| Duck Hunting -- Introduction and Duck Blinds |
From "The Outdoor Zone"
episode TOZ-105 |
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Introduction In this episode, of DIY's The Outdoor Zone, we explore the sport of duck hunting, including how to build a duck blind, duck calls, retriever dogs, gear and equipment, waterfowl conservation and how to build duck nesting boxes. Also included is background information on Ducks Unlimited -- a hunter-created organization that works to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and other habitats for waterfowl. Its efforts help ensure the growth of duck populations, and hence duck hunting. According to Jim Nygaard of Ducks Unlimited, if you're interested in getting started in duck hunting, check with your states Department of Natural Resources for a list public areas that can be hunted. You should also check with them about hunting requirements, licensing, access to duck blinds, etc. Ducks and other waterfowl are wary creatures, so successfully hunting them depends to some extent on the ability to stay hidden. Concealment with natural cover (e.g., vegetation), camouflage clothing, and the use of duck blinds are staples of this form of hunting. Duck blinds come in several forms -- either as semi-permanent structures (figure A) built from wood and other building materials or as portable or collapsible structures. A pop-up blind (figure B) is a simple form of concealment favored by some hunters. If you find a favorite hunting location, however, you may want to look into the possibility of erecting a semi-permanent blind.
Building A Blind Duck blinds are camouflaged structures built by hunters for concealing themselves when they hunt ducks. A blind is not a requirement, as there are other forms of hunting besides from a blind, such as hunting from a boat or by wading into flooded woods. But use of a blind is a favored technique among many duck hunters -- especially since this is a cold-weather activity, and a blind will also help keep you warm and dry. Here are some general guidelines for building a simple but functional duck blind. The objective is to prepare all of the building materials, and prefabricate the blind in your yard or driveway, then disassemble it and later re-assemble it at your hunting location. Re-assembly should then require only a cordless drill, screws, hammer and nails. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection -- goggles or safety glasses -- when using power tools.
Here are the tools and materials you'll need: Miter saw
Jig saw
Circular saw
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachment
Nails
3-inch galvanized screws
Plan the size and dimensions of the blind you want, then select and pre-cut your lumber to the appropriate dimensions (figure C). Select and pre-cut the plywood (figure D) for your floors and walls, again following the dimensions you've laid out. Here's a list of the lumber used in our duck blind: Four 4x4 posts
Seven 2x4 studs
Nine 2x6 boards
Four sheets of 1/2-inch plywood
One 4x8 sheet of 5/8-inch plywood
Following are the steps, dimensions and measurements used in building the blind shown in our demonstration:
- Begin by creating a sub-floor with 2x6s. Lay out two 8-foot lengths and nail them to the seven remaining 2x6 joists. Space them 16 inches on center.
- Install the 5/8-inch plywood over the sub-floor to form the floor of the blind (figure E). Holes are pre-cut in each corner of the plywood floor-piece to accommodate the 4x4 posts that will be installed next.
- Use galvanized screws to secure the plywood floor to each joist in the sub-floor (figure F).
- Install the 4x4 posts into the pre-cut squares (figure G). These posts are the supports for the walls and roof. Secure them using 3-inch nails.
- The 4x4 posts are staggered in height to support a sloping roof. The two front posts should be 43 inches in length, while the two in back should be 48. The back posts are cut at the top end with a 25-degree angle-cut (figure H) to set the angle for the sloping roof. Make the angled cuts using a miter saw.
- With the upright 4x4s all in place, frame the structure of the blind using 2x4s. Start by running an 85-inch 2x4 from the top of the right-rear post to the top of the left-rear post. Secure it with 3-inch screws on each side of the 2x4.
- Using 3-inch screws, connect the left-rear 4x4 to the left-front 4x4 with a 48-inch 2x4. Fasten the 2x4 to the top of the front beam. If the 2x4 is level, it will connect to the rear post (figure I) 43 inches above the floor.
- For stability, secure the top and bottom of each 2x4 with 3-inch screws (figure J).
- Connect the two front posts with another 85-inch length of 2x4 (figure K). At this point, the overall structure is beginning to take shape.
- Install the left roof-support by positioning a 53-inch piece of 2x4 midway across the side-support beams. The top of this 2x4 should be cut with a 25-degree angle, just like the rear post.
- A roof support is also installed on the right side, but on this side the 2x4 does not run from the back post to front post, as the one on the left does. On the right side, create a doorway by running a 21-inch length of 2x4 from the back post to the roof support.
- Connect the two roof supports with another 2x4 (figure L) to complete the framing for the blind.
- Next, begin installing the walls. Attach the pre-cut plywood sheets to the back section (figure M), two side sections and the front. Your duck blind now has a floor, front, back, two sides and opening for a door.
- Next, install the roof. The roof is made from 96-inch by 36-inch sheet of plywood. Lay the plywood atop the angle-cut supports (figure N). The 25-degree angle gives the roof its pitch.
- Secure the roof with galvanized screws (figure O).
- With the roof installed, the blind is complete (figure P).
Once the blind has been assembled at the hunting location, cover the openings with camouflage mesh, and cut shooting slits in the mesh. Paint the blind with a dull, flat paint (olive drab, brown, etc.) to match the surroundings. If you like, you can use flat exterior spray-paint in another color to create a camouflage pattern.
RESOURCES :
Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Website: www.ducks.org
161 Waterfowling Secrets: Waterfowling Tips and Advice from Ducks Unlimited Members
Model: 0961727926
Author: Ducks Unlimited Magazine staff, Matt Young (Ed)
Full title: 161 Waterfowling Secrets: Time-Honored, Field-Tested Waterfowling Tips and Advice from Ducks Unlimited Members
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
Website: www.ducks.org
Duck Hunting (Hunting & Fishing Library)
Model: 0865730652
Author: Dick Sternberg, Jeff Simpson
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Successful Duck Hunting: A Look into the Heart of Waterfowling
Model: 0873492153
Author: M. D. Johnson, Julia Johnson (Photographer)
Krause Publications
Website: www.krause.com
North American Waterfowl (National Audubon Society Pocket Guides)
Model: 0679749241
Author: Richard K. Walton
Random House (Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Villard Books, Times Books, Shambhala Publications, Ballantine B
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: 410-848-1900
Fax: 800-659-2436
Email: customerservice@randomhouse.com
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