One of the most popular targets for hunters is the duck. Various species of this waterfowl are widespread in most countries, so everyone has the opportunity to shoot a large number of individuals. There is a wide variety of types of duck hunting. In some of them, hunters will need night optics. It will allow you to do what you love after sunset and in the pre-dawn hours, when natural light is not enough for high-quality aiming and making accurate shots.

Features of duck hunting with NVDs

Duck hunting is an exciting activity that gives each participant unforgettable emotions and allows them to show their hunting abilities. The secret to the success of such an event lies in the details. The hunter must use carefully prepared weapons and the highest quality auxiliary devices to achieve his goals. The latter always includes NVDs. They can provide good visibility in the early morning and late evening and at other times of the day when there is a lack of natural light (for example, in adverse weather conditions). With their help, duck hunting will become more accessible, exciting, and safer.

For this type of hunting, you need an adequately selected weapon. It must comply with legal regulations and all hunter requirements. The same rule applies to ammunition used for shooting ducks. The third important aspect to pay special attention to is the selection of NVDs. Some scopes, binocular or monocular, are suitable for a duck hunter. To qualify as such, the chosen device must meet several criteria that make it possible to shoot waterfowl. The main one is the equipment's ability to provide the user with an image that quickly changes in real-time. The selected night optics must process the image as soon as possible and display it on the screen with a minimum delay. Compliance with this criterion will make it possible to see the goal, regardless of the actions it performs. This will simplify the task even in cases where the hunter’s only chance of success is to kill the duck on takeoff or while lowering into the water. Not all NVDs have the ability to process images quickly. Only the best and most reliable manufacturers can create models with these options and provide them to hunting enthusiasts at an affordable price.

Hunting ducks with night vision equipment is always fun. For this activity to not only give positive emotions but also allow you to get good trophies, you need to consider the behavior of birds at each moment in time. NVDs are often used in the early morning, when the sun has not yet risen, and late evening. At this time, they compensate for the lack of natural light and enable the hunter to see well. Before sunrise, ducks become more active. They are full of strength and energy after rest, so all their actions are fast and sharp. This creates specific difficulties for the hunter since shooting an actively moving bird is much more complex than a stationary target. If you use NVDs, the task will be a little more straightforward. The hunter will be able to see ducks' behavior and predict their actions. At the same time, most waterfowl are more predictable in the morning than in the evening. They perform the same daily activities and rarely change their usual feeding places. It is this feature that is important for a hunter to take into account when choosing the optimal point for shooting. After sunset, ducks become less active. They move pretty slowly and, in some cases, remain entirely motionless. The latter occurs in cases where there is very little daylight and the birds are preparing for rest. At this time, shooting a duck is relatively easy. However, the hunter needs high-quality night optics from a reliable and time-tested manufacturer for this. Only she can cope well with the assigned tasks and will not let the user down at the most crucial moment.

Using various NVDs during duck hunting opens up new opportunities for the hunter. With their help, he can see all the birds in the pond and accurately determine their species. In addition, night optics will also come in handy when searching for a suitable place to set up a shelter. It will allow you to clearly see the surrounding area and safely move even along the most challenging paths near the reservoir. If hunting is carried out from a boat, then night optics will be helpful. It will help you safely swim to a predetermined place and quickly inspect the territory, finding each feathered target.

When hunting ducks, it is essential to remember that these waterfowl are never alone. They live in large flocks, which can number several hundred individuals. In this regard, if you find at least one duck, the rest of the community will be somewhere nearby. Ducks choose relatively small bodies of water as their home sites, with plenty of food for them. They feed mainly on plants but can also enjoy various small aquatic inhabitants. Considering the above, the hunter needs to look for ducks in places that meet all these criteria. If searches are carried out in the dark or poor daylight, then various types of NVDs will help increase the efficiency of such work. They will significantly improve visibility and help you spot potential prey faster.

Benefits of duck hunting with NVDs

Early morning and late evening are excellent times not only for nature walks but also for duck hunting. In this case, hunters will definitely need night optics that can compensate for the lack of natural light during the event. Its capabilities will provide users with many advantages, increasing the chances of completing the hunt.

Advantages of hunting in the wee hours:

1. Early activity of birds. During the first hours allotted by law for the legal shooting of ducks, these waterfowl are very active. Thanks to this, the hunter has many potential targets from which he can choose the most accessible one. In case of poor visibility, various NVDs will come to the rescue. They will help you correctly assess the situation and find optimal goals.
2. Long-term activity of birds. Ducks are active before sunrise and throughout the next few hours. This time will be enough for the hunter to enjoy hunting and get several good trophies. It can be pretty dark on cloudy days, in the predawn hours, and during sunrise, so seeing a potential target is not always possible. Modern night optics from a trusted manufacturer will help solve this problem, providing the hunter with a high-quality and clear picture of the area.
3. Birds' employment. Before dawn and just after sunrise, ducks are busy searching for food. In this regard, they pay little attention to the events around them, allowing the hunter to get as close as possible. In this case, the only problem for successful shooting may be the lack of natural light. Various modern NVDs designed for hunters can compensate for this.

Benefits of hunting after sunset:

1. Reduced bird activity. After sunset, most waterfowl begin preparing for the night. They become less active during this period, and their movements slow down. This simplifies the hunter’s task since shooting a duck during the day is much easier. Just after sunset, there will be enough light to track prey. However, suppose the bird activity is slightly prolonged (for example, due to favorable weather). In that case, the optimal time for hunting will be late evening, when there may not be enough natural light to make accurate shots. In this situation, the only correct solution would be to use various night optics, the characteristics of which meet the requirements of duck hunting.
2. A large concentration of birds. In the evening, ducks gradually gather in their roosting areas. On large bodies of water, the concentration of birds at this time of day can be pretty high, which is why the probability of a miss becomes minimal. The longer you can wait to shoot, the larger the concentration of ducks you can see. Therefore, to increase the chances of success, most hunters prefer to start hunting as late as possible. In this case, it will only be possible to do with NVDs. They compensate for the lack of vision of a person who cannot see usually in the dark.
3. Decrease in temperature. After sunset, the air temperature inevitably begins to drop. This circumstance creates a certain discomfort for lovers of evening walks but becomes an essential factor in the success of a duck hunter. Due to the decrease in temperature, the birds are forced to stay closer to each other, making them an ideal target. The more time passes since sunset, the lower the temperature becomes. Therefore, hunters try to start shooting as late as possible to be able to shoot at large concentrations of ducks. In this case, natural light will not be enough for regular aiming. However, this will be fine with modern NVDs from a reliable manufacturer.

Types of NVDs used during duck hunting

You can use different types of night optics when hunting in the dark for any waterfowl. All of them will expand the hunter’s capabilities, making available those actions that were previously impossible. By correctly using all the privileges, you can maximize your chances of success and get great pleasure from the hunting process. Each device has its purpose and is used by the hunter to achieve specific goals. Therefore, combining different NVDs to maximize capabilities is the most correct solution.

NVDs used by duck hunters:

1. Monocular. For hunters who prefer to target a variety of waterfowl as their primary target, one of the most valuable NVDs is a monocular. It will help you quickly inspect the pond and the surrounding area, finding ducks and birds there. Modern monoculars from a top manufacturer will provide good visibility even in meager light. All of them are characterized by a minimal delay in image processing, which makes it possible to see events occurring in real-time. Many types of monoculars can be helpful for duck hunters. They are equipped with thermal sensors or an electro-optical converter. Models of the first type capture the heat emanating from birds and allow you to see their outlines. In contrast, the second type amplifies the light due to its transformation in an electron-optical converter, creating a brighter and clearer image. Some combined models combine the capabilities of night optics of both types.
2. Binoculars. This NVD is a must-have for duck and other waterfowl hunters. It is similar to a monocular but allows the user to observe with two eyes. This increases the efficiency of such work and makes it more comfortable for the user. There are many types of binoculars designed for night duck hunting. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing one depends on the hunter's needs. Modern models of such night optics have excellent performance characteristics, thanks to which they create a high-quality image that helps to detect ducks quickly. In most cases, binoculars from top manufacturers are supplemented with many useful options that will come in handy for a waterfowl hunter (for example, the presence of a built-in rangefinder will make it possible to determine the distance to ducks and make certain adjustments to the aiming process).
3. Sight. The most important NVD for a hunter is the night vision scope. It is a must-have weapon for anyone who intends to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. Thanks to its capabilities, it will be possible to observe potential prey, aim well, and shoot with a minimal probability of making a mistake. Modern models of such optics, produced by well-known manufacturers, can transmit images with a minimum time delay. Thanks to this, the hunter sees everything that happens on the pond in real-time and can kill ducks, even during their takeoff or landing on the water. Like binoculars/monoculars, scopes from the NVDs category have many valuable additions that allow you to maximize a hunter’s capabilities and increase the likelihood of success.
4. Goggles. One of the most valuable NVDs for hunting is goggles. They work on the same principle as monoculars, binoculars, and sights but are more convenient. They do not occupy the hunter's hands and allow him to perform several actions simultaneously. Such glasses are often used to find the optimal place for shooting. They are also used to detect ducks and determine their approximate distance. For waterfowl hunting, only glasses from a well-known manufacturer are suitable. Such optics will always be as reliable as possible, and everyone will feel comfortable using them. All modern models of night vision goggles have their strengths and weaknesses. Having studied them thoroughly, you can choose the most suitable device for hunting ducks in certain environmental conditions.

Classic night optics and thermal imaging models are equally suitable for duck hunting. The former will be the optimal solution in cases with a slight lack of natural light. Most often, this happens in the pre-dawn hours or after sunset. Thermal imaging NVDs are ideal for nights or terrible weather. They can work effectively even in complete darkness, making duck hunting accessible anywhere and anytime. Another essential feature of such night optics is the ability to see through grass, bushes, and tree branches. Thanks to this, hunters can even detect those ducks that have set up a roosting site in dense thickets. Thermal imaging optics will also be helpful during the day. It will improve visibility in adverse weather conditions that can ruin the hunt. Thus, devices that support thermal imaging technology will benefit from fog, heavy rain, and other natural anomalies.

Safety regulations

Any type of hunting, including those involving different NVDs, requires maximum caution and strict adherence to basic safety rules from each participant. This approach will allow you to enjoy what you love without fear of trouble.

Safety regulations:

1. Any hunting with or without NVDs is always a potentially dangerous activity. The greatest threat comes from the weapons in the hands of each participant in the hunt. To avoid various troubles, operating it strictly with the rules is necessary. It is also recommended to pay attention to the safety measures specified by the weapon manufacturer. When using NVDs, the risk of accidentally shooting another hunter is minimized (due to good visibility of the surrounding area).
2. Very often, ducks and other waterfowl live on the pond. Hunting some of them may be prohibited by law, making it essential to shoot only after accurately identifying the target. If you do not follow this simple rule, you can accidentally shoot a rare bird for killing, and you will have to pay a hefty fine. To reduce the likelihood of such a negative outcome, it is essential to use NVDs. They will help determine the type of bird observed even in deplorable lighting conditions.
3. Most often, small shot is used for duck hunting. It scatters in different directions, which increases the chances of hitting the bird. However, it is always important to remember that such a fraction has a relatively small weight. Because of this, it can ricochet off large stones and other hard surfaces. The hunter needs to shoot from a long distance to prevent such a situation and not injure himself. This is quite difficult to do in poor visibility conditions, so you must use various NVDs. In their absence, shooting only at flying ducks that have reached a certain height will be possible.
4. If hunting is carried out from a boat or other watercraft, then for personal safety, it is essential to consider the weapon's recoil force when shooting. If you neglect it, then after the first shot, you can end up in the water with your gun and the night vision device you are using. This can scare away the ducks and completely ruin the hunt.
5. If there is insufficient lighting, you must carefully inspect where you will hunt ducks. In this case, it will be possible to detect the presence of other hunters in the given territory and prevent accidentally hitting them during shooting. This security measure is straightforward but effective. It virtually eliminates the risk of injuring or killing a fellow hobbyist. To inspect the area, you need to use NVDs. They will improve visibility and help detect even a well-camouflaged person.
6. When hunting ducks from a pre-arranged shelter, it is essential to ensure that it is inaccessible to various representatives of the fauna. Otherwise, the inhabitants of the reservoir and the adjacent territory may pose a danger to humans. For example, there are many poisonous snakes near many bodies of water whose bite can be fatal. Also, remember insects that carry various diseases and predators that come to drink.
7. From dusk to dawn, the weather can have a severe negative impact on the hunter. In addition to sudden changes in temperature, various precipitation and other natural phenomena (for example, fog, which impairs visibility and increases the likelihood of shooting at another hunter) can be hazardous to health. In this regard, you need to protect your body with adequately selected clothing that will not get wet and prevent hypothermia. In the event of precipitation, various NVDs will help improve hunting safety. They will enhance visibility, thereby reducing the risk of many troubles.
8. When hunting on a pond, it is essential to consider every little detail. In this regard, a hunter’s backpack should contain many valuable items to help him if specific problems arise. These items include medications, navigation aids, spare or rechargeable batteries for NVDs, a knife, a flashlight, and more. Each hunter creates his own set of accessories based on the characteristics of the hunt he is going on.
9. Anything can happen while hunting, so lovers of this activity should always be prepared for various unpleasant surprises. This attitude of the hunter will increase his vigilance and allow him to take a more responsible approach to every action he takes. The result will be increased safety and reduced risk of various problems.
10. It’s best to go duck hunting with friends or relatives. Having other people nearby will not only allow you to have a good time preparing for the hunt but will also increase the safety of everyone involved. So, in case of any troubles, a person will always be nearby who will quickly come to the rescue and help avoid the worst consequences.

Duck hunting is a traditional activity that is popular in different countries of the world. Most often, it is carried out during the daytime, when the most significant movement of birds is observed. However, in addition to this classic hunting method, an alternative one is becoming more popular every year. It involves searching and tracking prey in the pre-dawn hours or after sunset when the available light is insufficient for average visibility. In this case, various night optics come to the aid of hunters. It helps you find even well-hidden birds, aim well, and shoot with minimal misses. Moreover, only the best optics from a top manufacturer can provide such a result. If you make the right choice, you can avoid various difficulties and fully enjoy the hunting process.