HUNT. First. Participant Handbook

Transcription

1 HUNT First Participant Handbook

2 All About You and Your Desire to Grow as a Waterfowler WELCOME! If you are reading this, you have probably decided to try duck or goose hunting. Good for you! You will find waterfowl hunting to be extremely rewarding, with memories that will last a lifetime. We all have reasons why we hunt. For some, it s the excitement of whistling wings the spectacle of birds coming into the decoys right before that moment when you rise to take the shot. For others, it s about being in the beautiful fields, marshes and lakes of North America with friends and loved ones. Not to mention the tasty duck dinner at the end of a successful hunt! Explore this new journey. Throughout North America, there are amazing waterfowl hunting adventures possible. There is something exciting in it for everyone.and everyone discovers something new about themselves when hunting. You are now becoming part of a grand tradition. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the ducks and geese we pursue are abundant forever. In this regard, hunters are the best kind of conservationists. Be proud of that as you go forward as a new hunter! We hope you find our First Hunt program helpful and inspiring. Remember, it will take some time to build your skills as a waterfowler. Be patient. Use our instructional resources as a starting point you have us as your personal guides! Above all else, be safe and have fun. Here s wishing you many safe and beautiful experiences pursuing a new passion waterfowl hunting. 2 First Hunt Participant Handbook

3 All About You and Your Desire to Grow as a Waterfowler THERE are many waterfowling skills to learn and master, but none more important than safety. Hunting is one of the safest forms of outdoor recreation if you keep a clear head and approach it with respect. Delta Waterfowl s experience with mentored field days and hunts over the last 10 years has helped us develop the following list of safety tips, specifically for waterfowl hunting. Enjoy. Muzzle Control Waterfowl hunting is often done with friends and we hunt in close proximity to each other. A hunting situation could be in a boat, blind, field blind or a pit. In all cases, your fellow hunters are close by. It is extremely important that you never have the muzzle pointed at someone else! Whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, the barrel NEVER points at another person. Before the hunt takes place it s important to establish safe zones of fire and respect these throughout the hunt. Whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, the barrel never points at another person. First Hunt Participant Handbook 3

4 Never Leave a Loaded Gun Unattended If your shotgun is loaded, it must be in your hands. If you are unable to hang on to your shotgun, then it s extremely important that you unload it. You can never trust the safety mechanism on your gun. A loaded gun is only safe when it s in your hands. Loaded guns, left unattended, could be knocked over by someone else or a dog. When you leave your shotgun, leave the action open so everyone can see it s unloaded or, place your gun in a case. Be Weather Wise Often, the best waterfowl hunting is in the worstweather wind, rain, fog, or snow and these situations need to be respected. As waterfowl hunters, we often hunt over water. Bad weather can cause big waves that may swamp or capsize your boat. Snow or fog can make you disoriented. Be prepared to navigate safely or stay on shore. Know your own limits and the limits of your gear. Wind, snow, and rain can also put you at risk of hypothermia. Dress appropriately during these extreme weather conditions. If conditions really deteriorate, remember it s OK to stay home. There will always be another chance to hunt. Bottom line: Respect Mother Nature, she is always the Boss! Weather conditions can change rapidly during a hunt. 4 First Hunt Participant Handbook

5 Plan Ahead and Be Prepared You might be surprised to know that decoys and calls are not the most important things to have for a hunt. Having the right clothes, waders, boots and safety equipment are top priorities. Always take the time to look over your equipment before you head out. A GPS unit, compass, map, and game plan for the hunt are tools for getting safely to and from the hunting location, even in tough conditions. On the way out, take note of your route so you can find your way back. If not familiar with the area, avoid navigating home in the dark. Always be sure that someone knows where you are hunting and when you expect to be back. Bottom line: The best duck hunt is not worth it if you can t get back safely. Be Boat and Water Wise When hunting waterfowl over water, it s almost always in the fall or winter when the water is very cold and especially dangerous. Always wear an approved life jacket. Make sure it fits. Make sure your boat motor works well. If you don t have confidence, don t use it. Do not overload your boat. If you re boating in water over your head, don t wear waders. It s unlikely you will get them off if you capsize. Put them on when you get to your hunting location. Don t shoot out of an unstable boat. Find a stable place for the boat in the cattails or pull it up on solid ground. Waterfowl hunting often involves running a boat in low light. Make sure your boat lights are in good working order. Other people may be out on the water. Be sure of your route at all times. Always be aware of your surroundings and let others know if something isn t safe. First Hunt Participant Handbook 5

6 Delta Waterfowl Dog Safety A trained retriever adds a tremendous amount of enjoyment and success to a waterfowl hunt. However, an out of control dog can be dangerous. It can tip a canoe. It can bump into shotguns or people. If your dog is not under control, it should not be hunting with you. Obedience training is the foundation of a good waterfowl dog. Check out local training resources to ensure your dog is under safe control. Stay Close, Go Slow Control and good guidance is key for a safe and enjoyable waterfowl hunting experience. Stay within an arm s length of your mentor. Your mentor can reinforce muzzle control and skills that will allow for a safe and successful hunt. Remember, waterfowl hunting can happen quickly slow down and don t worry about missed opportunities. More birds will come. 6 First Hunt Participant Handbook

7 Know your Shotguns and Ammunition Become familiar with your firearm most importantly, locate your gun s safety. Make sure the gun works properly. Check to make sure the barrel and the chamber are free from obstruction. If you pull the trigger of a loaded gun and it fails to fire, keep it pointed in a safe direction and wait for at least one minute before removing the shot shell. In rare situations, a shot shell may actually fire up to a minute later often called a hang fire. Be sure to open the action away from you and ensure the barrel is free of obstructions before reloading. When a shell gets wet, it can fail to fully discharge, blocking your barrel. Most hunters shoot either a 20 or 12 gauge, with 12 being the most common. Always check to make sure you re using the right gauge and length of shotshell (2¾, 3 or 3½ ) We strongly suggest that new hunters only use one shell at a time when starting out. Use more shells, up to three, as you gain experience. Put Your Best Foot Forward Safety is your number one responsibility in the field. Your best behavior is always your safest behavior. Not only is it your legal responsibility to follow the hunting laws, but legal hunting is also the safest hunting. First Hunt Participant Handbook 7

8 Share Information with Your Mentor If someone is taking you hunting, there is key information we recommend sharing with your mentor prior to the hunt: Medical information (Allergies, medication) Your experience level Any special equipment, food or clothing that you need 24 hour contact information for your spouse, legal guardian or parent. Ask your mentor to lay out the rules of the hunt right up front. Listen closely to the instructions of your mentor at all times. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. 8 First Hunt Participant Handbook

9 Before the Hunt AT Delta Waterfowl, we feel the best introduction to waterfowl hunting is through a mentor. An experienced hunter will quickly guide you through a safe and enjoyable experience. For hunting families, the connection is obvious. Mothers or fathers who hunt can create wonderful opportunities for their children. The majority of people in North America, however, do not have this family connection to hunting. If that s you, try the following tips to help you find the perfect mentor. People You Already Know Make a list. Do any of your relatives hunt? Perhaps you have friends who already hunt? How about teachers or coaches? Local Delta Waterfowl Chapter or Sportsmen s Club Delta Waterfowl chapters are spread across the United States and Canada. Many local chapters hold youth or adult mentored waterfowl hunts. Visit the following section of our website to locate a Delta chapter in your area: Give the chapter chairperson a call. See if the chapter hosts mentored events, or possibly have someone on their committee take you hunting. If there isn t a local Delta chapter in your area, contact other local hunting organizations. Hunter Safety Instructor Contact your local hunter safety instructor. He or she has already shown a passion for training hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts. Perhaps he or she has knowledge of potential mentorship opportunities. State or Provincial Game and Fish Agency Many state or provincial game and fish agencies have their own mentorship programs. Talk to the person in charge of hunter recruitment or education about mentorship opportunities. First Hunt Participant Handbook 9

10 Basic Waterfowling Gear ONE look at a waterfowl hunting catalog can chase away even the most curious prospect. Most waterfowl hunters spend their lifetime accumulating equipment. The list of essential hunting gear is actually quite short. It varies depending on whether you are hunting over water or dry crop fields. No matter the hunting scenario, a shotgun, nontoxic shot (required by law in every state and province), duck or goose calls, decoys, and a camouflage coat and hat typically make the list. Water hunting scenarios usually involve the addition of either waders or hip boots more demanding water hunting situations might require the use of a boat. When field hunting, vegetation, trees or rock piles are sometimes available for concealment. When these natural blinds are not available, a man-made hunting blind is often needed for concealment. While expensive layout blinds are available for purchase, a simple blanket or homemade blind constructed of burlap can function nicely. When compiling your own supply of hunting gear, remember to be creative. Waterfowl hunters are notoriously resourceful! 10 First Hunt Participant Handbook

11 Where To Go Hunting: Public vs. Private IN some regions of North America, public hunting opportunities abound. In others, privately owned land is all that is available for waterfowl hunting. For public and private opportunities, here are a few tips on how to locate hunting property in your area. Public Land No matter where you live, there are several ways to locate publically owned land for you to access and hunt waterfowl. Check state or provincial wildlife agencies, public or privately published reference guides and local sporting goods stores. You are likely to locate at least one hunting area within a reasonable driving distance of your home. Private Property Accessing privately owned property can be a bit tricky. Locating property where either the owner or friends and family do not already hunt can be difficult. However, by following a few simple tips, you might gain access to good hunting ground before you know it. First Hunt Participant Handbook 11

12 Accessing Private Property Review Your Own Social Network Your best chance to access private property is through people who you already know. Create a list of people you know who already hunt or own land. Start by contacting people on your list and see if they have waterfowl hunting opportunities on their land or if they have friends or family who do. Contact Local Landowners in Your Area Identify local landowners who have waterfowl hunting opportunities on their property. Ask for permission to hunt. If you gain access, consider the following strategies for maintaining a positive relationship with the owner: 1 Provide the landowner with your name, address, phone number and what vehicle you ll be driving. 2 Have a clear understanding with the landowner about how many people you can bring with you. Never exceed that number and honor their wishes at all times. 3 Don t assume that you can hunt their property all of the time. Find out if you must ask each time you hunt. 4 Ask the landowner how they would like you to access their property (for example: by truck, ATV or on foot). 5 Determine where the property starts and ends. Make sure not to cross onto adjacent access-restricted property. 6 Create an ongoing relationship with the landowner. Send a thank you note after your hunt or after the hunting season. Try contacting the land owner outside of the hunting season. If your schedule allows, ask if there are any projects you can help with around the farm or property. Know the Rules It s critical you read and understand the waterfowl hunting regulations for your state or province. Regulations are not the same everywhere. Hunting season dates and species-specific bag limits often vary depending on where you live. It is your responsibility to understand the regulations. The Internet is a great way to get the waterfowl hunting regulations you need. Visit the website of your state or provincial game and fish agency. Gas stations, super stores and sporting goods stores are good places to obtain a copy in person. 12 First Hunt Participant Handbook

13 During the Hunt Utilizing Your Mentor ONCE you ve located your mentor, it s important to remember that learning is a two way street. Here are some tips to help make sure the time spent between you and your mentor is a quality experience. Have a Safety Discussion Make sure to discuss proper gun and hunter safety prior to hunting. It s always a good idea to be on the same page as your mentor. Arrange for a Shooting Day Practice makes perfect and nothing could be truer when speaking of handling a shotgun. Shooting clay targets before you hunt is a great way to sharpen skills. Clay targets can easily be thrown to mimic actual waterfowl hunting scenarios. Be Respectful Nothing shows respect and true appreciation more than simply showing up on time for your arranged hunt. Be ready at the arranged time even better, be early. Ask What You Should Bring Even though your mentor will be providing the bulk of equipment necessary for your hunt, make sure to ask what you should bring on your own. Even if you don t have your own equipment, you can always offer to bring the food. Treat Your Mentor s Equipment with Care At the end of the hunt, return your mentor s equipment in the same condition you got it. Ask Questions Make sure you are participating in the total experience not simply following. When hunting, ask your mentor why the particular hunting spot was chosen, why the decoys were placed in a particular configuration or why different calls are made for different species of waterfowl. Ask for tips on how to tell different duck and goose species apart. Say Thank You Always remember that your mentor used his or her valuable time and money to take you hunting. Make sure to show your appreciation by sending a thank you card or call them on the phone. The smallest gestures can have the greatest impact. Respecting your mentor s equipment will promote future invites. First Hunt Participant Handbook 13

14 After the Hunt Stay Engaged YOUR hunt is now over and a tidal wave of new information and emotions are probably flowing through your mind. You probably have more questions to ask, birds to clean, meat and equipment to care for. Your learning experience has just begun. It s extremely important that you stay engaged. Here are a few tips on things you should go over with your mentor at the conclusion of each hunt. Review the Hunt Take time to reflect on your hunt before rushing off. Talk about the highlights, discuss aspects of the hunt that you can build on for next time. Make sure to ask questions if you have them. Above all make sure to savor the moment! Take Photos A picture is worth a thousand words. Capture moments of your hunt before, during and after. Years down the road, photos will bring back many details of the experience. Gear Maintenance Ask your mentor for guidance on how to properly care for and maintain your waterfowl hunting equipment. Learn how to clean and properly store your gun, waders and decoys. 14 First Hunt Participant Handbook

15 Bird Cleaning And Care IT S your ethical and legal responsibility to clean and properly care for the birds you harvested. Video resources are available on Delta s website that demonstrate various bird cleaning and meat care techniques: Ask your mentor to show you how it s done, but make sure to participate. Hands on learning is hard to beat! Remember to watch, listen and participate. First Hunt Participant Handbook 15

16 Cooking THE final phase cooking is as important as any other hunting activity. Properly prepared ducks and geese taste great! There are excellent, easyto-prepare recipes. We encourage you to cook a meal with the ducks or geese you harvested for your friends and family. Wild game dinners are a wonderful celebration of the hunt! For other recipes and tips for cooking waterfowl: hunting/deltarecipes.html Preparing your harvest will bring your success full-circle. 16 First Hunt Participant Handbook

17 Duck Wraps HERE are three simple recipes to get you started: Ingredients Duck or goose breast (sliced open) Seasoning to taste Sliced Bacon, cheese and onion Pickled jalapeno peppers (optional) Sliced cheese or spreadable cream cheese Tools Toothpicks: 2 per bacon wrap Charcoal or gas grill Tongs Paper towels Plates and forks Cut breast meat away from breastbone. Wash breast meat and pat it dry. Create a pocket in the breast by slicing it open parallel to the cutting board. Coat liberally with any seasoning available. Marinade if desired, we recommend store bought teriyaki for ease. In the gap place the cheese (or spread it), onion and jalapeño. Wrap each breast half with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Grill over a VERY HOT charcoal fire or gas grill until the bacon is crisp. Serve immediately. First Hunt Participant Handbook 17

18 Duck Sandwiches: Ingredients Duck breast (cut in thin slices) Bacon (diced into small pieces) Onion Butter Hamburger buns Mayonnaise Butter or oil Swiss cheese (optional) Eggs (optional) Tools Kitchen or portable stove Spatula Tongs Paper towels Plates and forks Frying pan Cut breast meat into thin slices and slice onion. Put pan on grill or stovetop and get piping hot. Melt butter and cook onions thoroughly (or as much or as little as you want). Set onions aside. Add breast slices to pan and fry until medium-rare. Do not overcook. Fry eggs over easy if desired. Build sandwich by adding mayo, onions, cheese and duck meat to bun. Place egg on top if you are going for a breakfast sandwich. Yolk provides a sauce effect. Enjoy. Duck Kabob Ingredients Duck breast Marinade (Italian dressing or other) Pepper, other desired seasonings Onions & peppers Pineapple (optional) BBQ or teriyaki sauce Tools Charcoal or gas grill Wood skewers Tongs Kabob skewers Paper towels Paper plates & forks Cut the meat into one-inch pieces. Marinade (Italian dressing, teriyaki, etc) if you have time. Put the pieces on a kabob skewer, alternating meat and veggies (or fruit) and cook over a medium-hot fire. Grill kabobs on each side until bacon is done. Add barbecue or teriyaki sauce towards the end as desired. 18 First Hunt Participant Handbook

19 Delta s Top Ten Participant Tips OVER the last 10 years, Delta Waterfowl has learned a ton about how to have a great first hunt. Keep the following Top Ten Tips handy for a safe and enjoyable experience. 1 Safety First Always put safety first. We hunt in close proximity to each other. You could be in a boat, field blind or a pit with other people. Take control of your firearm. Whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, the muzzle NEVER points at another person. 2 Listen to Your Mentor Your mentor has spent years learning how to do things right. They know all about boats, hunting in blinds, gun handling everything to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt. It won t hurt to pay attention. 3 Ask Questions Don t be shy. Here s your chance to learn everything you ve always wanted to know about duck hunting. We ve never met a mentor who didn t like to share what they know. It s why they love doing this. 4 Dress For The Weather Often, the best hunting is in the worst weather wind, rain, fog, or snow and these situations need to be respected. There s nothing more miserable than spending a day out in the field duck or goose hunting and being cold. Make sure you bring lots of layers. It s always easier to take clothing off. 5 Speak Up If you get tired, hungry or thirsty, make sure you say something to your mentor. They want this to be a really great experience for you. 6 Take Pictures Hunting is about stories and memories. Don t be rushed. Take the time to take lots of pictures. You ll start creating amazing memories of your own. 7 Be Helpful One of the best ways to get invited back for another hunt is to help out. Pitch in to do dishes, help set up the decoys, clean up empty shells. Do what you can, without being asked, and you ll be a very popular hunting partner. 8 Respect Landowners Future access on private land depends on treating landowners with respect. Shut any gates, pick up any garbage, go back to say thank you after the hunt. It s the very least you can do. 9 Respect The Birds It is a waterfowl hunter s legacy, and responsibility, to appreciate these birds. Work hard to retrieve any bird you bring down. Know your shooting range. Above all, eat what you shoot. 10 Don t Worry It takes time to become a great waterfowler. These ducks are fast and sometimes hard to get. Be patient. Stick with it. It will come with time. First Hunt Participant Handbook 19

20 First Hunt Top Ten Mentor Tips THANKS for stepping up to be a First Hunt Mentor. We re certain this will be one of your most rewarding experiences as a waterfowler. In our books, you re a hero! 1 Safety First Establish the rules of the hunt right away. If you feel the new hunter can t handle the situation, the hunt stops. No exceptions. 2 Stay Close Delta recommends you stay within an arm s length of a new hunter whenever they are holding the gun. You ll be better able to reinforce safety and shooting skills. 3 Slow It Down There are times in waterfowl hunting when things happen fast. Slow it down for safety. It s OK to let birds pass if the hunter is not quite ready. 4 Keep It Comfortable Make sure new hunters are warm, dry, and comfortable. Remember, we want them to hunt again. 5 Teach The Skills This will be a day of many firsts. The new waterfowler will be a sponge waiting to soak up as much information as possible. Don t assume they know something. 6 Teach Respect For The Birds Show them how hard hunters work to retrieve every bird. Help them identify the birds. Teach them to understand the range of their firearm. 7 Explain Why Hunters Are Great People Help the new hunter understand their lifestyle choice has deep connections to family, heritage and conservation. It s an honest way to sustainably harvest fresh, local food. 8 Keep The Shooting Simple Teach the fundamentals. Start with good body position and a great gun mount. Build from there. 9 Have Fun Yourself Mentoring is a great way to rediscover why you fell in love with waterfowling in the first place. 10 We Always Put More Back It s our legacy to put back more birds than we take. Help the new hunter understand that when you bag a bird, you are forever responsible for waterfowl resources. 20 First Hunt Participant Handbook

21 Good Hunting WELCOME to the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting. Quality mentored hunting experiences are the key to keeping our culture alive and well. It s important to remember that learning how to safely and effectively hunt waterfowl is a life long journey. Your mentored experiences are just the beginning. We hope this manual and our website will help get you started on this journey. We have dedicated staff members available to answer any questions you might have. Contact information for our US and Canadian Hunter Recruitment and Education staff are as follows: United States First Hunt: Delta Waterfowl P.O. Box 3128 Bismarck, ND Toll free: firsthunt@deltawaterfowl.org Canada First Hunt: Delta Waterfowl Unit Scurfield Blvd Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1M5 Toll free: firsthunt@deltawaterfowl.org First Hunt Participant Handbook 21

22 Notes 22 First Hunt Participant Handbook

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24 Thank You To Our Partners PH