15 Essentials for a Duck Hunting Blind Bag by Randy Rowley 12/3/21 ©

I recommend a floating camo blind bag.  They’re not waterproof, but if your blind bag gets knocked off your boat it won’t sink, unless you have a lot of weight in it.  If you’re never going to hunt from a boat, you can get by with a non-floating version.

If you’re going to duck hunt around water, I recommend a floating camo blind bag.  They’re not waterproof, but if your blind bag gets knocked off your boat it won’t sink, unless you have a lot of weight in it.  If you’re never going to hunt from a boat, you can get by with a non-floating version.

I used a three compartment Rig ‘Em Right Waterfowl Standard Shell Shocker blind bag for many years, until all of the zippers stopped working.  I recently replaced it with a smaller (two-compartment) ALPS OutdoorZ floating blind bag.  Its more compact size takes up less room on my kayak, and I was still able to squeeze everything that I need in it.

I recommend the following minimum gear to put in your blind bag (in order of importance):

1. Waterproof head lamp or cap light. If you can’t see where you’re going you’re probably dead in the water.  Always have a spare light.  Spare batteries are good to have, but if you can’t see your light’s battery compartment to replace them they won’t help you.  I am currently using a Streamlight 61425 Enduro Pro 200-Lumen LED Headlamp.  It’s adequate, although I wish that I’d bought a brighter one, such as the Black Diamond Spot 400 (400 Lumens) Headlamp.
2. Two boxes of steel shot (Winchester Xpert/Remington Sportsman/Federal Waterfowl/Kent FASTEEL Loads steel shot or HEVI-Steel shotgun shells, for three-inch chambers (if your gun is also chambered for three inches), in 2, 3, or 4 shot. Get the 1300 – 1500 FPS variants with 1 1/4 oz. of shot (in 12 gauge), as you’ll have more shot and you’ll have a better pattern.  10 gauges and 3 ½” shells in 3 1/2 inch-chambered 12 gauges are overkill for ducks.  Steel shot (if of adequate size) will kill ducks – there is no need for HEVI-shot, Tungsten, Bismuth, etc.  You’ll pay a lot more for those shells and they aren’t needed.
3. At least one bandoleer to hold your shotgun shells. I like the Avery PowerPak that clips to your waders and Avery Powerbelt.  The PowerPak no longer is available, but the Banded Neoprene Shell Pack is very similar to it.
4. Electronic earmuffs (recommended) or ear plugs. I presently use the Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff.
5. Duck calls (at least a hen mallard call and a whistle) on a duck hunting lanyard. My favorite call is a Duck Commander original Classic Commander, similar to their RDC100 Duck Call.  My whistle is a Duck Commander, similar to their Late Season Duck Call.
6. Extra shotgun chokes. I usually keep improved cylinder in my gun and have modified and full in my blind bag, unless I’ll likely be pass shooting – in which case I’ll have modified in my gun.  I presently use Carlson Extended Waterfowl Chokes.
7. A jerk rig for days when there is no wind and your decoys look like statues. I presently us a Avery Jerk Cord Decoy Motion Control Kit.
8. Bug repellent. I prefer Deep Woods Sportsmen OFF!.
9. Face masks – a mesh one for warmer weather and a fleece one for colder weather. For mesh, I prefer a Hunters Specialties 3/4 Facemask.  For fleece, I prefer a BASSDASH Winter Balaclava Fleece Ski Mask.
10. Drinks and snacks. At a minimum, I take a bottled water.  For snacks, I prefer Jack Links Peppered Jerky and Fisher Deluxe Mixed Nuts.
11. A basic gun cleaning kit (cleaning rod and brush, solvent, oil, and a wire brush), such as the Hoppe’s Shotgun Cleaning Kit.
12. 10×42 or 8×42 waterproof/fogproof/shockproof roof prism binoculars from a brand that offers a lifetime warranty, such as Vortex, Burris, Nikon, and Leupold (Vortex has a forever, transferable, warranty).  If your binoculars fog up they’re worthless.  Roof prism binoculars are more compact, lighter, and easier to hold than porro prism binoculars.  I use a pair of Vortex Sidewinder’s, the predecessor to the Vortex Diamondback’s for duck hunting.  Also include a Vortex Fog Free Lens Kit.  Rain and humidity can make the best binoculars fog up.  When that happens use this cleaner on your optic.  It can make the difference between meat in the freezer and an empty one and works far better than spit and your shirt.
13. Spares (carabiners, a couple 6′ long lines with 4 oz. weights, swivels, and decoy line crimps (to attach to decoys in case existing ones get torn off), and electronic earmuff, head lamp or cap light, and motorized teal decoy batteries).
14. A carrying strap or duck hunting lanyard for carrying dead ducks. I prefer the Avery Hunting Floating Duck Strap.
15. Small bungees or zip ties (for securing my camo net to fiberglass rebar or trees).