Should I Hunt Diver Ducks from a Layout Boat?

Choosing the Right Layout Boat

When hunting diver ducks from a layout boat, it’s essential to choose a boat that provides stability, maneuverability, and concealment. A 16-18 foot aluminum or fiberglass layout boat with a flat bottom and a sturdy frame can be an excellent choice. Consider a boat with a minimum of 30 inches of freeboard to provide sufficient protection from waves and wind.

Setting Up for Success

To set up for a successful hunt, position your layout boat near areas where diver ducks are likely to be feeding or resting. Look for structures such as weed beds, submerged logs, or sandbars that can attract these birds. Use your decoy spread to mimic the behavior of a group of ducks, with divers and other species represented in the spread. Aim for a spread of 10-20 decoys, with 2-3 divers in the center of the spread and other species placed around the edges.

Tips for Calling and Shooting

When hunting diver ducks from a layout boat, it’s crucial to use the right calling technique to attract these birds. Use a high-pitched, nasal call to mimic the sound of a female diver, and keep your calls short and infrequent to avoid spooking the birds. When a duck approaches your spread, keep your shotgun at the ready, with your dominant eye lined up with your barrel and your gun hand relaxed. Aim for a shot at 10-15 yards, taking into account the wind, the duck’s speed, and your own gun’s recoil.