Best Tips for Duck Hunting in the Rain
Mastering the nuances of rainy weather is a must for any duck hunter who wants to have a successful duck-hunting session out in the rain. This guide is going to cover some of the best tips for duck hunting in the rain, so make sure to read it until the very end.
But before we do any of that, let’s first take a look at how ducks behave in the rain. After all, if you don’t know how your prey reacts when it rains, chances of coming out of your hunting session successful will be slim to none.
Understanding How Ducks Behave in the Rain
A common question among waterfowl hunters is - “is duck hunting good in the rain?” The truth is that the answer to that question will vary depending on the preferences of each hunter. Some hunters love heading out in the rain, while others prefer to hunt waterfowl only when the sun is out. Hopefully, after understanding how ducks behave in the rain, you’ll have a better idea if duck hunting in the rain is something that you will personally enjoy.
Ducks are known to exhibit various behaviors in response to rain. Their reactions often vary depending on species, habitat, and the individual personality of each duck. That said, all ducks share a few common behavioral traits when it's raining, which are everything you need to know to make each hunting session in the rain a success.
The first and most crucial piece of information that every duck hunter should know is that ducks have waterproof feathers. This means that when it's raining, unless it's truly pouring down (in which case safety may be an issue), the ducks will be active.
Rain is also known to bring out worms and insects, providing ducks with a big opportunity to find additional food. During a downpour, ducks will often hide in overhanging vegetation, tall grass, and other natural cover to keep dry. So, if the forecast is for heavy rain, make sure to take the above information into consideration when choosing where to build camp.
When it’s raining, ducks also like to socialize, bathe, and engage in splashing activities. So, experts recommend that hunters situate themselves in a nice and open place that is close to the water. It’ll not only be a great sight to witness, but it’ll allow you to get a few decent shots at your target.
Do Ducks Fly in the Rain?
When it comes to duck hunting in the rain, a common question that is often discussed in online forums is if ducks can fly when it’s raining. The answer is yes - absolutely. As we mentioned already, ducks have waterproof feathers and are perfectly capable of flying just as well in the rain.
That said, please note that ducks tend to fly a lot lower than they normally would when it’s raining. This presents hunters with the unique opportunity of being able to get a clear shot at their target from a much closer distance.
Best Duck Hunting Tips for When It’s Raining
Now that you know a little bit more about how ducks behave when it’s raining, it’s time to introduce you to some of our expert duck-hunting tips for when it's raining.
Invest in a Proper Outfit
When you’re out hunting in the rain, the last thing you want is to get wet and uncomfortable. This is especially true if you plan on staying out for several days and not just for a few hours.
To give you a place to start when building your rainy duck-hunting outfit, here’s a quick list of the basics. The rainy-day essentials for duck hunting include waterproof chest waders and a rain jacket, a weatherproof vest, a fleece pullover, waterproof boots, and a balaclava. If you’re hunting in cold weather, you may want to consider getting hunting gloves as well.
Successful hunt in the rain.
Make Sure Your Blind is Truly Waterproof
Most duck hunting blinds are water-resistant. This type of blind is typically not recommended as eventually, water will start to leak through. Instead, experts recommend that hunters opt for waterproof blinds.
This type of blind will keep 100% of the water away. That way, everyone using the blind can keep dry and comfortable, regardless of how much it’s raining outside. We also advise to look for a blind that is also wind-resistant, as when it’s raining, there’s a strong chance that it’ll be quite windy as well.
Come Prepared & Stay Flexible
The weather is very fickle. While technology has gone pretty far in terms of predicting the weather, it isn’t always 100% correct. So, be prepared for the actual weather to differ slightly from the forecast and have a plan for when that happens. For example, the rain might be much heavier than expected, so it may be wise to bring extra rain gear and protection along.
The change of weather can also impact the duck’s behavior and make them unpredictable. This can cause them to not flock to their regular location, in which case it’s essential for hunters to be ready to move or change their hunting spot entirely. When out hunting in the rain, it’s always best to come prepared, and stay flexible so that you can adapt to whatever the weather ends up being like.
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The Advantages of Duck Hunting in the Rain
There are quite a few advantages to hunting ducks in the rain. One of the biggest ones is that hunters tend to have more concealment in rainy weather. This is all thanks to the clouds, fog, and rain, which will make ducks less capable of spotting any threats while flying. Rain also causes ducks to fly a bit lower than usual, which will make hunting gamefowl a whole lot easier.
Additionally, rain can cause insects and other invertebrates to go into the water. This creates a huge opportunity for ducks to feed, which is why hunters may find more game in feeding areas when hunting in the rain. And with the rain often discouraging other duck hunters from coming out to hunt, hunting while it’s raining can be a more enjoyable and peaceful experience overall.
The Disadvantages of Duck Hunting in the Rain
Some of the things that make duck hunting in the rain advantageous can also make it harder. For example, when it’s raining, reduced visibility doesn't just mean ducks have a harder time spotting the hunters; it also means that hunters might have a harder time spotting them as well. On top of that, the weather can have a major effect on how bullets and shells travel in the air. So, hunters often find themselves having to adjust their shooting style or else, they may miss all of their shots.
Lastly, duck hunting in the rain can also be a safety hazard. These aren’t the best conditions for hunting, so one must have the right gear and take their time to develop the skills necessary to keep themselves and others safe while out hunting in the rain.
How to Keep Safe When Duck Hunting in the Rain
Whether it’s raining or not, safety should be every hunter’s number one priority. When it’s raining, however, hunters should be particularly careful and stay more alert. For starters, it’s widely recommended that every duck hunter invests in waterproof gear and equipment. This includes a waterproof jacket, boots, trousers, and more.
We would recommend taking things one step further and investing in some waterproof hunting gloves. Those will keep your hands warm and dry - giving you more control over your firearm. Aside from bringing all the right gear, duck hunters should also bring along all the necessities they may need in case of an emergency. These include a phone, a flare, food, and water.
Conclusion
Hunting for waterfowl in the rain presents hunters with an exciting opportunity to practice their beloved sport under more unique circumstances. Hopefully, after reading the guide, you have learned something new and are ready to make the most out of your next duck hunting session in the rain. And before you head out, remember to bring along your waterproof gear, plenty of provisions, and most importantly, stay alert and keep safe.
