If you want to start waterfowl hunting without a dog, you might benefit from these 4 tips.

It’s January and steam is rising off an icy slough. As it blends with the blood red sun peaking over the eastern horizon, the steam looks more like dragon’s breath than water vapor. Ice crystalized on the reeds you’re sitting in twinkles in the sunlight, and make you feel as if you are in the place where new stars are made. There’s a chill in the air that creeps down through an exposed hole where your neck meets your coat. It sends a chill through your body that causes you to readjust and settle in a little deeper against the cold. It’s a nice morning all the same.

Just then you hear a whistle overhead. Trying to make as little movement as possible, you crane your neck to locate the source. It’s a group of mallards gliding through the sky 100 yards above your head. Carefully you bring the duck call to your mouth and let out a call that sounds too loud for otherwise quiet mornings. As you hoped, the ducks hear the call and slowly arc in the sky to investigate. Once they see your decoy in the water in front of you, they lock up and commit themselves to a landing. Almost instinctively you bring the shotgun to the familiar place on your shoulder, rise up, and a few shots explode into the calm of the morning. Two ducks fall into the half-frozen water in front of you while the rest climb high, catch the wind, and are gone in mere seconds.

At this point you hope to send your chunky Labrador, Chessy, spaniel, or other waterfowl hunting dog for the retrieve. Unfortunately, you live in an apartment in the middle of a city and “NO Dog” portions of your lease agreement make that an impossibility. Maybe you travel too much to own a dog, or are a college student who just can’t swing it. Worse yet, maybe you’re a cat person. Whatever the reason, if you want to get started hunting waterfowl without a dog, here are a few things to consider that might make taking the plunge a little easier.

Waders

Of course if you are interested in hunting waterfowl, you’ll certainly want a pair of waders; dog or no dog. There are several different styles of waders you might consider, from the simple knee-high boot, to full body chest waders. The style you’ll want to choose depends on several factors. First, how deep is the water you’ll be hunting? If you want to hunt streams and shallow ponds, you might not need much more than a set of boots, or possibly some hip boots. If you generally hunt deeper water, then, of course, a set of chest waders would be in order.

Another consideration to make would be how well you generate heat on your own. I know at least a few fellas that sight whenever they pull on their chest waders because they know its just going to cause them to get too hot and sweat all morning. If that sounds like you, and you can get by with hip boots, you might just do that.

Duck Retrieving Pole

Another piece of gear that might be seen as non-negotiable is a good duck-retrieving pole. These telescoping poles come as long as 18’, and generally can telescope down to something the same length as your shotgun. Almost always they are made from aluminum or lightweight plastic, so packing one along isn’t a big chore. Throwing one of these in your truck might really expand your hunting possibilities.

Boat

If you are going to be hunting really deep water, or “there just ain’t no way you’re getting in the water in January”, then a boat would be your next option. Fortunately, there are a bunch of different options for you. You could choose to go traditional with a kayak or canoe. There is also a load of flat-bottom duck skiffs out there. These little boats are great for marshy areas, are easy enough for one guy to handle, and can fit all the gear you’ll need for the hunt.

For those who maybe don’t have as many budget concerns, or just like comfort, layout boats are out there. These boats generally have a little “mud motor” that can power through just about anywhere there is water. After being camouflaged, they serve as a blind and help you retrieve as well. If you are forced to go waterfowl hunting without a dog, any of these small boats can help keep you dry.

Terrain

Finally, if you are hunting waterfowl without a dog, you’ll need to be choosy about what terrain you hunt. Hunting big open water, without a boat, is just not an option. Search out small creeks and passable rivers. Oftentimes ducks will hang out in small eddies where the water pools, and the current slows. If you are hunting a new area, you might be able to use Google maps to your advantage to locate possible places to jump before you head into the field. For hunters choosing to hunt ponds, look for small ponds that you can navigate and reach a downed duck in the middle of. Also, when you jump the pond you can wait an extra second to allow the birds to flair. With some luck, this can put the birds closer to the edge of the pond, or even cause them to hit the ground if you are lucky.

In the end, waterfowl hunting without a dog is certainly something you can do. It just requires a little extra gear and a change in strategy. You’ll probably want to buy a set of waders and a retrieving pole. A small boat might also be a good investment. Finally, make sure to hunt terrain where you’ll still be able to retrieve all of your downed birds. Hopefully, these tips will get you through a few years, until you can get yourself a dog down the road. Who knows, maybe you may just find this way of hunting perfectly suited to you and your lifestyle. Happy hunting.

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