Duck hunting from a Sit-in-kayak

[jdmidwest]

Nice paint job

[Kayser]

Test run #1-

Got a late start (head cold, didn't want to wake up), so I missed getting the spot I wanted. Saw 35 land in the spot I wanted as I was paddling to where I could set up back in a cove. Not LST yet, so I had some time.

Mojo dove pole was a bit short, so I had it tight against the smartweed in the shallowest open area I could find and 4 mallard hen decoys behind it. Shore  brush was too thick to sit on the bank, so I got in some smartweed and just sat in the yak in a f, facing the kill hole with the wind coming from my left and leaning forward. I wore a facemask to keep the sun off my face (facing east). After shooting time came, three nice flocks ignored me, but then about 20 birds went over, circled once, and lit on the far side of the decoys. I guess I was excited that my idea actually worked, because my shooting was pathetic. Three shots, only one bird down, but I was still upright and dry, which was the main thing I wanted to test this trip. I thought I could chase the bird down in open water, but I was wrong- bird got in some thick stuff that I couldn't move in, and I had to give up after 20 minutes of looking...

Looking forward- paddle keeper and an extra leash are a must, and I have both in the shed right now. I couldn't shoot the cripple when I got in range because it was too much to stow the paddle, bring out the gun, load, and then fire. I'm considering painting the paddle in camo so I can strap it to the outside for easy access, but I like having the red ends to signal if I get in trouble.  An anchor pole and a gun holder are next in priority, and brushing is last on the list right now. I'm also looking for some low-profile tupperware to store shells in right now- pockets aren't very accessible under the PFD, and cardboard doesn't fare well in the kayak.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I'll keep posting updates as I get more done.