Questions from a rookie

[cd]

Now that I'm hooked, I have a few questions for the veterans:

1. What should be the first call to add to my collection?
2. How many, and what type decoys should I buy?
3. Where should I go looking for duck boats? One that doubles as a good crappie/bluegill boat would be perfect.
4. Where can go to learn the basics (identification, ettiquette, etc.)?

Thanks in advance folks!

[Cockbird]

1st call: Video or CD with instructions on the PROPER USE of a duck call. Double reeds are easier to learn on. Learn the proper technigue first or you'll scare more ducks away than you'll call in.

2nd: If your hunting puddle ducks, Mallards are the basics. You want to try to match the decoys to the species you are hunting. Smaller ponds and creeks, a dozen or 2 would be fine. Rivers and big lakes can have several hundred.

3rd: There are several makers of good combo boats. Your best bet would be an all-weld aluminum.

4th: Try duckhunter.net It is a waterfowl forum with a bunch of good guys on it. I have met and hunted with a few people off there and have not had a bad experience yet. I met and hunted with Duckbuster, that has started posting here, and his son last year through that forum and had a good time.

As far as ettiquette: Don't skybust.
Don't shoot birds other guys are working.
Don't set up within 200-300 yds. of others.
Use good common sense.

Try to find someone to hunt with that has some experience that you think is a good and ethical hunter.

Hope this helps,

Cockbird