Tips for duck hunting mustachian style - anybody ever made decoys?

[juanofthesedays]

Hi all,

I am working on growing my 'stache as I indulge my passion for hunting, and was thinking if there were any other hunters out there, we could share some tips on how to enjoy this outdoor hobby without getting punched in the face.

Here are some tips I've implemented, please share if you have any others!

- I only hunt on public lands (so far I've tried the LBJ Grasslands in Decatur, TX and the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Freeport, TX). Both of those are federal lands so no state hunting permit is required, just your state license, endorsements, and federal duck stamp
- I use my dove mojo and attach real duck wings rather than buy a new one
- I build my blinds from natural vegetation rather than buying a pop-up or other pre-fab blind
- Rather than use face paint, I simply burn a cork and apply the ash to my face and hands to break up my silhouette
- I shoot coots, rail, pigeon and other "less desirable" birds because they are still edible and quite tasty if prepared correctly
- For a heater (to keep my bird dog warm, not because I am a wimp) I recently tried the coffee can heater (Toilet paper sans cardboard roll, 70% rubbing alcohol, coffee can)
- i have not started reloading shells yet, but am very open to it

What I'd really like to do is try making some of my own decoys. I've seen various how-tos on the web, but was wondering if anyone has had any real success with them. Thanks for the tips!

[brewer12345]

I am a hunter, but I don't do waterfowl.  That said, I'd imagine that making decoys is one of the things that you should read up on and just plunge into.  What happens if your decoy comes out looking funky?  Not much.  You learn and try again.

I've been gradually accumulating the stuff needed to reload, but with the current panic its tough to find components.  Keep your eyes open and grab stuff when it floats by at a reasonable price.  I will start reloading after the season ends.

I am a big believer in hunting for whatever is around, especially if other people are not after it as well.  Everyone here seems to be nuts for big game where I live.  I put in for a deer tag every year because it is cheap, but most of my time in the field is spent pursuing small game (mainly squirrel and rabbit).  The buggers are readily available, generally good eating, I don't need any equipment, I have no competition from other hunters, and stalking a squirrel is every bit as challenging as a deer (with a much smaller target to boot).  Like you, I hunt public land.

[Rust]

My experience want to see squirrels? Go deer hunting. Want to see Deer go squirrel hunting.

Cannot tell you how many times I've been still hunting deer and raised the gun to my shoulder based on sound and it was a damn squirrel.

One time I actually had a coin coming down a tree I was sitting in. Needless to say I scared him good.

If you eat what you kill typically you come out saving money hunting.  Just one mature buck yields about 70 lbs of meat. 5 stamps a year ~350 lbs of meat which for many provides a years worth of food.