On advise from a friend, I went with zink calls as starters. You can get them online or in a box store for under $40 / each with a dvd on basic calling, hunting tips, and maintenance. I actually keep them in my car to practice on my way home from work. Also, if you want to see if you're getting any better, find some geese, hide, and start hitting the calls and see if they come. It's pretty fun.
I get pretty serious about waterfowl hunting. In OK it can be awesome or not so much depending on how fast it freezes up north. My basic gear list. Gun-SBE1 or stoeger O/U. I use the O/U more than the auto loader. I have two calls on my lanyard for ducks. Guys with five or six make me chuckle. One of my calls is from CCC it's a snub nose The other is my favorite This call only cost a whopping 25$ but it is magic. It's a yentzen caller from sure shot came calls. My waders are the cabelas 1600 super mag waders. Best of the market IMO plus if you tear them cableas gives you a new pair. (Or they did me). Camo-usually under armour wader pants and a UA light jacket over a UA hoody. And of course face paint to top it off. Gets me in kill mode. Me an a buddy went in together a month or so ago an drove to central OK to pick up 6 doz new G&H decoys. They look awesome plus they are made in OK. My lovely wife let me upgrade my duck killing rig back in may from this To this Here is a few kill picks. I don't have any on my new phone ha to go find some from FB
Hell yeah,mallards pitched up. Love it! JPT....those Cableas waders at the top of your list will be all you need. On a real cold day you MIGHT want to put on a pair of thermal bottoms....maybe. And you can stand in water for hours wearing thin summer time ankle socks. Those things are warm.
I have learned that just about anyone makes a good duck call. Goose, however, is another story. If you are just getting into calling I would start with duck calls to begin with. I cannot blow a Zink goose call to save my life. But I also would rather have a low goosy sound to my calls. I have a Gander Valley Homewrecker which I absolutely love but I also have a Foiles Strait Suzy that is one heck of a little (cheaper) call. Youtube is a great place to listen to people calling and watch for tips. Just be careful with some of the videos. For goose calling, I HIGHLY recommend getting Bad Grammar from Scott Threinen. Trust me that you will not be disappointed! Bad Grammar DVD - Goose Calling DVD, Goose Calling CD - Molt Gear
Thanks for the input on waders and calls guys, I really appreciate it. Now what are you guys using gun wise? Lets see some pics! This is what I will probably be using. My grandpas Remington Model 11-48 Semi auto 12 ga..the Sportsman version I think. You think this bad boy will suffice?
What kind of choke? Also, you'll need to be careful with your plug since the 2 3/4" shells are shorter.
You don't need to run steel through a full choke,or at least its not recommended because it can bridge and cause barrel swelling. Modified is preferred,at least by me,but IC will work just keep your shot close. I use a Browning Gold 12ga 3 1/2 with a IM or XF extended or use a Browning Gold lite 10ga. I also hand load all my steel loads. I'm telling you boys,I've got pics.LOL!
I picked up this bad boy at the first of the year. It's a stoeger M3500. It takes a 2 3/4, 3, or 3 1/2 shells. The camo is realtree apg since it's also my turkey gun.
I've got a Winchester SX3, shoot a IC browning band choke. We do decent on birds but nothing to crazy here in Central Ohio.
Benelli nova with improved modified kicks high flyer choke 12 gauge Remington 870 express 20 gauge Mossberg 500 20 gauge Nova gets the call 99% of time for geese
I shoot a Benelli SBE 2, patternmaster code black choke. 3" #3's for ducks, 3 1/2" BB for geese. Hevi-Metal. Currently my go to calls are a Zink Nightmare on Stage for goose, and a RNT Daisycutter for duck. Planned on hitting a spot for geese in the AM but the damn truck broke down.. Keep the pics coming! Love seeing them.
JCraig asked for more pics,so..... Here is my son hunting in a layout boat in a rice field. Here is a pic of my boat loaded. My son and my dad in a ND pothole Me and my dog on a ND hole
A few more,and I'll stop before y'all get tired of seeing them. My son with some birds from a pitblind Just to prove rutin aint the only one that can kill a collared bird. And one of my favorite dog pics I've taken,its a 8x10 on my wall. This in my now 10 year old dog at 10 months old with her first mallard. Here is one y'all will get a kick out of. Me with a swan shot in ND
Flu-Flus... Duh Actually plan on taking a few honkers this year with the bow, always wanted to try it. In my home town you can't shoot a gun so if I ever make it there during season I'll have to give it a shot. I have shot a few Grouse with the bow though.
