Cheap duck hunts.

Cheap duck hunts.

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Waterfowl hunting has a reputation for being expensive, but hunters don’t need to shell out tons of money on a boat or a truckload of waterfowl gear to be successful. That’s especially true in a state with as much public land as Idaho.

Jump shooting is a low-cost option for public land hunts, but it is not the only one. The classic method of hunting over decoys is a good option for public land waterfowl hunters. The excitement that comes with watching ducks work a decoy spread (circling them to see if it is safe to land), the interactive component of calling and close shooting provide an experience that many waterfowl hunters live for.

Public land hunters may have to work a little harder to set themselves up for success when hunting over decoys, including dedicating time for scouting, and being willing to put in extra effort to get away from most of the hunting pressure.

But for those who are willing to make the commitment, there are many walk-in public hunting spots scattered throughout the state that can produce good waterfowl hunting – and it doesn't take hundreds of decoys. Idaho waterfowlers can put together a successful hunt with nothing more than what they carry in on their backs, including:

·    A shotgun

·    Idaho hunting license

·    Migratory bird (HIP) permit

·    Nontoxic shotgun shells

·    Federal migratory bird stamp

·    Six to 24 decoys

·    Waders

·    Camouflage clothing

·    Duck call(s)

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