Fall is upon us once again, which can only mean one thing, waterfowl season. Hunting from a duck boat can add an entirely new dimension to your hunt, and whether you’re using it to sneak into the middle of a marsh or get into a perfect stand of flooded timber, purchasing a boat isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. So, we went to the pros to get some practical advice on buying your next duck boat.
Many people recognize Crestliner Pro Jason Mitchell for his angling prowess, but he also has years of waterfowl hunting experience. Mitchell began hunting at an early age and started guiding waterfowl hunts in his early 20s. He would often spend 75-plus days in the fields of North Dakota, guiding near Devils Lake and the Missouri River. If Jason isn't thinking about fishing, he's thinking about hunting ducks.
We sat down with Jason to talk waterfowl and asked him for a few pointers on what to consider before purchasing a hunting boat.
BUY THE BOAT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Overwhelmingly, the biggest piece of advice he gave us was to buy the duck boat that is right for you. It can be easy to set your sights on a fully rigged-out boat with a blind, lights, gun lockers, and enough deck space to land a Huey on, but if you’re only looking for something to run decoys or hunters out to your blind, you may not need a fancy rig.
“People need something heavy-duty, durable & rugged, and in a lot of cases, has a shallow water draft,” said Mitchell.
He pointed out that if you’re hunting local backwaters in the Upper Midwest, a rugged welded jon boat with a small HP outboard is probably all you need. If you're on larger bodies of water where wind and waves add to the elements, a modified v-hull with a few more bells and whistles might be more beneficial. Mitchell added that taking the time to think about how much space you’ll need, whether or not you want to fish from the boat, and if you plan on using a boat blind, are all critical questions to consider.
KNOW WHAT KIND OF DUCKS YOU’RE HUNTING.
Not all ducks are alike. You’ll find different ducks in different environments. Whether you're hunting in swampy marshland or flooded timber, understanding where your ducks hang out will give you a good starting point for what type of boat you’ll need.
According to Mitchell, If you’re hunting backwater marshes, sloughs and flooded cropland which is typical of Midwest flyways, a flat-bottomed jon boat like the CR Jon will be plenty. The simple and lightweight construction makes these boats easier to push through thick reeds and carry over obstacles if needed.
"The shallow draft on a jon boat is a talking point for sure,” said Mitchell. “You can slide these boats into six to eight inches of water, especially with a surface drive or jet motor."
For bigger waters like lakes and rivers, a mod-v hull with higher sides and a deeper draft helps ensure you stay safe and dry.
Mod-v boats are more stable in rough waters but still have the maneuverability and shallow draft to get into tight spaces. Many also come outfitted to both hunt and fish, making them great options for someone looking for a versatile boat.
FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH GEAR (AND PEOPLE) YOU’LL NEED TO CARRY
Storage capacity and the interior build-out of the boat are essential factors to consider before buying. Because you’ll likely be carrying decoys, guns, dogs, and other hunters with you, figuring out the right size and build-out is important.
Hauling in decoys takes up a lot of space, which is why the open floor plan of a jon boat like the Retriever Jon is a great option. These boats leave plenty of space for gear and other hunters. For hunters who use their boat to get from point A to point B, added security and storage which comes along with a mod v-hull boat like the Retriever SC might be preferred. Creature comforts like a gun box to store firearms, padded seats, and 12V outlets to plug in lights and other electronics are features some hunters aren’t willing to give up.
BUY A BOAT THAT’S DURABLE AND RUGGED. YOU WANT IT TO LAST.
The temptation to buy any old boat, throw some camo paint on it and put it on the water is tempting, but not necessarily the best option.
A boat like the Retriever SC Heavy Duty has an all-welded hull and at least a .100 or .125 inch hull thickness. Having an extra-thick welded hull means you can put the boat in spots where other boats can’t reach
ALSO LOOKING FOR A FISHING BOAT? THINK ABOUT A COMBINATION HUNT/FISH BOAT.
Most hunters aren’t just hunters, they’re year-round sportsmen, so Mitchell recommends looking at a combination fishing/hunting boat. These mod-v type hulls make great fishing boats in the summer months and can easily transition into hunting rigs once the ducks start flying.
For hunters who want to hunt and fish in bigger water or need a bigger boat, looking at one of these combo boats might be just the ticket. They come equipped with rod lockers that can double as gun boxes, live wells, trolling motors, casting platforms, and tons of gear storage.
“Some hunters want to compromise so they can do a little bit of everything,” said Mitchell. “That’s where the mod-v hull boats really shine.”
For hunters who are looking to do double duty with their boat, Mitchell recommends looking for a side console or center console boat like the 1860 Retriever CC. The forward-center console makes them great tender boats while hunting deep-water rivers and they’re great for fishing, especially in coastal backwaters and bayou.
Mitchell says getting yourself into a basic duck boat doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Take the time to understand what you want to use the boat for and what features you need, and you’re sure to end up with a great hunting rig.