Kayak Duck Hunting On A Bog | First Time Working A Retriever

I spent this past summer working up in MN for Cory at DRC Calls and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to train Tilly almost everyday during that time. So when I had the opportunity to take her out for a solo kayak duck hunt I was buzzing at the opportunity to get her some retrieves. We headed out to a public land area I had never hunted before and quickly found out why hunting on a bog can be quite a treacherous adventure. The morning flight wasn't crazy but Tilly got to pickup a mixed bag of ducks and I learned a ton while working her. Just having the opportunity to spend a morning in the marsh with her made this one of my favorite duck hunts I've ever been on. Hope you enjoy!
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[@ggw7948]

If you get the opportunity to water swat youve done your job. Fooled the ducks enough to commit and land. No shame in that at all.

[@Northtexas.catfishing]

And they die faster very humane

[@flights7601]

​@@Northtexas.catfishing wrong not all the time

[@Northtexas.catfishing]

Yea they do when you shoot blackcloud #2s they destroy dog just saying I don't miss I've been hunting 13 years every season...I'm 26

[@ggw7948]

Youre right. Easier to hit ducks on the water but harder to kill. Unless you get a head or neck shot its hard to get pellets to penetrate through their wings.

[@flights7601]

@@Northtexas.catfishing I have been duck hunting for 17 years and I have maybe water swatted 4 ducks in my life just because I mainly hunt divers and every diver I have seen water swatted eats it and swims off or divers under and then gets lost or just takes more shots. I'd rather get good shots off in the air and then do a finisher on the water

[@jerrylockard6948]

Tilly did a great job today! Really enjoyed watching her work. Also, a great video.👍

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jerry! I appreciate you watching!

[@slyflyby]

Another great video Thomas and hunting with a Lab! That swampy bog makes for the toughest conditions for you and Tilly. Couple of dog tips to help you and any dog duck hunting. No dog can mark what they can't see sitting at heel.(realise almost impossible in these conditions) In setting up for a blind retrieve it helps to have a verbal que ,mine is "dead" (Dog then knows to take your hand line at heel. Handling and casting on water is always more difficult than on land. Holding your cast will help your signal to your dog. If possible, it helps to have your dog Both down wind so they can use nose and sight. Please take these tips in Only a positive manner. As always I look forward to watching your channel. All young guys should follow your example as a waterfowl hunter.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sly! I appreciate your insight as usual! I wasn’t frustrated with her by any means, I was just glad that towards the end of the hunt she was holding casts better than she did earlier on. As you noted as well these were very tough conditions for her which combined with my lack of handling experience made for some challenging situations

[@fourlefts7909]

I've enjoyed your channel for a few years now and I appreciate your genuine and "down to earth content". Wishing you much more success from Canada!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you very much! How has your season been up there so far this year?

[@fourlefts7909]

@@HokeOutdoors Early goose was good. Limit of woodies on duck opener. Looks like some goose migration starting to happen. Southern Ontario

[@blackdogsonly6292]

She wasn't casting because she can't SEE YOU!!! You are in camo, standing in a bunch of cattails, gives her no chance. And yes, definitely rookie not bringing a whistle.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yep, I thought that was pretty obvious. Not much I can do to change that situation when the whole place is a cattail bog though..

[@coopernickerson7470]

It was fun watching the new dog finding the birds. Don’t listen to those criticizing the waterswatting as it is most efficient way not destroying breast meats. Good job Thomas. Psst I have been waterswatting for over 50 years lol.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Cooper! I don’t plan on stopping water swatting anytime soon!

[@coprilettodelnapoli5466]

What is waterswatting? (I'm not american). Does it means that you shoot the duck firm on water?

[@coopernickerson7470]

@@coprilettodelnapoli5466 you got it.

[@jonathanbartle8566]

Man keep making your videos there great you make me wish I could be with you having fun hunting with you

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother!

[@BonbonSniper]

Your skills in hunting ducks are extraordinary, brother, success always greetings from Indonesia

[@Riverridgekennels-j4b]

Your the best duck youtuber I watched and tilly did amazing

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you much! It was a special morning getting to hunt with Tilly!

[@chucksmith5002]

I have no problem Water Swatting the cost of Shells and trying to put food on the table. Tilly I think she done great. Enjoyed it Thomas

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Chuck! Agreed about the water swatting!

[@austinmilan4001]

I wouldn’t call her back for a heel after she fell in lol, not fair to her with the environment you’re in, I would also not wait so long to send her. Every second you’re wasting to send her, she’s losing memory of where that mark fell. She’s a great dog though! Definitely a stud with awesome manners

[@austinmilan4001]

Unless you just had her where she couldn’t see lol then I would tell you to buy her a stand, they weigh next to nothing and will keep her out of the water and mud in between retrieves

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Austin! That’s what I felt like too, it wasn’t like she was trying to break, just an unfortunate circumstance with how that bog is. I definitely should’ve brought the dog stand for her though, I just didn’t realize quite how soft it would be since I’d never hunted that spot before

[@rdevaughn22]

"Say what you want about water swatting...." I like to see people taking swats- If you're looking to eat a duck, it's the least likely way to put pellets in the breast. We inevitably get plenty of chances to prove we can shoot with shots on the wing. A swat is the highest percentage, and therefore most ethical shot you can take.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Couldn’t put it any better than this, if you like eating duck you’ll never pass a bird on the water

[@kadinrich9812]

Love the content can’t wait for when duck season comes in where you stay at😁

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Kadin!

[@stephenstrong119]

Outdoor limits n high prairie should b taking notes.

[@HighPrairieSportsmen]

A dog's not conducive to how I hunt most times.

[@kraigkaatz6858]

Great hunt... Tilly did really good

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Kraig!

[@MLef111]

Another amazing hunt Thomas, have you thought of ever getting yourself a dog ?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Maurice! I would like to get a dog, hopefully it’ll happen soon. I wanted to get some training experience first though before I jumped into owning a puppy

[@benblazek3305]

Keep water swatting! You will never run into a deer hunter that only shoots at running deer so that it's sporting

[@HokeOutdoors]

Exactly right, if someone doesn’t like waterswatting that’s fine but I’ve yet to hear a logical argument against it

[@fidiusjwhoopie]

now you're hunting(with a Lab) awesome, what woody/teal calls do you have?

[@HokeOutdoors]

I’m using a Polk patterns teal call and duck commander woodie call

[@roblacitinola866]

She did great !! She may not be seeing your casts real good, might want to get out of the reeds to work her. She'll see you better... Might help- She did really well !!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Rob! It was definitely hard for her to see my casts given that I was in the cattails but unfortunately with it being a bog I couldn’t get out much. I thought she killed it though!

[@roblacitinola866]

@@HokeOutdoors Oh, that's right, I forgot about the bog deal!! Really enjoy your stuff, I like the fact that you don't spend all your time talking about companies that pay you to promote their stuff...Stay real buddy!

[@ALAHOME]

Awesome dog man!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ethan!

[@dillonwhitehead69]

You told me there was gonna be a new video coming out today and all I’ve been doing is waiting, we need more content brother !!!!!!!!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Gonna have more coming out soon!

[@mom-lw5nx]

She did awesome..she so cute. Look like a blast

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! Was a great morning!

[@After5Outdoors]

Well if you know Cory, then you have probably met my buddy Scott..

[@trashpandafighter8376]

Dog will take your game to the next level. Lot of extra work in prep, but the reward happens every time they get a bird. Especially when they save you by finding a cripple. LOL Tilly did a great job!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Working on getting a dog, just trying to be in a financially sound position before I jump into it

[@trashpandafighter8376]

@@HokeOutdoors If I were you I would just keep renting Tilly. 😂

[@virginiaswampboys199]

👍

[@nasserkuzbari2205]

WOW... amazing video as usual. The dog did a great job today. Are you using #4? One time I was in NC or SC hunting at a similar bog and I fell down into the deep water. Luckily I was still wearing my life vest and was able to get back on solid ground with a bit of struggle...pretty scary. How do you like your new waders? Keep making great videos. Thanks.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Nasser! I was using #2 shot I believe. Those bogs are no joke, the east coast has some wicked swamps but these up here are like nothing I’ve ever seen. Glad you made it out of that situation alright though!

[@jeremymatlock2049]

Bro that must be a great feeling not having to get-up-and-go grab every duck

[@FAFO_24]

I thought the same but at the same time you're having to babysit a dog and bring him/her out there in crappy terrain. Seems like more trouble to me tbh

[@jeremymatlock2049]

@@FAFO_24 i have a black lab and i cant image hunting with out one now.. saves me so much walking . And someone to talk to when its slow 🤙🤙

[@HokeOutdoors]

I’d be hunting with Tilly ever day for the rest of the season if she was my dog. Really made me realize what I was missing out on

[@jeremymatlock2049]

@@HokeOutdoors heck ya ..they are so fun to have . I won't ever duck hunt without a dog ever again

[@BootTrackStories]

Awesome hunt. Dogs are awesome but they do make hunts more complicated. I like simple hunts.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! I think it’s worth the extra work but they can surely be a handful sometimes

[@maxstambaugh]

It is Federally illegal to shoot while your boat is moving. Even if you are chasing a cripple.

[@daniellawcock693]

enjoy the videos ill be out this weekend for Michigan season opener what kind of camcorder are you running been wanting to do some filming of my own

[@tracyelsinger1088]

Don't listen to the cranks who dislike water swatting birds. It's more ethical than wingshooting in my opinion.

[@WiltshireSportingShooter]

Absolutely smashing it mate, good effort 🤟

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ed!

[@wesleywalker1682]

Have a pocketful of rocks with you. Give the dog a cast, then toss one in the direction you want her to go. They go for the splash.

[@LawsonTrawick]

Do you mostly hunt public land? I have a hard time finding private land that people are willing to share. And the public land here in Ga isn’t the best. Any tips?

[@HokeOutdoors]

I hunt a mix of both but mainly public up here in MN. On the east coast I've found that the key to public land is getting off the beaten path. There's just so many hunters that the easy to access areas get overrun and don't hold much for birds

[@rightousman]

Really liked this video. Looked like a lot of fun.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Dan! It was a blast getting to hunt with Tilly

[@braydenedwards10]

Hey man I love the video. Trying to find spots like that around me

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Brayden!

[@cornbread6158]

I respect the water swat for some reason can’t kill my wood ducks with a water swat my buddy has the same issue

[@HOEHN5]

Have u thought about getting another secondary kayak w more stability? I've got a 119, and a MX predator

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yeah I think I’ll get a nucanoe once I get a dog of my own

[@billdoms1579]

Its so nice to watch a video where the dog actually handles. Good job.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Bill!

[@stephenstrong119]

Good 4 u.....the dog adds so much to the experience n u will lose less birds....u should keep her.

[@HokeOutdoors]

I wish I could but she’s already someone else’s dog! As soon as Cory has another litter though I’m getting one

[@TheSioutdoors]

we have one of those bogs here, except its lilly pads and not cat tails

[@samdoyle5880]

I know you won't (nor should you) give your exact location but what state were you hunting in? Thanks for another well made video.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sam! This was up in MN, I’m working up here for the next couple months

[@samdoyle5880]

@@HokeOutdoors thanks

[@carlvinson8606]

Super job handling Tilly and great way to scratch a limit out.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Carl!

[@Masterwokeyman]

Hey dawg, how did Tilly get her name, do a vid on Tilly, ieeeee, lol

[@Betterdayswest]

what shotgun you shooting?

[@georgepitsakis5729]

Awesome video! What sort of kayak do you use?

[@RichGann]

Angle back. Also, if you were in camo against that backdrop could have been hard to see ya.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haven’t worked with her on angled back casts yet, was polishing up with T drill towards the end of the summer. The camo and cattail backdrop definitely made it tough on her too

[@naturalonenaturalone8996]

nice chem trails at the opening of the vid.

[@craignelson3243]

Nice video. you can always guarantee anytime you leave your spread or start picking up the dekes the birds will start flying. When we hunted floating bogs we never worried if we dropped birds behind us on the bogs. I had a big- 110lb chocolate lab who always found those birds. It might take him 20 minutes to find the duck but he always did.

[@hondaboat]

Awsome video bro, and your shooting is amazing... also what gun is that that your using I'm curious 🤔

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! It’s a Franchi Affinity 3

[@hondaboat]

@@HokeOutdoors thx for letting me know lol because I'm looking for a new gun lol

[@MrFisher65]

Any reason you aren’t wearing the high and drys anymore? Curious to know if they held up for you- am on the fence about them and my usual 120-180 dollar range that I only expect a year out of.

[@putragultom3210]

Anjingnya beli dimana om 🤣

[@aydnmarangoz2643]

yaşıyorsun bu hayatı

[@muddycreeksportsman8574]

Awesome job working tilly out there! Think I might send my dog Joe up to you next haha

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks buddy! I’m sure you’ll kill it with Joe’s training though

[@muddycreeksportsman8574]

@@HokeOutdoors Oh yeah hes a good pup Im just letting him enjoy life , in 2 months ill start it he will be 6 months old

[@avansolkema]

Trying to educate. Not sure about Canada laws, but in most US states, isn't it illegal to hunt from a boat underway regardless of power source be it motor/oar/paddle/wind?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Negative, in every state I’ve hunted it’s legal to shoot from a boat as long as you’re under paddle power

[@FAFO_24]

a lot of the time he is in a river in the kayak and it has current. It would be impossible to come to a complete stop in current. But i've seen game wardens give out tickets for dumber reasons.

[@140PatrolWaterfowl]

Lol classic bottomless MN duck swamp 😂

[@HokeOutdoors]

Unfortunately I’m learning that is the norm up here

[@140PatrolWaterfowl]

@@HokeOutdoors especially northern MN, it’s all bottomless rice bog and peat ground

[@timmaxx2188]

I’m new to the hunting idea would it be legal to hunt fowl with a 10shot stoeger even if the limit is only 3

[@HokeOutdoors]

You would need to have a plug in the magazine that restricts the capacity to two shells in the tube

[@aaronharo3261]

What shot cam are you using man?

[@keithloving5521]

Nice job,on Friday is early season in Virginia am hopeing for the best. great job working tilly

[@JAMIEHANNAHDUFFY]

Shot them flying not on the water ,give the duck some chance

[@HokeOutdoors]

They taste the same if they're shot off the water or in the air. I'm out there to have fun, decoy birds, and get food

[@FAFO_24]

I'm lucky to even see one bird on a hunt so I'm definitely all for water swatting. Seems like the more ethical thing to do also.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Agreed, I’ve still yet to hear one logical reason for why water swatting is unethical

[@ALAHOME]

@@HokeOutdoors The above Text+ is the spam, right?

[@HokeOutdoors]

@@ALAHOME yep, it’s a common scam on KZbin unfortunately. I’m working on resolving it

[@nugosan]

Hi , I really like your hunting videos.

[@samvanandel3442]

what kayak is that? Thanks!

[@dustinshaw2419]

Nice job working with Tilly!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Dustin!

[@عمردغيم-ي9ذ]

😍😍😍😍

[@bobgiles2971]

Good day she is going to be a great dog congrats

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Bob!

[@nonorahardi1760]

🐕‍🦺😭

[@michaelpolidoro2216]

What kayak are you using while running your lab?

[@HokeOutdoors]

I hunt out of a Old Town Discovery 119

[@anthonyclem107]

Bring a bunch of small rocks just big enough to make a splash. That way when you have a bunch of water swat birds, you can throw the rock at the bird and it will be easier for Tilly to mark

[@jeetts59]

I’ve never seen a hunter shoot ducks sitting on the water

[@HokeOutdoors]

Is it illegal in Australia or just not something people do?

[@يومياتمهاجرعراقي-ح1ك]

good morning

[@tonycrotty3070]

Nice job my man! ❤ Tilly!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Tony! Really appreciate you letting me borrow her for the morning

[@iancunningham3771]

The content has been fire keep it up

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Ian! More coming soon!

[@flyingnittanylion]

what shot cam are you using?

[@HokeOutdoors]

On this hunt I was using a Shotkam Gen 3

[@henryroop3671]

I’ve noticed the wood ducks always seem to key in on their own decoys when you’ve got a mixed decoy spread out. They usually land right on top of em

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yep I’ve noticed the same thing. Canvasbacks are the same way

[@jimm.9523]

Great hunt! Can't wait until our opener.

[@tylerhebbron7798]

What kayak are you using here?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Old Town Discovery 119

[@tylerhebbron7798]

@@HokeOutdoors I actually went back and watched your video of what Kayak you should consider buying and that answered my question. But thank you for the reply!

[@JesusR510]

Where did you get the jet sled with the cover?

[@HokeOutdoors]

It’s a beavertail sled and some of them come with the cover

[@j.t4030]

Buen video..

[@jacobroper702]

Hey what kind of choke do you have in your gun

[@HokeOutdoors]

Carlsons light modified

[@jacobroper702]

@@HokeOutdoors thank you I appreciate much

[@maxstambaugh]

To my knowledge it is illegal to shoot when your boat is moving. Maybe check state regs

[@mikeconway8006]

Only w a motor!! If your using a paddle like he was it's completely legal

[@maxstambaugh]

@@mikeconway8006 Please read state regs. You are considered the motor. You are not allowed to shoot while being propelled forward or backwards by anything .

[@mikeconway8006]

@@maxstambaugh just read my state regs again and it perfectly legal to use a paddle or oars in Indiana! Idk about your state but it's been like that for all 27 years I've been duck hunting

[@mikeconway8006]

Also legal in Virginia

[@maxstambaugh]

@@mikeconway8006 federal law prohibits shooting from a moving boat. Even if you are chasing a cripple.

[@flyingdutchmanesp-115]

i hate when you shoot them and they are still in the water. great video tho

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks, why do you hate the water swats though? It’s the most ethical way to shoot a bird in my opinion

[@flyingdutchmanesp-115]

@@HokeOutdoors because the bird doesnt have any option at all. When hes flying he still hows the option to be alive,

[@dillonwhitehead69]

also I breed labs for hunting dogs in Idaho, if you want your own

[@jzdank1981]

Great video opening with illegal activities… It is illegal to shoot at a duck from a moving boat. Even if it’s a cripple

[@HokeOutdoors]

Lol you might want to look over the MN waterfowl regulations again. It explicitly states that you can shoot from a floating watercraft as long as you’re not under motor or sail power

[@jzdank1981]

@@HokeOutdoors you might want to look up federal regulations

[@pastormiketwoable]

dorks shoot ducks on the water

[@HokeOutdoors]

Give me one logical reason why I shouldn’t shoot ducks on the water?

[@SaltyKoalaBear]

Daddy's money is really doing wonders for your hunting season!

[@user-lh7ff7tj1x]

Well aren't you salty.

[@ronracz9145]

Why a comment like that??

[@hawgpursuit_tv3708]

Get out of here with your negative bs

[@HokeOutdoors]

Lol living up to your name yet again! Go buy a DRC goose or duck call so I can get paid a little more this month and then maybe I’ll come hunt your home state next