Kayak hunting has grown into one of the most rewarding ways to pursue waterfowl.

That’s because it effectively strips things back to the basics while still offering hunters like you the chance to outsmart ducks and geese in areas where bigger boats simply cannot go.

The draw is simple. A kayak is light and quiet and maneuverable, which lets hunters slip into shallow marshes and backwater channels that are otherwise simply unreachable. The stealth factor is unmatched, and the connection to the hunt feels closer and much more personal and exciting than sitting in a crowded blind.

The appeal is obvious, yes, but the details to get the ‘job done right’ so to say matter more. Not every kayak can handle the demands of a waterfowl hunt, not every shotgun is the right pick for a waterfowl hunt, and not every strategy will put birds in range when you are working with limited decoys and the narrow footprint of a small craft.

Getting the specifics right is what separates an enjoyable outing from a frustrating one, and with that in mind, feel free to read on.

Choosing the Right Kayak for Waterfowl Hunting

When you’re looking at kayaks for waterfowl hunting, you’re going to come across two main types: touring kayaks and sit on tops.

A touring kayak is the long and skinny kind. These are built to move fast and to cover water in a hurry. If your hunting spot is way across the lake and if you also don’t want to spend half the morning paddling, a touring kayak will get you there quicker. The tradeoff is that they can feel a bit tippy once you’re settled in, but that’s because they’re made for efficiency. Some are even inflatable so they can be kept out of the way in storage during the year when not in use as well.

Sit on tops are kind of the opposite. They’re wide and flat, which makes them mighty handy when you’re hauling gear. But they’re also slower in the water, and they may not be as adept at getting you through some thick marshy areas with lots of brush.

So, it’s a bit of a trade. Touring kayaks give you speed and better maneuverability, while sit on tops give you a little more stability and space.

Color and concealment play a role as well. Factory camo kayaks with marsh or timber patterns will blend much more directly into natural surroundings. Hunters who are using solid-color boats will often repaint them in muted greens and browns or attach homemade grass blinds as well.

Weight capacity cannot be ignored, either. A hunter weighing 200 pounds who brings two dozen decoys, a shotgun, shells, waders, and a dry bag can easily push past 350 pounds of load in total. A kayak with at least a 400-pound capacity, for this example at least, will be the best choice for safety as well as maneuverability in the water.

Outfitting and Essential Gear

Waterfowl hunting requires more than just a boat and a gun. A kayak has limited space, so every item must earn its place!

Hunters will often trim their decoy spreads to lighter and more packable models. Foam-filled decoys or inflatable ones that collapse down to save space (while still offering lifelike action on the water) are the best choice. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind regarding your hunting kayak is storage. Shells, calls, and gloves must stay dry, so hunters need to rely on dry bags that are tucked into the hull or otherwise strapped to the deck. Cold mornings on the water are simply unforgiving, and wet shells can misfire. A thermos, a spare hat, or even chemical hand warmers often ride along as well.

Clothing choices are just as important. A hunter paddling in exerts energy and builds heat, but once the decoys are set and the waiting begins, the cold will not take long to creep in! Breathable base layers that are topped with waterproof outer shells will keep you dry and warm, while chest waders will allow you to set decoys or retrieve birds without soaking your clothing through as well.

Shotguns and Ammunition for Kayak Hunts

No kayak hunting discussion is complete without covering shotguns and the shells that you fire in them.

Pump-action shotguns have long remained a favorite amongst waterfowl hunters because of their ruggedness and simple design. Models like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 are inexpensive, dependable, and forgiving if dropped in the marsh. Semi-automatics such as the Benelli Super Black Eagle or Beretta A400, however, provide much quicker follow-up shots, which can matter when birds come in groups (but they require more diligent maintenance in harsh weather as well).

The 12-gauge is the standard choice for waterfowl, mainly because it provides the right blend of power and versatility. A 20-gauge can still perform well with modern loads and offers lower recoil (which is good for those who are more recoil sensitive, but hunters give up some reach and pellet density.)

Ammunition is strictly non-toxic for waterfowl, meaning no lead! Steel shot is the most common choice because it’s affordable and effective. For ducks, number 2 or 3 shot in 3-inch shells offers the right balance between pellet count and knockdown power. For larger geese, BB or BBB loads are standard amongst most waterfowl hunters.

Strategies for Success

Scouting is the backbone of a successful kayak hunting trip. Birds are creatures of routine, and knowing where they feed and rest is what will make the difference between an empty morning and a limit of ducks. Hunters who paddle in ahead of time to watch flight paths and identify areas where ducks and geese pass low will have the greatest odds of success.

Wind direction dictates both hunting position and decoy placement. You see ducks prefer to land into the wind, so that’s why hunters will often set their spreads to leave an open pocket facing into it. A common kayak spread uses a small J-shape or U-shape, which looks natural and directs incoming birds into the landing zone.

Because kayak hunters carry fewer decoys, realism is much more important than sheer numbers. Two or three lifelike decoys that are also placed in strategic areas (which you can identify via scouting). can outdraw over a dozen poorly set ones!

Mobility is the ace up your sleeve. If birds skirt the spread, it’s easy to pull decoys or paddle half a mile and then reset in a better location. That kind of flexibility naturally makes kayak hunters much more adaptable than those who are tied to fixed blinds.

The Rewards of Kayak Hunting

Kayak hunting is not just about filling straps with ducks or geese. It’s more about slipping quietly into hidden corners of the marsh where you’ll get to watch the sky change as dawn breaks while anticipating the thrill of birds flying in the sky in view of your shotgun.

With the right kayak and some carefully chosen gear (along with a dependable shotgun, and thoughtful strategies) kayak hunting will completely transform into much more than ‘just another way’ to chase waterfowl.