Coastal Duck Hunting Gear List

Coastal Duck Hunting Gear List

Coastal duck hunting can be challenging due to the saltwater environment, harsh weather, and coastal mud. To get the most out of a duck hunt, it is important to bring the perfect hunting gear on your duck hunting trip.

We have evaluated duck hunting gear in depth and compiled our top picks in detail:

Boots for Coastal Mud

Coastal mud poses slipping and sinking threats, which can make coastal duck hunting extremely challenging. Wearing standard boots on coastal mud can cost you the trip, and you might return empty-handed.

Mudder Boots are designed to tackle such conditions. With their expandable wings that increase the surface area of your body, you can roam freely without fear of slipping or sinking.

Shotguns and Ammunition

Shotguns are essential for hunting, and picking out the best weapon directly impacts your hunting performance. Usually, a 12-gauge shotgun with corrosion-resistant coating is considered the best option for duck hunting in coastal areas.

Non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth) in larger sizes (BB–2) is the best option to shoot down sea ducks. Combining such a shotgun with the above ammunition will improve the outcome of your duck hunting on coastal shores.

Clothing

  • Waterproof Outerwear: Insulated, breathable waders (chest-high for deeper water) and a waterproof jacket.

  • Layering System: Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or down mid-layers, and windproof outer shells.

  • Camouflage: Opt for coastal patterns (marsh grass, sand, or grey tones) to blend with the surroundings.

  • Accessories: Waterproof gloves, a neck gaiter, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun/wind protection.

Boat

Camo-patterned layout boats are the most widely used option in duck hunting across the U.S. A boat for hunting in the coastal areas must have a strong anchoring system to handle tides, along with high speed to chase prey.

You must also have an app or a system to track tidal changes while hunting on the coast.

Decoys

For duck hunting on shores, use saltwater and corrosion-resistant decoys of species like scoters or eiders. Coastal duck hunts are often large-scale, so we recommend deploying around 2 dozen decoys to maximize your potential for an effective hunt.

Dog Gear

Dogs are vital in bird hunting, but handling and managing dogs on a hunt near water bodies is challenging. So, along with the basic gear items like a collar, leash, and whistle, you should also bring an insulated, high-visibility dog vest suitable for cold water, quick-dry towels, and a heated dog bed in the boat.

Safety Equipment

Every adventure comes with its own risks and challenges, and you should be proactively ready for any of them. For an adventure on the coast, you should carry a life vest, gadgets for communication (waterproof VHF radio, GPS, and compass), a first-aid emergency kit, a thermal blanket, and torches for visibility.

Miscellaneous Accessories

Along with all the essential items discussed above, bringing the following items will help you with shooting ducks in coastal areas:

  • A tool kit containing zip ties, a decoy line, spare parts, and a Swiss Army knife.

  • Dry bags for electronics, licenses, and snacks.

  • Sun protection items like sunglasses and sunscreen.

This is our recommended list of gear items you should consider for a successful duck hunting trip in coastal areas. You should try to carry all the above items, which will help you maximize your hunting success while staying safe and prepared. 

We always love to hear from our customers! Is there any must-have item you always bring that we didn't mention?