Book for a beginner

[BKhunter]

I have read many books on white tail hunting that were very informative and not a lengthy advertisement. Can anyone recommend a book for duck and geese hunting for a newbie?

[scolopaxmatt]

I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I'd start with a Petersons field guide or some other ID book.  Some are pretty obvious, honkers and mallards especially, but I'm still trying to pin down the species I'm most likely to encounter before I even take a shot.

[mike rossi]

I am not sure off the top of my head, but if I think of any that stand above, I will let you know. They all about provide fair basic information.

 

As far as waterfowl id, here is the book for the waterfowl ID course, which you might consider taking. http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Ducks%20at%20a%20Distance-OCR.pdf

 

 

This wont prevent you from breaking a game law, but once you have the bird in hand, the LeMaster Method is an excellent guide.  http://www.gundogsupply.com/lemmetwatidb.html

 

Here is the schedule for the waterfowl hunting course, not manadatory, although  certain public lands require you take this course to hunt : http://nydovehunting.weebly.com/waterfowl-identification-class.html

 

[scolopaxmatt]

Thanks for that info Mike.  The LeMaster method is in my opinion the simplest and best ID reference around.  Deserves a place on every waterfowlers bookshelf. 

[Doc]

Duck identification has always been something that has confounded me and is probably one of the main things that has kept me out of waterfowl hunting. One laying on the ground next to me is not really a big trick to identify, but flying in, silhouetted against a gray sky, with colors being indistinguishable always seemed like a bit of black magic to me ..... lol. Maybe the O.P. might find books or videos of duck identification in the sky to be something useful. I probably would. Are there such things?

[scolopaxmatt]

The LeMaster guide has silhouette/in flight drawings and I think Petersons does do.  They're certainly helpful but on the page and in the air are two different matters entirely.

 

If it is black magic, where can I get me some!?

 

Mostly it's just a matter of scouting and observation (bring binocs).  I think of it like a stake out; take a few days to sit and watch, see who's dropping in. 

[BKhunter]

I am not sure off the top of my head, but if I think of any that stand above, I will let you know. They all about provide fair basic information.

 

As far as waterfowl id, here is the book for the waterfowl ID course, which you might consider taking. http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Ducks%20at%20a%20Distance-OCR.pdf

 

 

This wont prevent you from breaking a game law, but once you have the bird in hand, the LeMaster Method is an excellent guide.  http://www.gundogsupply.com/lemmetwatidb.html

 

Here is the schedule for the waterfowl hunting course, not manadatory, although  certain public lands require you take this course to hunt : http://nydovehunting.weebly.com/waterfowl-identification-class.html

 Mike thanks for the info. Do you know if they offer those classes down state? It seems everything is very far north?

[mike rossi]

 Mike thanks for the info. Do you know if they offer those classes down state? It seems everything is very far north?

 

Yes, they have them all over. You just have to keep checking, Like the regular hunter education classes, most don't post until closer to hunting season. The difference with the waterfowl education classes is if you miss a class, you probably will have to travel or wait again, because there isn't very many scheduled. So just keep checking.

 

Also, I didnt misunderstand your question, if I remember any good books directly related to waterfowl hunting I will let you know, but for now I would say they are all about equal. I would always recommend Ducks Unlimited as a "go to " source for waterfowl hunting and conservation. They have several books on hunting, i never read them, but trust the source, I do see some of DU books are by wade bourn, he is alright, but he has that old dude style, I dont really care for his DU videos on you tube, so maybe I am wrong about DU books, but its a start... 

[BKhunter]

Thanks Mike!

[gdgnyc]

First, I am a certified Waterfowl ID Instructor on Long Island. Very few of us here and fewer classes. BTW, probably will give a class for SSWA on Long Island this Fall.

 

Secondly, by far my favorite book is SUCCESSFUL WATERFOWLING by Zack Taylor. Why? His writing style, he is old school, and he hunts the salt marsh which very few talk about.

 

[BKhunter]

gdgnyc,

 

Would love to know more about the class when you have everything set in stone.

 

BK

[gdgnyc]

gdgnyc,

 

Would love to know more about the class when you have everything set in stone.

 

BK

 

I will try to remember to post it on here. Otherwise, the class will be posted on the DEC website and the South Shore Waterfowlers Association website.