Our Favorite HUNTING KAYAKS - PROS and CONS

OUR HUNTING KAYAKS
-Sun Dolphin Journey SS 10 foot amzn.to/2ORXbis
-Perception Sound 10.5 amzn.to/2LczYFn
-Jackson Cuda 12 jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/cu...
-Perception Pescador Pro (comparable to Jackson Cuda) amzn.to/2nSGWpX
Kayaking Gear
-dry bags amzn.to/2N0XmXX
-kayak carrier trolley amzn.to/2nTGveO
-paddles amzn.to/2Mo4PV4
-life jackets amzn.to/2vXRUPj
-scupper plugs amzn.to/2OTYE7Z
-foam pads for car hauling amzn.to/2vYjGLD
*Our Hunting Gear.
CLOTHING - Get 10% off Legendary Whitetails gear w/code THP18 bit.ly/2KUn6nU
MAPS and APPS - Get 20% off OnX Hunt! Just use promo code: THP bit.ly/2D6aB44
OPTICS - Vortex - bit.ly/2II326t
CALLS - Get 10% off Woodhaven Custom Calls w/coupon code THP2018 - bit.ly/2IagiSe
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Camera gear list:
Go Pro - amzn.to/2onTUMd
Go Pro Housing - amzn.to/2EKlLkx
Go Pro Tripod - amzn.to/2HFJ2Sz
Main Video Camera - amzn.to/2EJUzCq
Greg's sick SLR Camera - amzn.to/2EKKGRb
Greg's sick SLR Lens - amzn.to/2EJ5JDG
Smaller HD Video Camera - amzn.to/2FkfHfH

[@honda8770]

My goal is to tow a deer back, via my kayak, while the deer is wearing Dora the explorer arm floaties

[@jimb6683]

I use to hunt a spot that was a mile back in but had a stream that flow out to the road. I always thought I would just tie gallon jugs on the deer and float him out if I connected. Floaties would be easier to pack in there though.

[@mkvnwk]

I've been using a kayak for deer hunting since 2015 and it has been a game changer for me. I'm able to paddle 5-10 minutes on some of the public properties I hunt and escape 90% of the hunting pressure. I have a 10 foot sit inside with a 325 lb capacity and have found getting small does out without gear to be fairly easy after securely strapping them in the back tank well with ratchet straps. For a dedicated hunting kayak, I think that Perception Sound 10.5 would be hard to beat for its light weight, gear containment, good consumer reviews and low cost. That being said, I had to upgrade to the very capable Cuda 12 this year after seeing Brody haul out that doe last fall and finding a need for a better fishing rig. I can't wait to haul out a big buck on this kayak, because one of the best parts of kayak hunting is the looks you get at the boat launch.

[@CatmanOutdoors]

I was given an 8 foot LL Bean Manatee, I can't even find that size anywhere online. But it's light weight, you can carry it over your shoulder, and the bungees will hold a climbing stand easily. A deer has to be quartered and stuffed behind the seat... I tried the rope trick once, without a life jacket on the deer, took a lot of effort to keep it moving downstream. Now I have my motor canoe for hauling more gear and dead deer. Only downside is it is real heavy.

[@thepubliclandnomad3365]

Much needed video. Definitely gives guys diving into kayak hunting a much more clear idea on what works. Lots of options out there to get the job done, but rule #1 just be safe!

[@backwoodsmichigan4179]

I love your videos and content. All your videos have helped me find more deer on public here in Michigan 🦌

[@cdp50359]

I like how yall cover everything, pros and cons

[@MCA2A]

Great vid as usual. Love watching you guys. A million thanks!

[@WhitetailFit]

Great video! We have a buck we are targeting that likely can ONLY be killed via river access in early season based on his bedding/feeding pattern. Thanks for the tips!

[@steveyd101]

I have a 14ft fiberglass canoe. It's super lite. I use a kayak paddle. I've had to canoe 2 bucks off public land with it. Love it!

[@bowhunter247]

Got a Sound 10.5 on sale at fleet farm for $350 a few weeks ago based on your recommendations! Love it! Already scouted some water access spots

[@ZachTLG]

Started kayak fishing three years ago and absolutely love it. If you're going to use it a lot, I highly recommend going ahead and investing in a high end boat. I finally made it to a Hobie and love it for the big lakes here in GA.

[@paul_terryoutdoors8716]

Great review guys!!I have been looking for a Kayak for fishing and hunting. Definitely helped me make my decision. 👍

[@jodiebaker9542]

Very good video. I've been waiting for this one.

[@Subserve2]

Ive watched the THP crew use kayaks to access hunting ground, and just started looking at a new piece of public with a small river. I scrolled through the THP video journals to see if one featured a picture of you guys in a yak. Didnt have one jump out at me so I searched hunting kayaks and what is the first video shown? This one! Great info guys. Thanks for being there with awesome content!

[@budman1181]

Thanks fellas Also if you have no room for storage on your kayak you can tow a sled for storage - towing a Slade makes it a little bit tougher - but still enjoyable day out

[@doubledroptinehunter]

My cat loves watching your channel when I have it on my TV. :)

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

I have a Jackson as well. We have rudders on ours, and they do track very nicely. I have not used it for hunting, since the private land I previously hunted didnt have lakes big enough to bring the kayak. However switching over to public land, I can see the usefulness of it. I have pondered how to get a deer out, so I found a small jon boat on Craigslist. I hope to put it to use soon. I have not used it yet I need to make sure it all works. Planning on doing that this month. Thanks for the fun guys. I will more than likely use the kayaks as a possibility as well. One of the places I have found on the public property, the creek looks like I can get the kayak up it easy enough, easier than the jon boat. Thanks again for a fun video. Have a blessed week guys. Dale

[@markb.1259]

Have you considered switching to a canoe? You can find canoes that are half the weight of the kayaks you discussed, but have nearly twice the load carrying capacity. Old Town Pack 12 weighs 33, carries 600 lbs. Ted might have a hard time fitting that one in his hatch back! :-)

[@jrpriest]

Thanks guys this helped a lot.

[@godslittleman5451]

Nice life jacket tip. Would make a good picture 🦌

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Awesome job y’all thanks

[@MegaBullrider66]

Love watching your guys videos! Wondering if you guys ever went over kayaking upstream? Keep up the awesome videos!

[@chucksmith5002]

I have the Jackson Big Rig I really like this kayak but there again I have had only one other kayak it was a Field & Stream Eagle Talon it was very tipsy . So then I bought the Big Rig very stable . Enjoyed your video .

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

Good review guys!

[@stevenl4494]

Off and on, I've rigged my Jackson Big Tuna for 1 (it's a tandem kayak), thrown a self climber, pack and xbow and headed out to public land. There is a lot of land here, but access is usually terrible. But on the properties I do this on.......I haven't seen another hunter back there, ever, so far. In fact in the latest place the deer don't even act like they're being hunted.....I kid you not. I'd be comfortable throwing a mature deer on the front end of this yak. It's big enough. Weighs quite a bit tho. I have to be a little creative in handling it.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

On point vid of Kayaks👍 would like to share my favorite paddle, Harmony "drifter" 1 pc. aluminum, weighs less then most carbon fiber paddle at 30 oz. and can be had for $40-45. Only drawback is 235 is the longest model, for that price I make it work. For all the doubters i started canoeing in 84' and bought my first kayak 3 years ago, SO much easier in every single way the canoe has been used only once since then, just so my Daughter and I could fish together from the same boat.

[@travisbowers5143]

I bought the SunDolphin Journey at Wally world earlier this summer for $250. I've fished out of it a bunch this summer, its a great cheap kayak. Tracks really well in the water, big enough to strap gear in and you dont care if you beat the crap out of it!

[@Walmart]

Glad you enjoyed the SunDolphin, Travis Bowers. So tell us, “water” some of your favorite places to go kayaking? 😀

[@ShaneSimpsonHunting]

Lifejacket on a deer. Great idea! ;)

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Heck yes! We shoud've used your picture!

[@Joshua_Henderson]

Except you might need to call it something different lol

[@MrWisconsintrapper]

Do you have any pics of how you tow out your deer on a water hunt?

[@ShaneSimpsonHunting]

Are you asking me or The Hunting Public?

[@landtolake4867]

Great video guys. The dog and I loved it! Lol

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Thanks!

[@FTW1374]

I have a Hobie PA for fishing but it’s impractical to float the rivers and streams that are adjacent to public land here in Wisconsin. I just went out and picked up the Perception Sound 10.5 for hunting based on your earlier videos. Fleet Farm had them On sale for 350$ two weeks ago. I actually like it better than my PA. The portability of the Sound is amazing sooo light! It’s a great kayak, great for floating the marshes here, now if only the cattails weren’t 20 ft high.

[@teddyhoffman3191]

The ascend kayaks from bass pro, specifically the sf12t would be a great choice for packing in, but pretty heavy.

[@briant.5475]

Can you guys make a vid on how you guys hang and hunt, what accessories you guys use in the stands and where you put your calls, etc. thanks guys

[@bobbybell36]

I highly recommend a BKC TK122 kayak. It weighs about 77lbs but has a weight capacity of 760lbs. You can haul any deer out with ease.

[@BC_I_LETU]

Used my Jackson big tuna to kill my buck last year, love going in from the water.

[@tremdawg]

Boy I'm really getting the itch to get up in a tree. Look forward to seeing all you guys do this year again. You coming to Massachusetts to do some Suburban hunting soon? 😉

[@warrenthomas4687]

Nucanoe Frontier 12 is my kayak of choice for hunting. 40 inches wide and holds 650 lbs. Weighs 77lbs.Big enough to hold all gear, stands and other equipment and get your buck out in one trip. Flat stern to run a trolling motor for speed with stealth. I use a 55lb MinKota and can get way back in the boonies fast. Nucanoe has come out with a new kayak as well Its called the Unlimited. Another good choice for sure.

[@moneyworksllc]

I fish a lot from a kayak. If you paddle upstream to hunt, you can float a whole deer (not field dressed) behind a kayak back down stream. I wouldn’t want to tow one out on slack water, but a whole deer floats just fine without a life vest. Just be careful of antlers snagging bottom. I usually secure mine real close to the back of the kayak so that the antlers are no deeper than the draft of the kayak.

[@derekbrown2560]

Have you guys tried a normal one-sided boat paddle? You have to switch sides with it but it won't drip water on you. I started using one last year and won't go back.

[@haydenkrimmer4059]

Man I should really get one of those carts for my kayak :D

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Love mine for my sit in-priceless. EBay is your friend, stay away from the red rims, breakage issues supposedly, I have white rims.

[@bigwilly8901]

Have y'all done a video discussing what type of cameras you use? I'm looking to upgrade from my $200 camera and get something a little nicer that has manual focus. Hoping to get some ideas feedback from y'all. Thanks!

[@benjaminfraundorf8046]

I've been trying to think of how to take out my deer kills. I do think that for my smaller kayak, the float behind on a small inner-tube or with a life-jacket is gonna be the best bet. Other options considered have been quartering it out or throwing er' on top and hoping the yak doesn't sink. Scupper plugs! I was trying to find something to fill those damn holes...now I know! Kayak hunting is opening up whole new more secluded hunting areas for me. Good stuff! Thx guys!

[@joshmoore4498]

Benjamin Fraundorf you can save some money and just go to a sporting good store and buy a pack or two of the yellow foam practice golf balls. They work great and cost about $2-$4 dollars per pack.

[@ez8secrider]

I am doing a lot of paddling now for the 2020 season to condition. What’s the furthest you go from the car on a kayak to hunt.

[@christophera5023]

Great video, I sell the Sound and Pescador at my store and like to use the sound for duck hunting as well, easy to throw it on your shoulder and walk down to the water.

[@Dimmu666ist]

What is the price for pescador and sound?

[@ec9697]

Should really give the nucanoe a look..hard to beat for a hunting set up.heavy load capacity and very stable

[@cjr4497]

I prefer a pirogue for hunting. You can stand up or sit in them. They also will get you and your deer out.

[@bradswisher5093]

I use an Old Town Discovery 119 canoe for hunting. It has a weight of just under 50#, has a greater capacity than my kayak, and is easier to load a deer in. The cost is a about $699.

[@brandenmcdowell5]

I agree with you brad. I have the Old Town Guide 119 and I would take it any day over a kayak! Same idea obviously for access, stealth and scent free, but the storage room and ability to haul a deer out with an under 50 pound canoe is hard to beat!

[@taggartjenkins7590]

Do u know anything that would be good for duck hunting thats long enough to have storage for decoys and maybe add some concealment like brush.

[@aaronhall765]

Awesome

[@26000095]

Jet sleds apparently make good tow behinds for kayaks and hauling duck decoys and what not. I’m not sure how well it would work for a deer But might be an idea to test out for y’all

[@Jonhuntandfish]

That's what I plan on doing. Thought about zip tying some pool noodles around the rim of the sled for more floatation too.

[@bhuntn4life]

What do you guys think about the lifetime tamarack for deer hunting

[@johnroberts8108]

What part of KY are yall going to...East or West KY...hope you guys get a big velvet buck...good luck

[@codyrobbins7139]

I put a bread crate on the back of mine doubled my storage plenty of room for my summit climber and back pack

[@bhuntn4life]

Cody Robbins I need help getting my kayak set up to hunt I ha e the lifetime tamarack 10 ft, I also have the Goliath summit stand

[@michaelbryan3901]

Last year I found a buddies sons deer and drug it behind my kayak. Without gutting them they float fairly well, its not exactly the easiest paddling though.

[@RoadLifePursuits]

Personally, if you are going to spend $1200 or more look at the Feelfree kayaks or some tri-hull ones. Once you fall out of one of those cheap kayaks a few times you will see what I mean :) I also wonder do you lock up the kayak so it does not disappear?

[@davidrussell631]

Really good rundown but no surprise, the “still affordable” sit inside models like the Perception reviewed here aren’t so affordable any more. 😢

[@bhuntn4life]

What do you guys think about the lifetime tamerak

[@sdichampion8631]

Sitting here trying to think how I would transport a deer back... Life jacket!? Duh.... Genius. 😉👍

[@OwenHelman]

when picking a kayak, what is the lowest maximum weight yall would consider? I saw one that was 250lbs, but I weigh about 210, so I dont think I could put my stand and gear, let alone a deer on the back of it

[@TheHuntingPublic]

300 pounds or so would be good. Greg’s Peception has a capacity around 335 pounds and it hauls a ton of stuff

[@timbarringer]

I wonder why you didn't show Jake's sisters red Sundolphin? LOL!

[@jheasley1]

I’m really wanting a kayak for deer hunting, but I don’t see where you’re going to store the deer on your way back out🤔

[@davidrussell631]

If it’s a short paddle back I’d make two trips unless the kayak is really big or really short. For long paddles or with a small one I’d just do what they talked about five or six minutes in. All you need is another life jacket and a rope.

[@jonmuse4402]

Come down to Cabelas in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and check ours out. We have the new H10 by Ascend and I use the H12. Amazing for hunting. High weight capacities. 👍

[@bhuntn4life]

jon muse what do you think about the lifetime tamarack for deer hunting

[@jonmuse4402]

@@bhuntn4life it would work. You would just have to be more conscious about how you tied the deer down. For waterfowl. It would be good. Make yourself a ghillie mat to roll over yourself while you hunt.

[@magnum44270]

How does the ascend paddle in fast current, also how shallow can they run. I hunt a shallow fast moving river and cannot get out to drag across the low spots 4-5inches "water access laws" and have to paddle it all

[@buckrush8612]

Could u use the Jackson cuda 12 for duck hunting as well?

[@TheHuntingPublic]

for sure!

[@robreke]

can a dead deer be loaded on those kayaks ? you know, after you kill it to get it back across the water to your truck

[@derekcrouse8462]

I think teds nickname fits him by his yak. Ol sundog

[@thereelaccountant9246]

Can yal carry a buck out on that big kayak?

[@BigSweeten]

Have you ever used a canoe? Better or worse then a kayak for hunting?

[@TheHuntingPublic]

BigSweet they work great too. We have used both. Canoes generally are a little easier with two people.

[@chriswhalen71]

I use an Old Towne Pack solo canoe. 11 feet, 33 lbs. Can pick it up with one hand. Holds more weight than a kayak but lighter and drier. Not sure how it compares tracking and speed wise, but its really convenient to just throw all my gear in and go..and room for a deer on the way back when all goes according to plan!

[@tomk8312]

putting a life jacket on a deer and towing it through the water sounds exactly like something my hunting partner and i would do

[@abijahvojtasek7557]

First!!👍

[@JimRyser]

Do you lock ur kayak to a tree when ur hunting?

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Jim Ryser naw. Most times we are back in an area where few people go so there isn’t a significant risk. But we could see where you’d need to in some situations

[@Jonhuntandfish]

Yes

[@jacobpurvis8809]

Yeet

[@samuelbrown482]

how would you compare them to hunting out of a canoe?

[@DIYWhitetail]

Samuel Brown I use a 14’ canoe. Love it. It’s a little bit of a pain to load and unload. But I can fit all my gear and a fully mature Deer in it.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

We prefer the yaks but the canoe is a good route also. We used to hunt out of one of those but can get the yaks back further because of their maneuverability.

[@dcx1024]

How do you put the gun on the kayak? I have a sit on top kayak.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

we just strap it to the back in a case or hold it on our lap

[@dcx1024]

Thanks

[@magnum44270]

Mount atv style U rack.

[@dougkraemer8327]

Have you decided on Ted's nickname yet?

[@dalewoods7308]

Why is there a registration sticker on the kayak if your not using a motor

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Dale Woods have to register it in some stages if it’s over 10 feet

[@grantgruen3375]

Why not use a canoe vs kayak? I can haul all my gear and a buck in my canoe vs a kayak. With a truck bed extender, I can haul my canoe pretty easy.

[@dougkraemer8327]

Why not use a 10' jon boat? Easy to paddle or put trolling motor on and being an open hull u have plenty of storage. Can even fit a deer in it.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

It's too heavy and cumbersome to get into some of the creeks we float. Sometimes we need to pack these yaks several hundred yards to put in.

[@dougkraemer8327]

The Hunting Public Ok i get your point on that. But, when/if you kill a deer now what? Talk about heavy and cumbersome. Now i can see that it's a guarantee that you're going to use the yak to hunt but it is not a guarantee that you're going to kill a deer on the hunt. So that is a less chance of Burden. Flipside if you had the Jon Boat it's a guaranteed burden with a possible benefit if you kill a deer. Give and take to both sides. I use a sled behind my 4-wheeler to get deer out of the woods and it also floats very nice I guess I would lean towards that as my dinghy behind the kayak as the compromise.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

doug kraemer jet sleds work great for getting them out through the water or life jackets as we stated in the video. Can also quarter if legal in your state. We see your point but we’ve tried the Jon boat thing and would much rather have the yak 90% of the time.

[@moneyworksllc]

Video does a good job describing tracking as a pro or con, but you didn’t touch on speed/maneuverability. That mid range Pescador will cover water faster and maneuver in tight spots with less effort than the Jackson will. Stability/tracking and maneuverability/speed are indirectly related.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Joshua Landon Loveall very good points

[@ssmith3711]

Nucanoe frontier 12. Buy one and never think about it again.

[@casey197930]

Old video I know. Just wanted to say, a deer will float. You don't need a life vest: )

[@BackwoodWayz]

If I may throw in my 2 cents. Don't buy a cheap kayak. Cheap thin kayaks just don't last especially if not stored properly. Whether u use it all the time or a few times a year get a good American made kayak. Yes you will spend probably $1200 minimum but you will only spend that once. Were as if u buy cheap u will probably end up buying 3-4 in a ten year period. Also try to buy through a shop that offer lifetime hull warranties. I bought a native watercraft through Ozark Mountain Trading Co. so not only is my hull under warranty for as long as I have my boat. They also service my pedal drive once a year for free!

[@callmecamo2]

Kayaks work good for skinny boys. I'd roll one in a heartbeat. Jon boats work much better for us big boys that don't like swimming in the fall.

[@Spruce-Bug]

Or just get a canoe. Far greater carrying capacity, the longer it is the faster it is. You can have someone in front for duck hunting.

[@dougcassin677]

Non motorized paddle Kayak and you pay the state registration fees? No way.

[@matthewkubik3874]

All you gotta do is just make a bad shot on the deer, and by the time you find them they will have self inflated! no need for a life jacket! lol

[@minkmink410]

My dad says there not safe so he won’t let me use it on the river

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Hunting colors cost more.

[@autopeep24]

Guys the elephant in the room is a kayak versus a canoe. A 12-foot canoe turned around backwards for one person use is more stable carries more gear . I have a Wilderness system 14 foot Tarpon kayak I would prefer my canoe over a kayak any day. For the life of me I don't understand this kayak craze for deer hunting.

[@TheHuntingPublic]

We've used canoes and kayaks in the same areas for years and unanimously prefer the yaks. We can get everything we need on them and we take alot. Some spots we've got to drag the yaks aways to put in. Our canoe is much heavier and harder to pack.

[@jimfrancis7370]

Predator 13 Kayak kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXjWip2VZpx4jq8

[@fins_tines]

How about wearing a life jacket on yourself? See my profile picture, it's comfortable. I have a green one for hunting and my orange for everything else. Please put on a PFD!!!

[@stevethedude8740]

Wow..............of all the guys hunting on Utube I figured you guys would have not drunk the Kool-Aid.............for lakes, rivers, and streams and carting dead deer and gear Native Americans designed the canoe---not a stupid yak! Yaks are chasing whales in the open ocean hence what Eskimos refinened. Any decent canoe can tote three times the poundage of gear and it will do it weighing half as much as any SOT yak

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Steve the Dude We have canoes also. The yaks are better for what we do. Pretty sure everyone in our group has the same opinion. On another note Steve the Dude is a sweet name. Rock on.