Autumn is the main hunting season for many hunters and is mostly characterized by driven hunts. Hunting ducks at ponds, streams, and lakes in the so-called duck or goose hunting offers a welcome change. However, the right equipment is essential:
Shotgun
In most regions, the shotgun is the most important piece of equipment for hunters after the rifle, and in some places, it is even the most important. Shotguns are usually offered as double shotguns (horizontal shotguns), over-and-under shotguns, and semi-automatic shotguns. Semi-automatic shotguns are very practical but are not favored in traditional social hunts. Our recommendation is to use them for crow hunting. Traditional horizontal and over-and-under shotguns are the optimal companions for duck hunting and can be found used and in reasonable condition for just a few hundred euros. Important: In many federal states, steel shot is now required. Shotguns that use steel shot are marked with the 'lily'.
Blaser F3
Shotgun Ammunition:
In addition to the correct caliber, it is important to note whether the use of steel shot is required in the respective hunting area. Lead-free ammunition is explicitly marked as such on the packaging. Furthermore, it is important that the ammunition has the correct shot size, meaning the individual shot pellets have the correct diameter. The shot size can be indicated by a number, with the shot size being larger the smaller the number: Shot size 1 in the internationally common system corresponds to a shot diameter of 4.0 millimeters, while shot size 9 corresponds to a diameter of 2.0 millimeters. It becomes even more confusing because there are several different size systems from manufacturer to manufacturer. We strongly recommend paying attention to the indication of the diameter of the shot pellets.
Sauer SL 5
Depending on the game, the following shot sizes should be used (according to a recommendation from the DJV):
- 2.5 mm: Rabbit, partridge, snipe, dove
- 3.0 mm: Hare in autumn coat, pheasant, wild duck
- 3.5 mm: Hare in winter coat, wild goose
There are also shot cartridges made of cardboard and plastic. While cardboard cases are more environmentally friendly, they are more sensitive to moisture, which is almost a given in duck hunting. The differences in material do not affect the hit pattern.
Ammo Belt
Ammo belts are more practical than pockets. Besides the fact that the cartridges can be drawn faster, they have the advantage that they can be sorted. If you carry shotgun slugs, the risk of confusing them with shot cartridges is significantly reduced, provided they have their fixed place in the ammo belt.
Camouflage Clothing
Clothing for duck hunting must be able to meet various challenges. Due to the autumn temperatures, it must keep you warm, but above all, you must be able to move without restrictions without making noise. Very important for duck hunting: its camouflage effect!
Calling Instruments, Decoys and Other Equipment
The volume of a shotgun blast can easily exceed 130 decibels. This is well beyond the threshold at which permanent hearing damage can occur. Therefore, hearing protection should not be neglected when hunting with a shotgun.
Especially for hunting flying game, it is advisable to use artificial decoys: Especially crows, doves, and ducks can increase hunting success in combination with the appropriate call.
More exciting information can be found with our partner, the magazine Jagdzeit:
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