Kayaks are very beneficial for finding birds on the water. I really love duck hunting kayak and have been spending it since 2016. I can’t picture hunting ducks without the best duck hunting kayak.
If you’re new to kayaks, all the choices can make you feel confused. Do you really need a special duck-hunting boat?
Everyone who hunts understands how important it is to have the right tools for success in hunting. That means bullets, guns, hiding clothes and faces. Just like recent trends in water fowling say everybody needs hunter kayaks too.
Your goal is to go where other bird hunters cannot reach and find birds that others cannot catch.
It is a good idea to get the best duck hunting kayak in this situation!
But, is there something like a special duck hunting kayak Other than that. And if there is, what will you do?
Look for the answers in this guide!
How We Made Our Picks
I’ve been using duck hunting kayaks and canoes for hunting since I was 14 years old. I really like boats a lot now. I am always searching for new ways to make my kayak better at shooting more ducks. This can be through a better place to hide or changing the shape of the boat so it works better.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your kayak should be made for the place and weather you hunt in. A big V-shaped bottom isn’t helpful when the water is just a few inches deep.
However, a flat-bottom boat will be unsafe in large and open water conditions. Consider which boat style will do well in the place you fish. Once you have mastered that, many ducks carrying straps will come.
Why Use A For Duck Hunting Kayak, Anyway?
As a veteran who uses an old duck hunting gear and you may stick to your pattern of hunting but to you duck hunting kayak may seem like a passing phase as you may consider it to be just a trend. However, it is likely to be like that – but even if it is so, we will still have a plenty of good reasons to experiment with it.
Undoubtedly-again, good ones.
Can you honestly convince me that’s not the truth? Take the benefits of using duck hunting kayak and then compare it with the “regular” boats.
- DUCK-HUNTING KAYAKS ARE LIGHT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT – but, I’m not talking about totally lightweight duck-hunting kayak, not at all. However, though they have lower in weight than motor powered big ones, they are still slightly heavier. Thus, such rockets are easily portable that you may put them up virtually anywhere.
- Access to Remotely Located Areas Is Available Through Kayaks – Together, the small and light weight design features allow kayaks to reach areas that even most other boats cannot. Whatever your own personal hunting ground is, shallow water, marshes, bays, remote areas – you name it and the options are endless as to where you can go hunting for your prey.
- Kayaks Are Cavalry And Soft Feet – One of the obstacles is how to sneak up on the ducks. In fact, kayaks and canoes are more stealthy and have a lower profile, being able to move through the water at almost no sail. Only the sound of your paddle hitting the water will be heard, but there will be no sound coming from a duck hunting kayak – you won’t hear a thing.
- A less pricy option is the Kayak – they are normally less than the cheapest Jon boat. In case you have a limited budget, the affordability will be what you’ll keep in mind.
- Kayaks Can Be More Adaptable – You can rig your kayak with your favorite gear and equipment to turn it into a duck-hunting machine; that’s the point of getting one. But you also have the decision of going kayak fishing or taking the stripped-down version out for some recreational paddling, too.
Choosing The Best Duck Hunting Kayak: Having Highlighted the Fundamental Elements to Look For
Rule of thumb is that some Duck Hunting kayaks are more practical for hunting waterfowl than others among a large variety of them due to different sizes and shapes.
Let’s find out now what your needs are – and then we compare which kayak suits your needs the most.
You don’t have to mean that you should only look for a kayak that is designed for highly specialized duck hunting.
Any Duck Hunting kayak that can serve as a vessel for hunting and fishing purposes as long as they are equipped with the correct features and qualities are as great as the rest.
Durability: Duck Hunting Kayak Designed With Little Wear & Tear In Mind.
Durability and overall construction quality should be your top priorities when choosing the best duck hunting kayak:
Durability and overall construction quality should be your top priorities when choosing the best duck hunting kayak:
Paddling through shallows looking for food and bashing rocks, trees, and any other thing that come your way in the environment means that your kayak is going to be tested to its fullest capacity.
An accordingly robust, reliable, and durable kayak which is capable to endure that torture and emerge unharmed is a critical item.
Speaking of that, I consider high-density polyethylene as our construction material with a strong possibility of rotomolded and ultra-violet resistant layer for hull protection while we are out there long hours on water.
Yes, it’s difficult to say whether that means that inflatable duck hunting kayak are allowed or not. Sometime you’re very impressed by lightweight, stiff, and durability of nowadays inflatable yaks.
Camouflage: Take Your Hunting to the Next Level Using the Stealth.
Your little plastic will be exposed just like that to the ducks. And as utterly absurd as that sounded, the element of wonder is the first rule of duck hunting:
And as utterly ridiculous as that sounded, the element of surprise is the first rule of duck hunting:
Achieving a hunter’s nose and making the kill without being spotted are the most important when it comes to a successful hunt.
Therefore, you will have to get a kayak that is low in drive and suitable for wild nature.
Stability & Maneuverability: Your Will Need A Secure Shooting Station
If you are an experienced kayaker you wouldn’t feel surprised at how totally unstable and, thus, tippy some of them could be.
The last thing you want to do is to go hunting in a kayak whose weaving and sidewall buckling construction can flip you over. It is one thing bad for all paddlers not to mention for hunters who also need stability for their shooting platform.
That takes me to my next point:
In my sincere opinion, this feature of stability is, perhaps, the key thing to be considered when choosing the best duck hunting kayak for hunting.
Don’t forget that beam width and hull shape determine how stable – or unstable – rack will be. The greater and wider the hull of your kayak, the more stable and balanced it will be; it is as simple as that.
Trying to be performance-oriented is fine, but does not require sacrificing maneuverability- an issue with wider boats – while stability should still be a primary focus.
Onboard Storage & Weight Capacity: Inventory the Entire Hunting Equipment
A kayak without a dedicated onboard storage outside of waterfowl hunting trip would be of no good use to duck hunters or its primary purpose would not be to make a duck hunter’s trip successful.
I am just saying you cannot have a kayak that has no storage and it cannot be considered as anything (good) at all.
But when you’re out there hunting for ducks, having the additional room for your gear – and lots of it – becomes even more crucial:
Ammunition, gun, baits, decoys, and lures, with your personal stuff on top, should be your first priority to have them in an easily accessible spot on your kayak.
It’s every bit as important to check if the kayak has the maximum load capacity to support all that extra weight. The best duck hunting kayak can handle over 500 pounds of load, but generally speaking, anything over 350 pounds should do capacity-wise.
1. Brooklyn BKC PK13 Duck Hunting Kayak
Trying to control your paddle, decoys, and shotgun during a hunt can be hard.
So, if you want to go without using your hands and be sneaky, the pedal-powered Brooklyn BKC PK13 kayak is the one for you.
This brown, hidden 13-foot pedal kayak is built with strong polyethylene. It’s very tough but it weighs a heavy 80 pounds. Given the narrow hull at 33.25 inches wide and its stability, along with the storage space on deck, weight should not stop you.
It has two openings, extra plates that can support a gun mount and a storage area with cords to hold stuff or plants. This is backed by carrying up to 550 pounds.
Technical Specs
- Rotomolded high-density polyethylene construction
- Measures 13 x 2.8 feet
- Weighs 80 pounds
- 550-pound capacity
2. Riot Kayaks Escape 12 Duck Hunting Kayak
If you want a good value kayak – without giving up too much – Riot Kayaks’ Angler 12 should be one of your top choices. I believe your wallet will agree with me on this.
This 12-foot long, 68.2 pound kayak that you sit on is made from strong and stiff plastic called polyethylene. But even though Escape 12 is tough, has its weight spread out and is 30 inches wide, it can’t handle hunters standing up.
Also, I’m not very happy with the limit of 300 pounds. It has a front lid and back area setup, but it’s not big enough for me or my stuff. I’m a heavy person weighing around 230 pounds.
Technical Specs
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Measures 12 x 2.5 feet
- Weighs 68.2 pounds
- 300- pound capacity
Escape 12 Angler is not without problems, but it’s still a good buy. It doesn’t sacrifice quality much and isn’t very expensive.
3. Pelican Sentinel 100X Duck Hunting Kayak
Another choice versatile enough to help as a duck hunting kayak is Pelican’s Sentinel 100X Angler – and it’s evident why right off the bat:
The RAM-X polyethylene building keeps the kayak’s weight very low at only 44 pounds. The width of 30 inches and flat bottom hull with many sides make sure it stays steady while on water.
It has good enough places to put things, like a bungee cord attachment, a removable ExoPak storage space and a mesh cover for the bottom. But, I’m not very happy with the 275-pound weight limit. With that kind of weight limit, it will be very hard for one person to put all their things – especially if they are a large guy or heavy guy.
Since Sentinel 100X was made just for fishing in a kayak, I think Pelican should have done better on this one.
Technical Specs
- Polyethylene construction
- Measures 9.5 x 2.5 feet
- Weighs 44 pounds
- 275-pound capacity
If you’re new to duck hunting kayak and want a more beginner-friendly option, Pelican’s Sentinel 100X might be helpful. This kayak is ready to use but also very lightweight.
4. Lifetime 10 Foot Duck Hunting Kayak
The shell made from polyethylene and its 36-inch width help make the Lifetime 10-foot double kayak strong and steady. You’ll need to slow down a bit, but this should not be a problem because it comes with a trolling motor attachment.
The tandem kayak weighs only 73 pounds. This is surprising because it’s light for a double kayak. You’ll have a 6-inch door, bungee cords for tying things down and can carry up to 500 pounds of stuff with you.
The brown color of the kayak helps it mix in well with its surroundings. Add a quiet running trolling motor and you get stealth like a ninja.
There’s not much to complain about; Lifetime made one good kayak here. But, I think it was a bit too small for two grown-ups.
Technical Specs
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Measures 10 x 3 feet
- Weighs 73 pounds
- 500-pound capacity
If stability is one of your top primacies – as it should be – and you’re planning two-person duck hunting trips, check out this reasonable Lifetime kayak! One of the best kayaks for shooting birds with a pal.
5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Duck Hunting Kayak
I told you inflatable duck hunting kayak are a thing, didn’t I?
Sevylor’s Coleman Colorado is a two-person inflatable duck hunting kayak that ranks portability and ease of use.
The 18-gauge PVC construction and multiple air chambers, coupled with a nylon cover and tarpaulin bottom, make it a Sit-On-Top kayak tough enough for hunting environments. Still, it weighs a simple 32.9 pounds.
The 39-inch width contributes to the kayak’s largeness and stability. However, due to the lack of rigidity, standing up to shoot in this inflatable kayak isn’t an option.
Capacity-wise, 470 pounds weight limit for an inflatable kayak seems decent – except you’re two big guys with lots of gear, that is.
Technical Specs
- 18-gauge PVC construction
- Measures 10.75 x 3.25 feet
- Weighs 32.9 pounds
- 470-pound capacity
Sevylor Coleman Colorado can be a good entry-level duck hunting kayak for shooting duos penetrating for something lightweight, portable, and easy on the wallet.
6. Old Town Discovery 119
The Old Town Discovery 119 is a mix of canoe and kayak made for duck hunters. It gives the easy look of a one-person canoe with fast, quick moves like those in a kayak.
I got to try out and write about the Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman this fall during a duck hunt that lasted for seven days.
After my first morning in the marsh, I knew this was the best place to hunt from a canoe or kayak. Because I’ve never used a single person boat that can carry as much stuff as the Discovery 119 and still work perfectly.
The changeable chair like in a kayak made me feel most relaxed I’ve ever had while paddling. My back didn’t ache during my two-mile paddle to the hole, and that’s quite something.
But what makes this the best duck hunting boat is its ability to easily get on any water, thanks to being lightweight.
This boat is simple to carry, move and put on top of a car. Also, it’s like a feather on water but you don’t lose balance. The boat’s handling and turning, even when full of stuff, is better than anything else.
The Discovery 119 can easily handle quick bends and narrow paths. I put many fake ducks in mine, a bag for hiding, a gun, some places to sit in wet areas and more stuff. This canoe/kayak amazed me all duck season and never failed, not even one time.
Technical Specs
- Length: 11’9”
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Material: Three Layer Polyethylene
7. Beavertail Final Attack – Portable Pit Blind Duck Hunting Kayak
Yes, I know; this brown-covered thing that looks like a coffin isn’t anything like a kayak. But give the Beavertail Final Attack Pit Blind a chance to amaze you with its multi-functional designs
This low design boat is made of plastic material and can be used both on water and land. It has a very wide beam at 44 inches. It’s perfect for recreational activities like fishing or cruising around the lake.
That’s great for being able to fit in and adapt easily.
I was not sure about the Final Attack’s weight of 85 pounds, but its built-in wheels make it easy to move. Its 420-pound capacity works well with the space you have for storage. Do not expect to have any special places to store things, though.
Technical Specs
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Measures 8 x 3.7 feet
- Weighs 85 pounds
- 420-pound capacity
The Beavertail Final Attack works as a duck hunt “kayak” too. It becomes a portable, land-based duck hunting blind when you need it.
How’s that for a multi-functional waterfowl kayak?!
8. Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Duck Hunting Kayak
Did you think I’d finish without including at least one Wilderness Systems kayak that works with a paddle, motor and pedal-drive?
Pedal kayak, tick. Motorized kayak, tick. Paddle kayak, tick. This kayak could fly if it had wings! However, it’s missing them.
It has a 13.5 feet long, 34-inch wide plastic camo colored sit-on-top body and uses smart technology that focuses on balance, movement control, quick speed ups and precise direction following. That shows how solid Radar 135 is as a hunting place.
Ships with Wilderness Systems’ top-rated AirPro Max Seating system – this will make it easy for any duck hunter to find their ideal shooting position.
Also, it has many places to store things like two boxes for dry storage and a big space under the tank. It also has rails where you can put guns and all this adds up to 475 pounds of extra weight. The best kayak for duck hunters who have a lot of equipment.
It’s not easy to carry because it weighs 90 pounds, but the stuff inside makes it worth being heavy.
Technical Specs
- Polyethylene construction
- Measures 13.5 x 2.8 feet
- Weighs 90 pounds
- 475-pound capacity
Why not use all three – paddling, pedaling or using a motor with the Radar 135? Instead of deciding which to choose, try them all. With all these things,
it’s not surprising that this strong hunter kayak is well-liked – it really is top of the line for duck hunting folks who should take it into consideration!
9. Old Town Big Water 132
Why It Made The Cut: It’s the strongest hunting boat you can buy and it works well in rough water.
Hunting ducks from a little boat can be very risky. This rules mostly for many types of waterfowl hunting, but it’s even more important when hunting from a kayak.
Security is always the most important thing when hunting. If you plan to hunt in rough water for divers or sea ducks, you want a kayak that you are sure will take you back safely.
The Old Town Big Water 132 is made for bird hunters who want to hunt in big open water areas. This easy-draining sit-on-top kayak has a fast closing front hatch.
It gives you lots of safe, dry space to store things inside the boat’s front part. The middle box for stuff keeps your phone, keys and other small items like bullets safe.
The Big Water 132 comes with an adaptable seat and even more storage in the stern for decoys and gear.
Technical Specs
- Length: 13’ 2”
- Weight: 86 lbs
- Material/Design: Single Layer Polyethylene
The three-hull design makes the boat more stable and easier to paddle in open water. If you plan to fish in deep water, the Big Water PDL might be a good choice for extra speed with help from peddling.
10. Perception Pescador Pilot 12 – Best Pedal Duck Hunting Kayak
The Pilot 12 is twenty-five feet and six inches long with the beam of a whopping eleven and three-quarter inches. Its dry weight is 85 pounds and its maximum displacement should rest within the between 450 and 500 pounds.
Pilot Drive…
What made this kayak heavier was the inclusion of a pedal system, along with a rudder. A spray skirt is a ring with a pin. It hangs under your waist, hooks inside the kayak lip and bars water from running back into the kayak. Pescador writes it down as Pilot Drive, and the driver, since will work hands free, has to only control the speed. The left hand will intervene to control the rudder dial, so you have to keep it free.
With the direction determined, it runs beautifully, so you can gently glide on river without any unnecessary expenditure of energy. Hence, this propulsion system combined with a waterproof case, simulates a rocket technology that drives you to different water levels at ease and secures your position in the fast-moving water currents.
Also enjoy the seats to come, spacious and with ample space for luggage.
The thing that I like the best on the scooter I own is the presence of a very comfortable ergonomic seat. But it is interesting to note that the seat has the rails so that you can move it forward or backward for the most efficient pedal position. One of its distinct features is a giant trunk bow which also serves as water storage, so you have everything at your arm’s length. Just ahead of the bow, there are two watertight compartments for you electronics, laptops, phones, etc.
Even there might be no seat for the sunbathing, you are able to stand up and move around on the padded deck. The way in which you have to operate that gadget in such a way that you’ll have to reduce it to help it swim away from the water.
Solid and stable…
As a matter of fact, the drive system doesn’t seem to be the simplest system of all, and one should take care when entering any shallow areas. A stability which is fine even in rough conditions lessens the worries about a rider falling off, luckily having no need to go into life jacket.
On the other hand, Pescador designed paddle together with the Pilot of the highest quality but still, it is fully capable of transporting the user to its most difficult reaches.
Important Points to Note When Picking a Duck Hunting Kayak:
When you buy a kayak for duck hunting, the main thing to think about is where you go hunting. You need to choose your kayak buy based on how you hunt. Begin by figuring out if you want a kayak that you sit on top of or one where you sit inside. Both types of boats have good and bad points, but many hunters choose to use a sit-on-top boat. When you choose the type of boat, then think about things like jumping for shooting, hiding your boat and add-ons
Kayak Design: Sit-On-Top or Sit-In
Sit-on-top kayaks don’t have a shell to sit in and they have a level, open surface where you can sit without going under the water. Many of these boats are made with holes to let water out so it doesn’t build up inside, and they’re very hard to sink. The open design is safer. If you fall from the kayak, it will be hard to get stuck or trapped inside or under it. You’ll separate right away. Sit-on-top kayaks also have good space for things and it’s easy to get in and out of them.
Sit-in kayaks have a hidden deck where the person can sit while paddling. The closed structure keeps water away from the person rowing, but makes it harder to get inside and out of the boat. Sit-in kayaks have small space because the person’s body uses up most of the boat part. They almost don’t have any space to store things on a deck and most of their stuff has to be kept in a closed box, if they have one. But, they are often lighter and quicker than sit-on-top kayaks.
In general, a sit-on-top kayak is more comfortable and good for duck hunting. Hunters of waterfowl always have to go into and get out of their boat, lift a kayak over beaver dams and barriers, and they need lots of space to keep all their equipment.
Length and Weight
The best size and weight for a hunting boat you use depends on where you go hunting. If you are looking for small, bendy creeks in the Northeast, a light 10 to 12 foot kayak is great. But if you want to fish in big water, then you need a better boat that can handle the sea well. Keep in mind that safety is the most important thing here. Your boat must be able to manage the weather and place where you hunt. A 10-foot kayak can’t be used in big water, but a 14-foot ocean kayak can.
You also need to think about how you start your kayak, where you’ll keep it and how you’ll carry it. It’s hard to carry and lift heavy kayaks alone, especially if you have a long walk before putting them in the water.
Jump Shooting
Many hunters forget how good and fun it is to jump shoot ducks from a kayak. Even though it’s hard, shooting ducks from a kayak is a good way to fill your belt. The main thing to think about is being able to get your gun easily and safely while you’re on the water. When you reach a curve and shoot a duck, you need to put down the stick and grab the gun. Since they have an open structure, sit-on-top kayaks usually have more space for your gun and a bigger area to move around.
Hide
The most important thing in any duck hunt is your cover. It’s important to note that a duck hunting kayak should have camo or dark paint. If not, you’ll need a piece of camo burlap to cover it up. If you plan on hunting directly from your kayak, consider a kayak blind or some other form of concealment.
Final Thoughts
My obsession with ducks has led me to some pretty cool places across the country. But no question hunting small water from a kayak or canoe is my preferred way to chase birds. The excitement of small water hunting is hard to put into words.
Duck hunting Kayaks are a great way to access small water and get to the places most people aren’t willing to go. But not every kayak is shaped equal and that’s why it is critical to control what you need your boat to do before making a purchase. The best duck hunting kayaks are ones built for the water you hunt, have plenty of storage, and are easy to paddle.
