Duck Hunting Checklist: What to bring

While waterfowl season has been open up north for a while, the season is just now starting down here in Oklahoma. With excitement growing and most of us counting down the days, nothing kills the vibe quicker than forgetting something essential for your hunt. In this guide, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist covering everything from licenses to decoy setups, and even a few comfort essentials. With this list, you'll head out fully prepared, whether you're on a remote marsh, a local pond, or wading through flooded timber. Let’s dive into the must-haves for a successful duck hunt, so you can focus less on what you forgot and more on the thrill of the hunt.

Licenses & Permits

Hunting License: Make sure your hunting license is valid.
Waterfowl stamps: You need both a Federal Duck Stamp and an Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.
HIP Certification (free) - This aids in conservation efforts.
WMA Permit: Only necessary for specific WMAs
Bonus: Sandhill Crane Permit (free for residents)

Essential Gear

Shotgun: Make sure it's cleaned, checked, and ready to go the night before.
Ammunition: Non-toxic (steel, bismuth, tungsten) and about 2-3 boxes is recommended.
Choke Tubes: If you are going to a new spot, bring a few if the birds aren't landing exactly where you expected them.

Clothing & Footwear

Camo Jacket: Ideally waterproof and insulated.
Camo Pants or Bibs: Waterproof.
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal layers are recommended.
Socks: Thick wool or insulated socks work best.
Waders: Make sure they don't have any holes from last year.
Hat: Camo or neutral color.
Gloves: Waterproof and insulated.

Decoys and Accessories

Decoys: Rigged and weighted. We recommend a mix of species and 12-24 minimum.
Decoy Bag: Nobody likes slinging those decoys over their back.
Calls: Mallard, teal, goose, etc. Typically on a lanyard.
Game Strap: For carrying that limit of ducks you just harvested.

Blind Setup

Layout or A-Frame: Unless you've got cover like cattails or tall grasses.
Blind Bag: For all your goodies.
Stool or Seat: Hopefully you spend most of your time on your feet harvesting birds.
Face Paint or Mask: Concealing your face can reduce the risk of spooking birds.

Navigation & Safety

Flashlight/Headlamp: For setup and teardown. Make sure to replace the batteries.
Physical map or OnX: Download maps in OnX if they are remote.
First Aid Kit: Basic kit for minor injuries.
Phone charger and case: Ideally waterproof.

Comfort & Extras

Food & Snacks: High energy snacks can keep you alert during longer hunts.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
Hand Warmers: For the colder mornings.
Sun Glasses: Combat the glare on the water.
Towel: For drying hands and equipment.

Transportation

Boat/Kayak: Ensure these are licenses and allowed in the area you are hunting.
ATV: If you are venturing more than a mile from the road.
Decoy Cart or Sled: Useful for lugging dozens of decoys long distances.

We will be using this list ourselves this weekend to ensure we have an enjoyable opening day. Broadside Outdoors is on a mission to make hunting more accessible to each and every person. You can check out more about us here on our website. There really is nothing worse than arriving at your spot early in the morning and realized the batteries in your headlamp are dead. If you found this list helpful, please share with your friends. We are looking forward to an excellent season with lots of birds!