Hi Everyone,
I am an adult onset hunter who has focused on big and small game. Hunting waterfowl has always interested me and I am ready to take the plunge. I have done a bunch of research but have a few general questions and no mentors to learn from. I know I can read all day but would prefer some practical experience. I live in and primarily hunt around the Okanagan and have identified a couple of low elevation public access wetlands that I want to scope out to prepare for my first waterfowl hunt. The one main issue I have identified is that the low elevation hunting areas are few and far between, quite small in size and as such I expect them to be quite busy. I know the chances of me showing up and potentially pissing some people off with my ignorance is likely but I would like to try and avoid it where possible. When setting up how much room do you typically give other hunters? In the bush when I see a truck parked I move on to another area but in a small wetland that isn't possible.
Another question I have is how essential is the use of decoys?
Any guidance you can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for taking me under your wing (pun intended).
Kuiper