Waterfowl Hunting can be tricky business and hunters need the skillful knowledge of how to use their duck and goose calls to be able to return overloaded with waterfowl game.

How long have calls been around? The first duck calls were simple woodwind instruments that emitted duck-like sounds and these have been discovered in the far east as far back as 1678! However, the first patent for a duck call was awarded to Elam Fisher in 1870. After this David Fuller applied for a goose call patent in 1885. Changing the entire waterfowl game and causing an explosion of marketable duck and geese calls for an entire decade!

Now that we have a bit of knowledge you can use to impress your fellow waterfowlers, you may have noticed that Tj uses three different calls.

The first, His duck call- is no longer being manufactured. But you can get a very similar product called the Mankoff double reed duck call. Though Tj’s is complete plastic- this has both!

The second is the Zink Mallard Drake whistle. This allows Tj to make the whistling calls a little easier, and anybody who knows Tj, also knows that he swears by Zink’s calls.

The last and most expensive call is Tj’s Money Maker goose call, also by Zink. Made of Acrylic and designed to be as loud as possible this call is perfect for attracting Canadian geese!

We hope that you fall in love with these calls as much as Tj has!

But in all my time with loving dogs, I have learned that there are some dogs that are just talented at retrieving and others are just adorable fluff that stare at you when you tell them to fetch.

So, in an order to give some information; that way you can avoid having the difficult realization of why your Greyhound is good at retrieving a tennis ball, but won’t go into the water to save his own life. Here are a few dog breeds that are excellent hunters.

Labrador Retriever

Interesting fact: The most popular dog in America was not bred for waterfowl hunting- it was bred for fishing first! They have a special water-resistant coat that doesn’t get weighed down and it also allows them to keep really warm!

Labs also are amazing swimmers and sprinters, dropping from a sitting position to a 12 MPH run in order to retrieve prey! If you are looking for a hunting companion, the Lab is a great addition to your hunting party!

Golden Retriever

Much like the lab, this family-friendly pup has roots in hunting history, originally being called “Yellow Labs” and started hunting with early waterfowlers in Scotland!

Their loyal personality and high levels of intelligence make them super easy to train!

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Want a dual-purpose animal? This pup doubles as a decoy! No joke! This dog lures in ducks with their energetic personality and ever wagging tail to bring in ducks within range. Check out the video below if you doubt me.

Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)

This ancient breed spans a hunting legacy that goes back to the time of the Austro-Hungarian empire, around 1867. Quickly recognized for their hunting abilities in the United States the Vizsla became a welcome addition to hunting families.

This dog is great for hunters that live in apartments as they are known for adapting well in city living and apartment conditions! As long as they get an hour worth of activity (like most dogs) these dogs keep their cool in small living spaces!

As a general rule, I was always taught that the deeper you go out in the woods- the more first aid you should bring. As a camper my first aid kits are simple, basic bandages, wound management, and medications. But as exploring hunting and realizing that there is a fair amount of risk involved in the hobby. I have managed to find some suggestions to advance a basic kit into a first aid kit suitable for hunters.

Wound Management:

Flesh wounds are one of the more dangerous occurrences while hunting. From getting cut on rocks, or branches, to accidental knife wounds. These wounds can cause some serious pain, and depending on the severity of life-threatening outcomes.

One of the lesser-known wound management products is Celox or Quickclot products. These products, also called hemostatic agents, quickly help to clot up blood until medical help can be found.

In the case of more serious injuries, like a gunshot wound, your top priority should be stopping the bleeding, before going out in the wilderness I would suggest getting training in tourniquets as well. There is the myth that they are too dangerous to use, however- knowing that a victim of a gunshot could bleed out within 5 to 8 minutes puts the phrase “Life over Limb” to good use.

Also, when used properly tourniquets not only save lives but don’t always mean amputation. Most victims that receive help within two hours do not need to have a limb amputated.

Bandages:

On the topic of wounds, bandages are an important part of helping wounds clot up. Basic kits usually include a variety of band-aids. But with hunters needing to save as much space in their pack one thing that might be suggestable for smaller cuts and scrapes would be to invest in wound seal powder. This powder creates a simple seal that replaces a need for a typical bandage. Freeing up a lot of space within a first aid kit. However, it should be noted that pressure bandages, butterfly bandages, and gauze pads should still be within the kit.

Medications:

Medications are a must when talking about first aid kits, outside of prescription medications and Epi-pens. I would add Electrolyte tablets, cough drops, afterbite cream, burn cream, a painkiller, allergy meds, and Orajel.

Tools:

A multi-use pocket knife is vital to any hunters back, however- when considering wound care there is another vital tool that is not thought about nearly as often: A lighter. A lighter is a useful tool when paired with the knife in order to sterilize the knife, or any other tool if needed.

The other tool that is good to have in your kit is a water purifier, I like the Lifestraw because it is compact, easy to use, and it is affordable! The Lifestraw uses a hollow fiber filter that has holes smaller than bacteria and parasites, allowing it to trap 99.9% of all containments in the water. Giving you nice safe water to drink! You can check out Lifestraw by clicking this link here!

For the dogs:

A lot of hunters also have their animals with them. If you have your favorite hunting partner with you it is advisable to also carry needs for your furry buddy. These suggestions include pediatric Benedryl, buffered aspirin, and a travel-size bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide.

Knowledge:

Surviving in the wilderness is also based on what you know and understand. There are several books that one can study in order to learn survival skills and for the brave- classes are also available in many different states!

My personal favorite book is “Survival Medicine & First Aid: The Leading Prepper’s Guide to Survive Medical Emergencies in Tough Survival Situations” by Beau Griffin as well as “The Natural First Aid Handbook: Household Remedies, Herbal Treatments, and Basic Emergency Preparedness Everyone Should Know” by Brigitte Mars.

Note: This post is NOT intended to be a final or complete guide, or to serve as a replacement for any sort of formal medical advice. Above all: review, refresh and remain prepared. Also, this post contains affiliate links.