Learning How To Duck Hunt From Kayaks
February 3, 2025
Jake Smith
Growing up in the Bay Area of California, the great outdoors wasn’t truly on my radar. While we hiked, skied, mountain biked, and surfed, we never really explored the world of hunting or fishing. Fast forward twenty years, and now I am married and living in Western North Carolina, where my love for the outdoors has grown exponentially. Today, I’m not only a passionate hunter but also proud to work for one of the best kayak fishing companies in the world giving me access to a whole side of outdoor recreation. This past summer, my colleague Clay Lucas and I started brainstorming ways to expand the versatility of the Moken 10 V2 and Moken 12.5 V2 kayaks. The idea? Local duck hunting in Western North Carolina. Neither of us were seasoned hunters—far from it—but we were excited to learn through trial and error.
Now, I want to share some of what we learned with you.
Preparing for Our First Duck Hunt
Before setting out, we wanted to ensure we were both safe and compliant with local hunting regulations. Here are a few key considerations we tackled that every beginner should keep in mind:
- Land Access: Determine where you’re legally allowed to hunt and ensure you have permission to access private property if needed.
- Hunting Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the laws for hunting migratory birds. This includes understanding seasons, bag limits, and other rules.
- Licensing: Obtain the necessary hunting licenses and stamps required for waterfowl hunting.
- Gun Safety: Plan your shooting zones to avoid any accidents. As a left-handed shooter, I took the right side of the river, while Clay, a right-handed shooter, took the left. When we added a third hunter, they followed a few hundred yards behind to catch ducks that might fly over us.
Unsure about some of the regulations within city limits, we reached out to our local game warden for clarification. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was incredibly helpful, providing us with detailed information on where we could and couldn’t hunt.
Hitting the Water
With our preparation complete, it was time to hit the water. On a frigid 15-degree morning, well before sunrise, we launched our kayaks onto the river. Our plan was to use the “jump shooting” method, where you surprise ducks as you move along the water. It’s an exciting and active way to hunt that’s perfect for the rivers in our area.
Through plenty of trial and error, we managed to find success. Here are a few key tips we picked up along the way:
- Approach Strategically: Always paddle around the inside bend of the river. This allows you to get closer to the ducks before they spot you, giving you a better chance for a clean shot.
- Be Patient with Shots: If you don’t have a clear shot, hold off. Early on, we took some “hail Mary” shots, only to spook entire groups of ducks and lose opportunities for better shots later.
- Move Quietly: Back paddling and moving as slowly as possible is key. The less noise and splashing you make, the closer you’ll be able to get to the ducks without alarming them.
Embracing the Hunt
Duck hunting on the rivers of Western North Carolina is a unique and rewarding experience. While our region isn’t known for being in a major flyway, we were still able to immerse ourselves in the sport of waterfowl hunting and create lasting memories. The Moken kayaks proved to be ideal for this type of hunting, offering stability, maneuverability, and stealth on the water. They’re a great choice for anyone looking to try their hand at duck hunting or other outdoor adventures.
If you’re considering taking your kayak out for a hunting trip, I highly recommend giving river duck hunting a try. It’s an incredible way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and experience the outdoors in a whole new way. Happy hunting!
