Float Your Way to More Ducks
Boats have always been a staple for duck hunters, but small skiffs—sleek, one- or two-man vessels—have revolutionized waterfowl hunting. These aren’t your grandpa’s wobbly aluminum canoe from back in the day. Modern small boats are crafted from durable roto-molded plastic, fiberglass, or even traditional wood, and they’re making waves across all four flyways.
But not every small skiff is created equal. A good duck skiff isn’t just something that floats—it’s a purpose-built tool. Your choice should depend on how you plan to use it: as a blind and transport combo or purely as a means to get from Point A to Point B.
The Blind-Boat Combo
When your skiff doubles as a blind, low-profile and watertight designs are key. My Aquapods (aquapodboats.com)—I own two 10-footers and an 8-footer my wife Julie captains—are about 14 inches high on land and just 8 inches when loaded and camouflaged. This makes them nearly invisible to birds while being sturdy enough to serve as both transport and blind. Other great options include the Mallard Marine Marsh Rat, Momarsh Fatboy DP, and Four Rivers Migrator. These boats excel at pulling double duty, getting you to the “X” and hiding you once you’re there.
Transport-Only Skiffs
If you’re just using your boat to reach a hunting spot, you have more flexibility. For example, in a tidal marsh near Washington’s coast, I use an Old Town Discovery 119 canoe to paddle out to a scrubby island. Once there, I set up a spread, beach the canoe, cover it with anti-aircraft (AA) netting, and hunt from the natural vegetation. Retrieving downed birds is done on foot. Similarly, my Jackson Kayaks Kilroy or the versatile AlpacaRaft Mule packable canoe is perfect for these “pure transport” missions.
Pack Light, Hunt Smart
Small skiffs demand a minimalist approach. Limited space and weight capacity require you to prioritize essentials. For a morning on a winding tributary of the Lower Columbia River with my Old Town Discovery 119 (rated for 298 pounds), here’s my pared-down packing list:
- Blind bag with shells, calls, snacks, extra gloves, and toilet paper
- Double-bladed kayak paddle
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – always
- Eight puddler decoys
- Rolled AA netting for concealment
- Thermos for coffee
- Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) lunch
- Water
This setup allows me to stay mobile, adjust to bird activity, and hunt efficiently.
Small Skiff Strategies
When hunting with a small boat, you have two main strategies:
- Float and Scout: Move along the waterway until you spot ducks, then set a light decoy spread and wait. Ducks on moving water gather in specific spots—areas with low current, accessible food, or a sense of security. Scouting these locations beforehand is crucial. Use tools like onX Maps to identify public versus private land before setting up.
- Jump-Shooting: Stay on the move, paddling close to the inside bends of a river or creek. Keep your shotgun ready as you round corners, hoping to surprise a loafing flock of mallards. Pay attention to feeder creeks, shallow backwaters, or backed-up pools created by beaver activity—these areas often hold birds.
Safety on the Water
Duck hunting from a small skiff can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with risks. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wear your PFD at all times.
- Avoid high water. Flooded streams and rivers can be dangerous, especially during late season rains. Wait for safer conditions.
- Be cautious with loaded shotguns. Always point them in a safe direction, especially in small, unstable boats.
- If you’re hunting with a retriever, ensure they’re well-trained and calm around watercraft.
- File a float plan. Share your location, plan, and expected return time with someone you trust.
Small skiffs can unlock new opportunities for duck hunters, allowing access to hard-to-reach spots and adding versatility to your hunts. With thoughtful preparation, smart strategies, and safety in mind, you’ll be floating your way to more ducks in no time.
