Duck hunting from a boat is very different from traditional shore or skid shooting, where the hunter is one-on-one with the water element, where every rustle of reed and splash of wings is perceived more acute. The mobility of the boat allows you to instantly change your location, chase the tan or quickly leave the competition, which gives a huge advantage on an unfamiliar body of water.
However, water dictates its own strict rules, ignoring which can cost lives or expensive equipment. Stability of the boat And the ability to shoot in difficult conditions is the foundation of a successful season, and unlike hard ground, there is no right to make a mistake when you move sharply, and cold water instantly drains strength.
In this article, we will discuss the nuances of the choice of boat, the specifics of camouflage in open water and the features of shooting flying game from an unstable platform. rowboat Sometimes more efficient than motor.
Choice of craft: PVC vs. metal
The first and most important step is to determine the type of boat. Two things are critical for the hunter: quietness and stability. PVC inflatable boats have long since taken the lead from metallic kandaks because of their ability to extinguish sounds and vibrations. When you land on reed thickets, you don't rattle metal against the reed, scaring the whole neighborhood away.
Metal boats are certainly stronger and more durable, but their main enemy on the hunt is noise. Any careless movement of equipment on the bottom turns into a call blow. Inflatable boards They are a great buffer, allowing you to sneak up silently on a sitting duck or pick up a tray quietly, and PVC is easier to transport in the trunk of a passenger car.
When choosing a size, you should focus on the number of hunters and the need to install an engine. A single person is quite enough for a length of 2.8-3.2 meters, whereas hunting with a dog will require a model from 3.6 meters. It is important to consider the carrying capacity: the safety margin should allow the placement of two people, a dog, a motor and a stock of ammunition without the risk of overflowing with water.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum passenger capacity specified in the boat's passport, especially when using inflatable models in cold weather when the material becomes less elastic.
When choosing a PVC boat for hunting, give preference to models with a low pressure inflatable floor (LDP) - they provide better stability and comfort than the plyol counterparts.
Shooting and camouflage equipment
The success of the boat hunt depends 80 percent on proper camouflage, and to sit in front of the water is to be left without trophies, because the duck can see the human silhouette perfectly, and to create a shelter, special cloaking nets with woven greens or camouflage covers that repeat the terrain. contrast The silhouette should be minimal.
The boat must be anchored so that it does not turn on the side to the intended direction of flight of the game. The ideal position is with the nose or stern to the span, which reduces the noticeable area and allows you to shoot a fan without getting up.
The mookies and profiles are placed directly around the boat or at a short distance, creating the illusion of a feeding pack. elbow-cloak Hunting is often prohibited in many regions from boats, so rely on mechanical or voice skills, so the profiles should be arranged naturally, without clustering.
- 🦆 Use live plants (reeds, horn) to decorate the sides - they look more natural than synthetic nets.
- ⚓ Fix all items inside the boat onto carbines or Velcro straps to prevent falling into the water when fired.
- 🎯 Place duck profiles with a head against the wind, mimicking the actual behavior of the bird on the water.
Shooting from an unstable platform
Shooting from a boat requires excellent coordination and gun ownership. Unlike hard ground, there is no hard support, and any movement is transmitted to the platform. The basic rule is to shoot only when sitting, with your feet on the sides or special stops to increase stability. Shooting standing up The boat is strictly prohibited by safety and common sense.
When aiming, you need to work with the body, not just the hands. A sharp turn with the shoulders can lead to rolling and loss of balance. Shooting should be done when the boat is in a relatively calm state, between swings from the wind or current. The shot should be small, usually No. 5 or No. 6, since the distance from the water is often limiting.
It's important to remember the temperature of the barrels. When fired with volleys, the barrels heat up quickly, and if cold water droplets hit the hot metal, the barrel can deform or bloat. After a series of shots, let the weapon cool down or wipe the barrels with dry rags.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
⚠️ Warning: Never shoot in the direction of water at an angle of less than 15-20 degrees to the surface - a ricochet shotgun can injure you or damage the boat's cylinders.
Comparison of types of hunting boats
The choice of a particular type of boat depends on the conditions of the reservoir, the season and the method of hunting. To systematize knowledge, consider the key specifications of the various options in a comparative table, which will help beginners avoid mistakes when buying the first "floating scrub".
Inflatable models benefit in versatility and transportation, but are inferior in deployment speed. Rigid housings (plastic, metal) are faster to prepare for work, but require a trailer or roof to transport. Load capacity Also plays a role: for hunting with large dogs (labrador, Kurzhaar) need models with a reinforced bottom.
In late autumn, when frosts are possible, PVC requires caution when reeling out, so as not to break the material in the cold, while metal becomes ringing, giving the hunter a kilometer away.
| Type of boat | Noise | Transportability | Sustainable | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (NDD) | Low. | Tall (bag) | High. | Medium |
| aluminum | High. | Low (trailer) | Medium | Very high. |
| Plastic. | Medium | Low (size) | High. | High. |
| Wooden | Medium | Low. | Low. | Low. |
For hunting in reeds and shallow bays, the best choice is a light inflatable boat with a flat bottom, which allows you to quietly penetrate into the thickets.
Safety and behaviour at water
Water doesn't forgive lightheadedness. Even experienced hunters can get into trouble because of a sudden gust of wind or a technical failure. The basic rule is that every crew member has a life jacket on them, even if you're a great swimmer. Cold water causes seizures instantly, and it's almost impossible to swim to shore in heavy clothes and with a gun.
Always carry an emergency anchor and rope. Demolition by wind into the open part of a body of water is a common problem when hunting in reeds. Motorboat It's an advantage, but the engine can stall at the worst possible moment, and the paddles should always be at hand, not covered in a backpack.
Watch the weather. The fog on the water is a terrible enemy of navigation. If the fog catches you by surprise, don't try to swim at random, better wait, firmly anchored, or move extremely slowly, listening to the sounds of the shore. Compass or GPS orientation is a must for large bodies of water.
- 🌡️ Dress on the principle of multilayered: thermal underwear, fleece and membrane windbreaker will protect from the piercing wind.
- 🔦 Take a powerful red filter flashlight to return in the dark so as not to knock out night vision.
- 📞 Keep the phone in a sealer around your neck, pre-charged power bank.
Actions in boat rollover
The situation when the boat overturns is critical. In panic, hunters often lose expensive equipment and risk their health. If this happens, the main thing is to keep the boat and the gun (if it is not fastened) from being out of hand.
Trying to climb on an inverted side from above often results in a repeated rollover, the right thing to do is to lean on the side of the back, working with your feet like floats, and gradually roll the boat over. In cold water, the count is minutes, so the action must be worked out in advance.
To prevent the loss of ammunition and documents, use waterproof sealants mounted inside the boat. Floating Your gear is your last chance to stay dry and warm, and it's also best to hold the gun over your shoulder so it doesn't sink when you roll.
How to dry a PVC boat after a hunt?
The boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to wash away the mud and sand, dry in the shade, inflated, avoiding direct sunlight, which can deform the material of the seams.
Can I use the engine during the shooting?
The use of the motor during direct shooting is prohibited by hunting regulations in most regions, as engine noise scares away game.
Which caliber is best for hunting from a boat?
The optimal is a 12-gauge cartridge with shotgun No. 5 or No. 6, which provides a dense rash at medium distances typical for shooting from water, and minimizes the risk of ricochet compared to a large shot.
Do I need to register an inflatable boat?
Registration in GIMS is required if the weight of the boat with the installed engine exceeds 200 kg. For light PVC boats with low-power engines (up to 5-8 hp) and a total weight of up to 200 kg registration is often not required, but the rules may change, clarify the current legislation.
How to find an anchor for a light boat?
For light inflatable boats, cat anchors (folding) weighing 1.5-2 kg or homemade anchors made of a stone/sand bag are excellent. The main thing is that the weight of the anchor is approximately 1/10 of the displacement of the boat with a full load.