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Every serious duck hunter needs to have a blind bag. No, I’m not talking about this kind of blind bag. The blind bags that I am talking about are almost always camouflage and water proof since most waterfowl hunting is done in and around water. The kind of bag I use is this one: Mossy Oak Shadow Ultimate Waterfowl Bag
Although each hunter may have a few different items in their bag, I will share with you what I have decided to put in mine after 34 years of waterfowl hunting adventures! Here are 12 critical items you should have in your blind bag. Click on any of the links below to see what I use in my duck blind bag!
#1. Shotgun Shells – First and foremost are shotgun shells. I usually bring two boxes of shells unless I think someone else might run out, then I bring four boxes of shotgun shells. The shell size will vary depending on the hunt. For most waterfowl hunts, I highly recommend Fiocchi 12 gauge 3 inch waterfowl shells. If I expect to shoot a few geese, I’ll throw some BB 3 1/2 inch in as well.
#2. Deep Woods Off – Next item in the bag is almost as important and that is a can of Deep Woods Off! I hate Mosquitos and there are plenty of them where I hunt!
#3. ThermaCell™ – This device puts up a 15 foot barrier to keep the Mosquitos away! The ThermaCell mosquito repellant is an absolute must in your blind bag. Did I mention I hate Mosquitos?
#4. Duck Calls – A great duck call is obviously critical to get the birds down to staging area. I usually bring a teal call, a gadwall call, and a pintail whistle. I will sometimes have a mallard call but it is the least important because there are very few mallards where I hunt. I am a big fan of Buck Gardner Duck Calls. Buck is a dear friend of mine and makes a great product.
#5. Flashlight – I always carry a flashlight or two. I almost always bring two incase one goes out. I really like the Nebo™ flashlights since they are compact and very bright. Nothing worse than getting stuck in the dark.
#6. Dog Whistle – This is so important yet, every year I go hunting with people who have dogs trained by whistle yet they forget to bring one! I train with a MegaWhistle since it is easier on my ears and is omni-directional.
#7 Ear Protection – Speaking of my ears…unfortunately I didn’t think ear muffs or ear plugs were cool when I was younger. Today I suffer from hearing loss directly related to gun shots. Be wise and pack hearing protection. Don’t just pack it…. Use it!
#8 Wallet & Hunting License – My wallet and hunting license. Seems like a no brainier but it won’t be funny to forget it when the local game warden checks you and it’s not there!
#9. Sunglasses – If the sun gets bright these will be a life saver! Dark colored lens sunglasses are better than the mirrored type and won’t scare ducks as bad.
#10. Face Mask & Gloves – I will put these together as one because the number one thing a duck sees when you are trying to hide is your face and second is your hands. Don’t scare the birds way, be sure to use a good face mask and a great pair of gloves!
#11. Drinking Water & Snacks – I am ALWAYS guaranteed to get hungry and thirsty eventually so bring along a little nourishment! And please…pick up your trash and leave the hunting area nice for the other hunters.
#12 Wet Wipes – Yes, you read that right. I said wet wipes! When you gotta go, you gotta go! I like Dude Wipes™
There you have it… My top 12 recommendations for your blind bag. I recommend you make a list of what you want to put in your bag along with all of the other stuff you will be bringing on your hunt. Go over the list and pack the night before. A little preparation goes a long way!