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We're offering rebates on select HEVI-Shot upland shotshell products. Claim yours while there's still time.
Hunting ducks in the woods and timber is something I would love for anyone to experience. Growing up in West Tennessee hunting the river bottoms of the Mississippi River systems and now hunting ducks all over the states, I have always been connected to hunting ducks in the woods. Whether you are on the x or working traffic, you can maximize your timber hunts with tactics that can consistently be put in action wherever you are.
Motion is key. If I have the ability to get motion decoys like a Higdon Pulsator or Floating Flasher into the spread, I do it. If not, I always keep a standard jerk cord in my go box or bag that way I always have motion. A few decoys and a lot of motion can be the difference maker for a successful hunt.
When ducks can’t see, they can always hear. Depending on the context of your environment, ducks may not always see the spread and location you are trying to work them into until they are right over you. Utilizing the ability to call at ducks is important here. There are many different perspectives on the most effective ways to call ducks, but making sure the ducks know you are there at the right time is something most will agree upon.
Get hid and blend in. Typically when I’m hunting timber I will wear relative solid colors and Optifade Timber camo. On top of that, I make sure to operate well with the tree I am set up on if I’m not in a blind to stay covered when the ducks are close to finishing.
Pick the right ammo & choke. I run a Benelli SBE3 20ga and 28ga with the Rob Robert’s RRaptor RR2 or T2 chokes. Paired with one of the denser HEVI-Shot loads like HEVI-XII, HEVI-Bismuth, or a HEVI-Metal Xtreme, I like to shoot a 4 or 6 shot size which gives me more pellets on target while not compromising energy or shot impact. Making your shots count with a system that performs is one of the most important dynamics to any hunt.
At the end of the day, no tactic will take priority over you putting in the work and preparing for the hunt as best as you know how. Seeing a drake mallard drop in after all the work you put in is a rewarding experience, and HEVI-Shot is committed to being the shot shell you need for a mission accomplished.
About The Writer: Seth Dortch is a HEVI-shot Ambassador that is a trusted influence in the outdoors and shooting community. You can learn more about him at sethdortch.com and by following him on all social media with @TheSethDortch