Waterfowl hunting is an exciting way to spend time outdoors, provided you have what you need. Packing and updating your blind bag means you won’t miss an essential item at a crucial moment. Here are our recommendations, assembled by the experts at Mel’s Outdoors.
Packing Your Waterfowl Hunting Blind Bag
A well-packed bag makes for a smoother hunting experience. While you’re packing, you’re going to want to make sure you have the following packed and ready to go:
- Game strap
- Call lanyard with your preferred calls
- Face mask – full or half, depending on your preference
- Shells
- Gun cleaning brush
- Sharp knife
- Foldable saw
- Choke tubes in a waterproof box
- Camouflage duct tape
- Binoculars
- Flashlight or headlight
- Zip tires
- Ear plugs
- Gloves – one PVC decoy (for deploying or taking back decoys), one wool pair for warmth. Option to have one a lightweight pair for mosquitos
- Wool socks
- First aid kit with bandaids, disinfecting wipes, and antiseptic cream
- Sunglasses
- Cellphone
- Bug spray and insect repellent bands
- Hand warmers, if applicable, for your local climate
- 2-3 dry bags
- Game licenses in a waterproof bag
- Drinks and snacks
Tips for Packing
- Make a physical checklist and go through it before you head out to ensure you have everything you need.
- Pay attention to the waterproof sections and pack accordingly. You don’t want to be surprised if certain items get wet or potentially damaged.
- Tweak your blind bag based on where you’re going. Adjusting for local conditions means you can take out your hand warmers or bug spray. You can also change your bag based on where in the hunting season you are (early vs. late). While you want the essentials with you, a lighter load is more comfortable and manageable while hunting.
What Type of Shotgun Pellets Are Allowed for Waterfowl Hunting in the U.S.?
In the United States, shotgun steel, tungsten, and bismuth pellets (non-toxic shots) are allowed for waterfowl hunting. Don’t risk delays or hang-ups to your upcoming hunting excursion. Get the correct pellet shots before you head out.
“Specifically, lead pellets (shots) are not allowed to hunt ducks, coots, geese, and other waterfowl.” – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Recommended Waterfowl Hunting Gear From Mel’s Outdoors
Beyond packing your waterfowl hunting blind bag, you’ll be glad to have these top-notch products recommended by our experts at Mel’s Outdoors.
Winchester Left Hand Semi-Auto 28”
This firearm provides a comfortable, ergonomic grip for excellent control, even in wet conditions.
Fiocchi Golden Goose
High-quality powder, primers, and hulls with treated steel shot for terminal performance.
Frog Togg Cascades Waders
These waders have stitched, taped, and vulcanized seams for a drier experience.
Lacrosse 18” Boots
Boots with a waterproof lining make traversing the terrain easier and more comfortable.
Shop Even More Hunting Gear
Shop our hunting gear to create a blind bag with everything you need for a successful waterfowl hunting season. Look online or visit us at one of our brick-and-mortar stores: Mel’s Sports Shop or H&H Sports Shop.
Best of luck from all of us here at Mel’s Outdoors.
