth over the front on the boat as well as I can. This is a fun way to hunt because you are right in the middle of it with the birds. It is up close and fast action.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l6...-112008050.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l6...-112008108.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l6...Nov1007011.jpg
Sail has them them on sale $300 off regular.
do you lash your gun to the boat, or how do you make sure that you don't lose it if you go over? I would not want to be reaching around in the water for a loaded shotgun!
I would be very worried about that, but think having a kayak for hunting could be awesome! if it wasn't for the family, that would certainly be my next vessel.
Thank you for everyone's advice. I'm leaning towards the wilderness systems tarpon 100. It's only 10' long which I think is advantageous for the marsh. It's a sit on top style which will be easy to get in and out. I think it weighs 55 lbs which isn't too bad. I like that it has a dry hatch right between your legs to keep coffee or shells. Adjustable foot pedals are convenient. What it lacks is: space, it looks like a dozen dekes and the mojo will be tight. It's only rated for 325 lbs so that's not bad, but I gotta be mindful when packing. The real draw back is the awful colour schemes. It looks like a paint job will be mandatory or definitely some mesh tarping or fast grass.
I think I'll pick this one up and kick around with it this summer to get used to it.
I would not want to be reaching around in the water for a loaded shotgun!
that gave me a smile this mourning, too funny! I have fallen into river rapids out of my pontoon boat over my head steelheading and my rod never left my hand somehow, guess we all do it, rods or loaded guns. its the chance we take which seams like a good idea while in the moment, I have thought about it while in the marsh or river a time or two chasing birds. But good question do you tie the gun or lash it to yourself or boat?
Like I said. My kayak has a lash point made with shock cord to put the paddle, when you're using your hands for fishing. It actually works really well for a gun. Basically I have just used a bungee cord to hold the paddle on the opposite side of the kayak, when I take the gun out, but both mount next to the cockpit, not behind it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Troutkiller
sorry missed that, this was more of a question for while actively hunting (ie jump shooting, or using kayak as a blind). just curious of the safety considerations, and protecting the asset lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
Painting it is not that hard if you do it right. The prep work is the most important part. I will not go into great detail here, but you will need acetone, scrub pads, dish soap, water ( hot water if you can) and a place "OUTSIDE" the house. Between the smell of the acetone and soap and water you want to be outside. Home Depot sells camo paints that are made for painting plastic. A couple of saw horses make it easy to work on and paint because you are working standing up, and the kayak is off the ground and away from the water and dirt.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdbuff
I bought a 12 foot Volt from Native Watercraft about ten years ago and although you have to know your limit concerning water conditions I really like the rig, its built with a 43lb thrust electric motor that drops down in the centre of the boat and runs off a 12 volt battery for really covering distance in no time. I just checked their website and don't see any with electric motors but there is a peddle rig that looks cool. About a dozen decoys and gun/shells/gear is about the max for me before I have to limit my water conditions....dark green for camo and I'm comfortable shooting in any direction without fear of tipping. If I had to replace it I would search for electric kayaks again, nice to fish out of to.
Krylon Fusion works best with new and old plastic.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowwalker
Just use the one made for plastic and not metal. I have used it and yes it it good stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
I have to say a couple of young good hunters I see in the marsh all the time on Crown in Ottawa. They have the smaller fishing kayaks and have waders on. They screwed a clamp to one side of kayak and place a pipe or broom handle thru pipe to anchor themselves when shooting. It is such a good idea I am using them on the 12ft narrow Tin Boat I got and converting to duck only hunting boat. I have all the parts, but have not installed yet. My Ammana duck kayak/canoe is very wide and 12ft long that I picked up for $100.00 used and is just awesome in the swamps and marshes. If you can find one I would recommend highly. But this boat is not safe enough for small lakes or river hunts.Attachment 32766
Fusion stick well to plastics
If you're thinking about a wilderness systems kayak, I would look into the commander series.
It's a hybrid canoe/kayak.
Comes in a 12 and 14 foot model.
These have the benefit of being a single, low seated boat like a kayak, bit they have the capacity of canoes.
They are offered in some nice camo color schemes.
The 12 foot holds 400 lbs, and the 14 holds 475.
They're great boats, and would be my suggestion.
Just my two cents
Quote:
If you decide to get one I'd strongly suggest learning how the boat handles earlier in the year when the water is warm. Now the water is dangerously cold.
Just my 2c.
If your wanting to hunt out of a yak in the fall, I would make [stability a priority. While most yaks are very stable, in fact more stable than canoe's. Not all yaks are created equal. As with anything there are trade offs. Gain a little here, sacrifice a little there. And the only real difference or way around it, is budget. The more your willing to spend, the more you gain be it stability, cargo capacity, this or that. But that to is a trade of. You trade more money, for more X. One example of this only.
Do you want to have to drop your paddle to grab your gun, or put your gun down to control the yaks orientation and movement? Well you can spend more for a peddle yak, so that your hands free.
Not sure I personally would opt for a 10 foot for fall hunting.
The longer the yak, the better it tracks. The longer the yak the more stable it is. Shorter yaks though are more maneuverable. Thats the trade off there.
Colours.
Think long and hard about this. The reason many yaks are bright colours is because all yaks have a low profile. The more it contrast with the water the more it stands it out. Good for your safety, not so good if duck hunting.
I own a Hobie PA.
It is the most stable yak out there. It has tons of cargo capacity so much, loading it for WFing would be easy ( two large duffle bags filled with Dekes on the back deck is more than doable, could probably put 3 bags without blinking) and more going for it. It weighs 110 pounds empty, cost a ton, and more.
There is no "perfect" personal watercraft. What there is, is Pro's and Cons with each. And what's right for you, well only you can really say.
I have an old 'Old Town Dirigo 140' sit-in. Mine is a khaki, light brown 'marshland' colour. Blends in well. I use a paddle-strap, so I don't lose the paddle. Kayaks are quite stable, so as long as you don't lean too far, you are very safe. I've been kayaking about 25 yrs and never come close to an accidental tip over (on flat water)
I've been in Lake Ontario in six foot waves (for fun, not for hunting) and felt very safe and confident. I feel much safer in a kayak than a canoe, and I have LOTS of experience in a canoe. I've even floated past deer sipping at streams! I've never attempted to bow hunt out of a kayak, though!
I moose, duck, deer hunt out of a Prijon Yukon Expedition. Great boat, lots Of storage. Whitewater, open water hybrid. Lots of storage. As above but one that fits what you want to do. I do lots of overnight trips and can pack in some gear and still hunt with it. If just for ducks would get a sit on style.
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line052,
You wrote "I see in the marsh all the time on Crown in Ottawa",... would you mind telling which marsh, where? I'm from Ottawa and I have a hellish time finding spots where I can put my NuCanoe Frontier 12 kayak in, for some waterfowl hunting.
Personally, I would not buy a kayak at Can Tire/Costco unless you were able to test paddle those models first.
My family and I were looking for a couple of recreational kayaks this summer. I didn't want to buy a toy. We rented "sit on top" and "sit in" from the Swift store. The kids, wife and I all agreed the sit in was easier to paddle, tracked better and went faster. These are just for day paddling on flat water. We ended up with a "sit in" the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120.
For waterfowling, you are adding a whole other dimension, not the least of which is weight. What may be great for paddling in the summer just wearing your shorts and PFD, is going to make a huge difference in the fall with more clothing, waders, shotgun, ammo, a few dekes etc. I don't think I would want to be in a "sit in" kayak while wearing waders.
I think you will need to spend a little more for a hunting kayak for it to be safer and enjoyable. Look at some of the newer kayaks that have been built specifically for fishing, like Wilderness Systems ATAC or Jackson Kayaks "Big Tuna".
IMO, this is way different from a toy boat that you buy at the box store for the kids/guest at the cottage to play around in.
Got this for $100.00 two years ago.Attachment 33238
That's pretty sweet...Quote:
Originally Posted by line052
It is an Ammana (like the fridge) resin duck boat made in the 80's. If you should come across one buy it.
I'm keeping my eye open for one. Surprised there aren't more around, they look like a pretty decent design.Quote:
Originally Posted by line052