I've NEVER Decoyed Ducks THIS CLOSE! | Duck Hunting NC 2021

I headed down to the North Carolina coast for the 2021 coastal duck hunting opener last weekend and had a crazy experience. I met Ethan and Logan, a couple local guys, who were also looking for ducks and we ended up getting permission to hunt a private swamp that was loaded with teal, mallards, black ducks, and woodies. We setup in a tiny timber hole and within the first couple minutes of shooting light I knew we were in for a good one. The incredible decoying action continued throughout the morning and we ended with a 3 man mixed bag limit. Hope you enjoy!
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[@coopernickerson370]

Lol. It made my day laughing watching the guy falling down several times. Comical rookie of the year. Congratulations guys getting your birds. Wow that was hot honeyhole. Keep the location a secret!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha it was pretty funny to get to watch, especially since it was still warm so we didn't have to worry about him freezing. Will definitely be trying to keep this spot under wraps!

[@MattTZew]

@@HokeOutdoors good idea keeping it under wraps especially if it's public. Some KZbinr get drones and show enough to find exactly where they were hunting. 🤔😳🙄🙄🙄

[@lawsonbenedict6579]

Shit that ain’t a honey hole that’s a honeypot right there goddamn

[@jeremy28135]

Falling down in the swamp or marsh and getting wet on a cold sunrise is a right of passage that binds us all. 🦆. Nature is awesome

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha exactly right! Nothing more fitting for a first hunt than taking a swim!

[@justinstevens9433]

I would say he is probably miserable after falling in the water so many times but that hunt for sure made up for it. What a first ever duck hunt! Wow

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yeah I think he was feeling it for a few minutes but he probably didn't care by the end of it! Ain't a real first duck hunt if you don’t get water in your waders anyway!

[@scottswingley3878]

Learning to walk in the marsh is just as important as everything else 😂

[@HokeOutdoors]

That's the truth! Gotta get some first hand experience to get used to it though!

[@kswan2234]

So true! My boy looked like a newborn out there! Lol

[@nolanminor6761]

"I would rather have my first big duck be a mallard than a black duck" -ONLY VA and NC hunters

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha truer words have never been spoken

[@JL-vn3vo]

"That sound will never get old." So true

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was in my dreams for days after this hunt..

[@kswan2234]

Nice! I took my son on his first duck hunt this year. He struggled at first. Everything was happening too fast for him. Quite funny at the time... The excitement when he knocked down his first duck was priceless. Took him a while but he limited out. Good times!

[@HokeOutdoors]

That's awesome to hear! Those moments are the most special of all and hopefully he caught the waterfowl bug hook line and sinker!

[@joewhite1583]

What a great hunt and what a great sportsman to let that new hunter get his first Drake Mallard without having to feel the pressure of everyone shooting. I've been duck hunting for over 30 years and its refreshing to see "young" men like you teaching it the right way to new hunters. I always look forward to your videos. I hunt Eastern NC and Currituck a lot. Maybe we can get together sometime. God bless.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Joe I really appreciate that! It was a special hunt to get to be apart of and I feel very blessed to have met such great people in a new part of the state! I would certainly be game to get together sometime this season, if you want to line something up feel free to shoot me an email ([e-mail]) anytime. God bless

[@jcwoutdoors]

Great stuff taking on a leadership role for these guys. Definitely a hunt to remember!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yessir it was! Ethan and Logan didn't need much guidance but I was happy to get to help where I could!

[@HouTex_Mike]

I think he needs a wet suit for his next hunt, he didn’t complain!! Good hunt

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha yeah he was a trooper about it for sure! Might need to bring a buddy heater along if we hunted this spot later in the season though

[@shaynezasimowich2394]

Looks like you boys had a, to put it mildly, very memorable hunt!! Congrats! Great job letting the newbies get theirs first! I'm a fan of doing that myself.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yes sir, it was one that I feel very blessed to have got to be a part of! I told them they had first crack but after that all bets were off..

[@tristontipton1953]

One of my favorite hunts you’ve ever posted! Awesome hunt!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Triston! Definitely one of my favorites that I've had the privilege of going on

[@americanfisherman9781]

All those teal dropping in was incredible! A memorable hunt for sure!

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was truly like nothing I'd ever seen!

[@raleighmarti9513]

Absolutely awesome what a story to meet the guys and make probably the funniest duck hunting video I’ve ever seen🤙

[@zeroduck30-zerobuck30]

Great video! Loved watching the excitement of your buddy!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! He got all of us pumped up that morning!

[@FreelanceDuckHunting]

Great footage Thomas. What a cool hunt this was.

[@kyleschreiner8645]

Boys were on easy mode. Always love seeing people first hunt joy.

[@HokeOutdoors]

It’s was pretty special to get to watch! Birds definitely gave us some good opportunities too

[@jordanhayes4029]

Absolute banger of a video. Keep killing it!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! You know I'm gonna try!

[@ancellsadventures]

That was a great hunt! Great video as always!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks! Couldn't have asked for a better spot and group of guys!

[@sandmanyaggy822]

That was hype!!! Thats a very rare first duck hunt, stoked for your boy! Awesome hunt and video, fellas! 🍻

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! It was awesome to get to be apart of such an incredible first hunt!

[@sandmanyaggy822]

@@HokeOutdoors absolutely! Thats one hunt all 3 of you will remember and relive time after time again!

[@SomewhereInWisconsin]

What a blast! Young Logan getting his Marsh legs. Haha. I was cracking up!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha it wasn't easy walking stuff but I think the excitement is what really did him in! All worth it for a few ducks though!

[@SomewhereInWisconsin]

@@HokeOutdoors it was hilarious. Still laughing just thinking about it.

[@myronhigh3527]

Great hunt boys! Way to show the new guys the ropes!!!! Congrats and God Bless!!!👍🤗🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!!

[@billynorris8967]

Very good duckin video , beautiful swamp location, falling over backwards when stepping into the holes and getting wet, that whoosh sound of the birds flying past you, you were luckily fortunate to find a huntin hole like that and document your hunt and share it to video. Thank you for your video ,very entertaining. The many times my gun got wet from using it as a crutch from falling over in the waist deep muck. Funny .

[@HighPrairieSportsmen]

Awesome hunt buddy! Love those greenwings

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Matt! They sure made it fun!

[@t89841313]

That's an awesome duck hunt. Better, though, is the story. What a great opportunity to meet up with new hunters...and have success.

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was quite surreal how it all took place but I count it as a blessing to have met these great guys and shared this experience together

[@fritzbucher4726]

So awesome! Bet that kid will be forever a waterfowl hunter. What a spot for a first hunt.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Fritz! I'd say he's hooked for sure, can't draw it up much better than that

[@timcb634]

Wow that was crazy! Congrates on your first duck logan!

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was one that we won't soon forget!

[@timcb634]

No doubt!👍

[@roberthikade9759]

I would agree with most, This is one of your best videos yet. That just looked like a total hoot, Geez. LOL

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Robert! It was an absolute blast, can't wait to get out with these guys again!

[@nasserkuzbari2205]

WOW, amazing hunting video....keep them coming :)

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Nasser! More coming soon!

[@jamesonfay8251]

Between just how pretty that spot is, how close the birds were, and that hawk, that strikes me as a once in a lifetime hunt. Pretty epic.

[@tex_gil117]

I agree the sound of them flying close is freaking WEIRD. I was in the Military for almost 10 years and when I first heard ducks flying like that while hunting, it brought back some memories 😂.

[@daltonoverby9841]

Seems like the bird numbers for nc are way higher this year for this time of year. Gonna be a good season!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Agreed! Seemed like the teal are down in particularly good numbers so far. Hope it'll be a good season for everyone across the state!

[@AfricanSunProductions]

Very cool video! Duck hunting is lots of fun. I filmed it in Argentina a few years bac, and one hunt here in South Africa. Never fell around in he water like that luckily!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! That sounds like some awesome places to hunt and film! Which area did you like better?

[@AfricanSunProductions]

@@HokeOutdoors I have to say Argentina because it's so far from here, different world completely. It was very very cold though! Have you ever been to Africa?

[@CampusWaterfowl]

Dang those ducks were decoying close! Looks like it was a fun hunt!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Think I could've caught a few with a net, might have to try it if we hunt this spot again!

[@Walleyes_and_whitetails]

The best duck hunting video I have ever seen. Hunting small pools are the best! And so pretty!

[@HokeOutdoors]

I really appreciate it! It was a special one for sure, I completely agree on small water hunting being the best too!

[@crystalgroves3316]

Very cool hunt! I feel for the guy that took a dip in the drink so many times lol. But he still had a smile from ear to ear on that hunt! And what a first hunt it was! I sure hope you guys made sure to pick up all your shells outta the water though. Too many times I go to hunt somewhere and see empty shells laying all over the place. I usually bring a plastic bag in my blind bag for those occasions. I was given a MOJO shell stick from a friend and it's been awesome! Picking up shells is a breeze and it folds up to fit perfectly in my blind bag. Good luck this season and happy hunting!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! He was pretty cold and wet but it seemed like he still had a blast thankfully! We did pick up out empties too, just waited till the end of the hunt

[@efaciler2462]

So good! Gets me in the zone!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@GiverADangle]

Awesome hunt! I think I pissed myself laughing so hard when this guy dumped it into the water multiple times 😂😂😂😂 love to see that kind of excitement!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha thanks Jake! It was hard to keep it together when he just kept going down 😂

[@stevenjeansonne3804]

Best duck hunting video I’ve seen so far!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Steven!

[@GrantMcIntosh]

That was awesome! Great spot! 👍🍻

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Grant!

[@akseli654]

Amazing hunt! Great video

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@michaelrussell9996]

Good hunt!! I think you got those guys hooked on duck hunting now good job!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Michael! I think they caught the bug pretty good!

[@gilwhitmore9682]

That was awesome for all of you! That bottom looked pretty sticky, Logan took more dives than an Olympic diving tryout but hung in like a trooper. That would not be so fun if it was 30 degrees out. That kind of hunt can spoil you. Thanks for sharing Thomas.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Gil! It was actually a pretty solid bottom but was timbered years ago so there are stumps and logs all over that make the walking difficult. Hopefully Logan can get his swamp legs figured out pretty quick or else it might be a cold season!

[@tuboutdoorfishing9175]

Yo yo yo Logan is getting the full experience lol 😂😂😂❤❤❤…. 😅… good video

[@odinhopmo6515]

What a great morning, so many birds is just insane. Even tho a swimming suit might have fitted someone better, that mys thave been a joy from start to finish. And as u said the joy in his eyes getting the dream bird is just priceless🤩 Also its fun to see a fellow pump action man 🤪😎 Keep up with what u do, love this chanel. Greetings from Norway

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Logan definitely took the swims like a champ! It’s crazy that it’s been a couple years since this hunt now. I still think about it a good bit. When does the season open up for you in Norway?

[@kraigkaatz6858]

One of the best hunts ever... good job and nice shooting too. Gob Bless

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Kraig! It was one I'll be thinking about for a long time to come I'm sure! God bless

[@jaredhardin995]

Incredible hunt congrats!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jared!!

[@norfolkfowlers1973]

Can’t beat Teal ripping through the air. Nice video 👍

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! That sound never gets old!

[@fallingtidetv]

Dude this is sick! Right up close and personal! And your boy needs to bring a beach towel with him next time 😂🤘🏼

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha thanks Nate! These swamps around here are pretty tough going so a wetsuit might even be necessary..

[@fallingtidetv]

@@HokeOutdoors I see that, must be a lot of roots down there. Tell him I said congratulations on his first green head! That thing was a STUD!

[@tomdehoog8738]

That fall was so funny 😂😂🤣

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha it was pretty epic

[@henrysingleton3463]

Great hunt Thomas!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@mikeremillard275]

That was a great hunt! Those boys are hooked for life!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank Mike and I hope so! Don't think I could draw up a first hunt going much better than this

[@muddycreeksportsman8574]

Man that was awesome hearing those teal fly so close ! Amazing spot ! And so cool y’all were getting Logan to shoot his ducks and getting him pumped up !

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! That sound has to my favorite thing to hear on a hunt!

[@brucestapleford4923]

Great video man loved it wish I was there

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Bruce! It was what we all dream of!

[@kennyhilton4605]

Killer video, keep them coming

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! More coming soon hopefully

[@kevinbarton1144]

What a awesome hunt!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Kev! Probably the most memorable of the season so far

[@JamesTorrey]

Nice hunt. Perfect spot for a 28 gauge, or something smaller at such close range. Keep it up! Loving they videos.

[@danielfrankenstein469]

Awesome hunt bud!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Daniel!

[@saunderspzsaunders8722]

Mannnnnn if you’re a duck hunter and don’t love this, idk what to tell ya! Good work man!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Mornings like this are what we all dream about but having it as someone's first hunt was extra special!

[@kevindunseoutdoors26]

Did buddy have himself a few too many before the hunt? He was stumbling all over hahahaha.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha takes some time to get the swamp legs under ya! If I didn't know better I'd have thought he was pounding them down when we weren't looking

[@aaronsnatic2446]

Got a lot first in that first hunt...LOL! All part of our great sport. I was wondering about the Black Ducks, then I heard you said the season was closed...bucket list bird for me! Hope our opener in Louisiana goes good in a couple of weeks.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Hope y'all smack them down there this season! Are you seeing many birds showing up yet? I'll trade you a black duck for one of those mottled ducks y'all get!

[@aaronsnatic2446]

@@HokeOutdoors where I hunt now mottled are around but pretty scarce. Maybe we can work a deal out down the road, you never know.

[@zachwhite4200]

That’s what dreams are made of right there!

[@HokeOutdoors]

It truly felt like something I was gonna wake up from at any moment!

[@gosilentoutdoors2094]

Wish I could be their to hear the sounds of wings swooping that close!

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was like nothing else I’ve ever heard! Now I get why people refer to them as little fighter jets..

[@DuckGunChronicles]

Awesome hunt Thomas! Enjoyed it

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jordo!

[@topwater8283]

My biggest pet peeve is when ducks are working, it’s dead calm, and someone goes “wait wait wait” loud asf…. Like coooome on bro

[@lethalxe3724]

Man was having so much fun he couldn’t stop falling

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha that’s right! Nothing wrong with a few spills if you’re having a good time while doing it

[@MafiaSalet69er]

That's awesome dude!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Stephane!

[@Tveita1994]

My man can bearly walk 😂😂 good hunt

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha thanks man! Takes a little while to get used to walking in a swamp spot like this

[@bloodline.hunt.967]

Killer hunt man, they were doin it dirty!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yessir! It was beautiful to watch them commit like they did!

[@tristancrowley910]

The north carolina coast will always be one of my favorite places to hunt.

[@HokeOutdoors]

It's pretty quickly becoming a favorite of mine too!

[@mikemcedward6218]

Great hunt thanks for sharing

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@joerobbins3690]

That was awesome! Beautiful spot!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Joe! A swamp spot like that will always hold a special place in my heart!

[@joerobbins3690]

When you said impoundment central, lol. Me and my son have gotten drawn for two of those impoundments for January. Really looking forward to it.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Hope y'all smash them down there! What impoundments did you get drawn for if you don't mind me asking?

[@joerobbins3690]

J Morgan Futch for Jan. 8th and North River for Jan. 22. We’ve been to Futch before. Only duck I have mounted came from there, Drake Ringneck. Always look forward to hunting with son, he’s the one that got me into waterfowl.

[@virginiaswampboys199]

Y’all crushed it! Nice.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Seeing many birds up your way yet?

[@virginiaswampboys199]

@@HokeOutdoors Just a few. Still mostly woodies though. Some mallards packed in some private areas. As soon as the impoundments get flooded, they’ll be gone.

[@imahunterdealwithit3486]

That’s probably the craziest duck hunt I’ve ever seen

[@HokeOutdoors]

It was the craziest action I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing!

[@ShotgunMike]

Great hunt, guys. My old lab Daisy woulda had a field day. We didn’t get many days like that in northern Ohio! I’ve got some videos of Daisy workin. She’s completely deaf now, at 11 years old from all the shooting over her head I suppose. Anyway, great hunt, great video.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank brother! Days like this are few and far between down here as well. I'll have to check out the videos of Daisy on your page! Always something special about watching a dog work

[@TheJeffpanda]

Thats the duckman’s baptism there!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yessir that's right!

[@chriss3229]

Great video. Keep it up 💪

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Chris!

[@skuzeonpc1258]

we have ducks like crazy in Indiana right now same with the honkers you guys should have a great season

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear it man! You been out hunting much recently?

[@samb9567]

First time on your channel, that drone you used to scout is pretty cool!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sam! It's probably my favorite scouting tool, being able to get the aerial perspective and not disturb the birds is a huge benefit in my opinion

[@carsonito852]

Youll be friends with those boys for life.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yessir, lifelong memories and friends hopefully!

[@adrianlouviere7650]

That's the way to do it. Congrats.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@judgeroyal2384]

Had my first duck hunt this morning. Definitely made me hungry for more. Shot 2 drake wood ducks and two hens. Already addicted

[@HokeOutdoors]

Congrats man that's an awesome first hunt! Hope you have a great rest of the season!

[@vico.2514]

Well that will get ya hooked on duck hunting. Lucky first duck hunt. Lol at all the falling.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha yeah if that doesn’t get ya hooked nothing will

[@grant0410]

Props to you guys for that shooting, they can be hard to hit when they’re in that close and that fast.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! It was definitely a different shooting challenge than anything I've experienced before but it was a fun test of reflexes

[@StollOutdoors]

This was sick dude! Sick a god video! This is why u hunt!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Absolutely agreed!

[@RDReynoldsOutdoors]

lol walking in the marsh brings back memories lol

[@HokeOutdoors]

Rite of passage for a new waterfowler!

[@RDReynoldsOutdoors]

@@HokeOutdoors I remember every one stepping out of a boat they where knee deep I set out and go waist deep 😂

[@OvertimeGamers218]

Man thats a hunt of a lifetime landing so close you can catch one

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yessir it was a special one! Wish I had brought a net to try and snag one

[@sammylacks4937]

Awesome hunt Thomas. When they come in like that a long handled tennis racket might be best. As many birds you and your buddies take during the season do you often take banded birds. I was lucky enough to get a greenhead once that was wearing a Jack Miner Band. Miner established a refuge on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. He called it the mission and the ducks and geese they banded he called missionaries. Each band has a short Bible quote and I have not heard of a Atlantic flyway hunter taking one other than me. I d like to say I had that missionary mounted with that band but no. Congrats on first mallard. Sweet looking spot.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sam!

[@zachpritchard4350]

Freaking awesome video!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Zach!!

[@hugeblue]

Great Hunt ! Love to duck hunt! Chas.,SC

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Billy! How's the season been down there this year?

[@mewolf1]

I really hope you picked all the empties you could find. Lots of them floating around.

[@HokeOutdoors]

We picked them all up and then double checked behind us! We promised the landowner we'd leave the area spotless and we did our best to follow through with that

[@mewolf1]

@@HokeOutdoors Nice! Awesome mentoring new hunters too. Well done.

[@henrymccann7963]

Safe to say Logan had a great first hunt loll

[@chrissidor1632]

Awesome video👌

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Chris!

[@danpalfreyman3502]

that kid took a few baths. I am glad that I am not the only one.

[@BloodTrailerOutdoors]

Man awesome video

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@TheCoastalGunner]

awesome hunt brother...i died laughing every time he busted his ass in the water.....good thing its not January lol

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha thanks Larry! It was funny to get to watch but I did feel a little bad after the 2nd and 3rd time.. hopefully the swamp legs come quick for him

[@TheCoastalGunner]

@@HokeOutdoors he didn't seem to upset...heck with that hunt I wouldn't be either

[@samboyce7264]

3:43 😂😂 happens to the best of us

[@HokeOutdoors]

If you haven’t fallen like that you haven’t been doing it for long enough!

[@alirida4321]

Gd morning and nice shot👍💪

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@TacoRios]

Good stuff!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@a1_soicy416]

Love from NC 💯 910/919 good hunting out here. Small game and waterfowl/ migratory birds are my fav to hunt 🤙

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! You been able to get out at all yet this season?

[@a1_soicy416]

@@HokeOutdoors yessirski. Couple squirrels here and there, plenty of doves, and I'm going big duck hunting soon. First mallard drake going up on a full mount asap