Best Duck Hunting Kayaks: Waterfowl Kayak Hunting Guide
So you want to do a bit of duck hunting on the water, eh? And you want to find the best duck hunting kayaks to take to the water in? Then you've come to the right place!
In this buying guide, we want you to find the best kayak to paddle off into the sunset with, hunting ducks along the way.
Why Use a Kayak for Duck Hunting?
So, you know you love duck hunting, but you may be asking yourself, why would you want to go duck hunting from a kayak?
How to Duck Hunt Out of a Kayak
Well, a kayak is perfect for duck hunting for lots of reasons. For example, they are quiet because they don't use any motors and work solely on paddles, making it a breeze to sneak up on waterfowl with minimal to no sound.
The best duck hunting kayaks are easy to maneuver because of their small size, squeezing effortlessly into tight spaces and small coves your ducks may be hiding in.
The best duck hunting kayak will also be simple to transport and store, which will make it easy to go out on the water anytime.
A kayak is also more economical as they are much kinder on the wallet than a fishing boat or motorized boat. Even an expensive kayak will be cheaper than a motorboat in comparison. You also don't have to worry about continuous topping up and purchasing expensive gas to power your kayak. This also brings us to our next point: a kayak is much more eco-friendly, which is a big plus for the planet!
What are the Different Types of Waterfowl Hunting Kayaks and Which are Best Suited to Duck Hunting?
Duck hunting kayaks come in different shapes and sizes, and when it comes to choosing a sit on top or sit-in kayak for duck hunting, it's essential that you select the best duck hunting kayak for you.
Sit-In
A sit-in kayak is a kayak where the passenger is seated inside the kayak surrounded by the walls of the cockpit. These boats come with many benefits, such as being compatible with a spray cover, waterproof storage compartments and insulation for the colder paddles.
Sit-on-Top
A sit-on-top kayak is a very popular option for anglers as well as duck hunting kayaks. This is because a sit-on-top kayak is a kayak where the paddler is seated in a raised position with no surrounding cockpit walls. When seated in a raised position, you have the benefit of being able to maneuver a fishing rod or any other equipment with ease. Sit on top kayaks also tend to be more stable, so if you choose to hunt or cast a line from a standing position, the boat will be able to remain pretty still.
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable kayaks are overlooked in many ways. It isn't easy to imagine anything other than the cartoon blow-up raft having been punctured and flying off into the distance like a burst balloon. However, inflatable kayaks have come a long way and are built to be durable and puncture-proof. This makes them so convenient for duck hunting because they are lightweight, transportable, and pack down into a small bag, making them very convenient for storage.
Pedal Kayak
Pedal kayaks come in two types; the first is a push pedal kayak which is propelled by the paddler pushing their feet down on each pedal, making use of the feet and ankles. These kinds of kayaks use underwater flaps to make the boat move. They use up less space and are very stable boats. The second type of pedal kayak is a rotational pedal kayak. These kinds of kayaks operate in the same way a bicycle does. The pedals rotate underfoot, turning a propeller underneath the kayak.
Pedal kayaks make some of the best duck hunting kayaks or, indeed, fishing kayaks because they are very stable and quiet, so you can hunt without concern of tipping the boat or scaring away the ducks. The best part is that you are able to move the boat hands-free, allowing you to get ready to take aim.
The only downside to a pedal kayak for duck hunting is that they tend to be particularly heavy boats due to their mechanism, but perhaps that's something you can sacrifice for the best duck hunting canoe?
Motorized
Motorized 'yaks are the best duck hunting kayaks for those who want to conserve their energy for the actual hunt. These duck hunting kayaks come with an inbuilt motor so that you can zoom through the lake in no time without getting exhausted by the time you get to your favorite duck hunting spot. The downsides to a motorized kayak are that they are not particularly quiet and not environmentally friendly, and when you're looking for a canoe or kayak for duck hunting, it's pretty crucial you don't scare away your prey.
Tandem
A tandem kayak is the best duck hunting kayak for those looking to take a hunting or fishing friend along with them. Whether your friend is human or canine is up to you! These duck hunting 'yaks come with plenty of space for you and your chosen companion, as well as ample storage space to keep your equipment.
How to Choose the Best Duck Hunting Kayak?
When choosing a hunting kayak, there are a number of things to consider, so we have collated this list of things to think about when you are about to purchase the hunting kayak for you. Things you should consider:
Stability
The best kayak for duck hunting is one that can withstand a fair amount of rocking and movement coming from within the boat. After all, you don't want to be in a position where you're about to take aim, and the sheer pressure released from your shot send's the boat into a frenzy before finding yourself ringing out your clothes at the waterside!
For the best stability, look for shorter and broader boats as they are naturally more stable due to the amount of surface area touching the water.
Durability
When you're duck hunting out of a kayak, you will most likely be paddling in shallow waters, which will have lots of underwater obstacles like rocks and plants. You'll expect the best hunting kayak to withstand these obstructions without being damaged. So, usually, 'yaks are made using polyethylene, but to make sure the polyethylene is of good quality, you should look for high-density polyethylene. The best polyethylene being made using a rotomolded process and coming with a UV-resistant claim, ensuring the hunting kayak will last a long time and will not fade, crack or peel under the heat of the sun.
Maneuverability
Not unlike a regular Kayak, when you intend on purchasing a duck hunting kayak, you have to consider its maneuverability when it's out on the water. If you are paddling on a river, sea or choppy lake, it's essential that the boat is easy to maneuver however if you intend on hunting on small lakes and ponds, then almost any kayak will work for you.
Storage Space
One thing you definitely want to make sure of is the amount of storage your kayak will offer. Ideally, you want your kayak to happily house your equipment with some extra wriggle room. The best kayaks for duck hunting have not only plenty of storage space but some essential dry storage too. The dry storage will enable you to store pieces of duck hunting equipment, your phone or indeed your lunch so they don't get wet.
Stealth
Stealth is an important feature when you're kayak duck hunting. You want to be able to easily sneak up on your prey, without bothering them or scaring them away from the water. Therefore, first of all, you want a quiet boat that will easily glide through the water and sneak up on the waterfowl without sound.
Secondly, you will want to think about how easy the kayak is to camouflage. The hull color can affect your hunting success out on the water. This is because ducks and other waterfowl are able to spot bright colors easily which can frighten them away, so it's best to attempt to fit in the environment around you. Luckily there are lots of camouflage options out there, but what you should keep in mind is what environment you'll be hunting in. Should you be fishing and hunting in a swamp, then perhaps you want a khaki colored boat, but this is not the same color you'll need if you intend on paddling on a white sand beach.
If you are a serious duck hunter you may want to also look into duck hunting blinds. These blinds allow duck hunters to remain completely covered and camouflaged when out on the water, right up until they are ready to strike. Duck blinds are easy to set up and readily removable so you don't have to permanently be hidden.
Features
When you're looking for the best kayak for waterfowl hunting, you will be expecting some hunting kayak-specific features and the best duck hunting kayak accessories. There are plenty of useful features out there like swivel seats for better access, built-in gun racks and storage, rod holders, shell holders and dry storage. At the end o the day, it's down to you which features are the best for your duck hunting kayak setup.
The 7 Best Hunting Kayaks for Waterfowls
1. Beavertail Final Attack Waterfowl Kayak
So, you want to stay hidden, be the stealthiest boat on the water so that the ducks don't expect a thing? Lucky for you the beavertail final attack does just that. This boat is amazing for a stealth attack. For those interested in the pit blind, this model actually comes with a portable pit blind that covers the cockpit completely making you invisible on the water.
The beavertail final attack is made using that sweet rotomolded polyethylene which makes it incredibly durable and ready to take on any knocks, scratches or grazes the lake throws at it. The blind is made using the same material, and it is all a khaki green camouflage color to ensure maximum sneaking!
The final attack has a weight capacity of 420 pounds and weighs a pretty heavy 85 pounds. Luckily beavertail knew that the final attack would be cumbersome to get in and out of the water, so they installed a wheel so that you are able to drag it easily. It's incredibly stable due to its large wide build and short length which also aids its maneuverability.
2. Old Town Vapor 12 Angler Fishing Kayak
The Old Town Vapor 12 Angler fishing kayak is obviously marketed as a fishing kayak but does the job well as a duck hunting kayak too!
The Old Town Vapour 12 has plenty of room for all your hunting equipment inside the cockpit as well as day well storage at the back of the boat, perfect for decoys, waders or whatever else you might need to have to hand. There's a paddle rest to aid you in switching from paddle to gun in a flash, as well as a tray and cup holder to keep your hot cocoa or cold beer depending on the weather!
This one-person kayak has an in-built anchor trolley system which is a lovely feature so you can anchor yourself and stay in one spot while waiting patiently for your prey.
Another great thing about this kayak is the excellent stability it provides! There are no worries when it comes to stepping into the boat.
The padded seat is comfortable and adjustable, and with thigh pads and adjustable foot braces, there's no concern for a numb bum or dead legs!
The lifetime tamarack angler 100 waterfowl kayak is a 10-foot boat that weighs 52 pounds, and with a weight capacity of 275 pounds.
This 10 foot duck hunting kayak has great stability and wouldn't rock should you want to stand up while on the water and while the stability is fantastic, it does not skimp on the tracking. This kayak has a sharp bow that cuts through the water well for how wide the boat is.
The Lifetime Tamarack is a popular choice for both anglers and hunters alike. The boat's storage options are plenty to organize your gear easily and efficiently and come with three built-in rod holders and two 6 inch hatches where you can keep gear dry.
The kayak is made using high-density polyethylene, making it incredibly durable and ready for any knocks and bumps as well as being UV resistant which means the kayak will not fade over time.
It is a comfortable duck hunting kayak with padded seating and an adjustable backrest which guarantees you a comfortable experience while waiting to shoot, and the stable boat means you can stand when you come to shoot.
Are you looking for the best hunting kayak or fishing kayak for stealthy sneaky paddles in the water? The Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth Waterfowl Kayak is the perfect duck hunting kayak for camouflaging yourself and sneaking up on those ducks. It is 12 feet in length, 44 inches wide and has a weight capacity of 460 lbs.
This one-person kayak comes with a camouflage paint job that blends into its environment and has a catamaran-style hull. The catamaran-style hull makes it a great kayak for getting close to the waterfowl as it remains silent when gliding through the water.
It's a durable duck hunting kayak that's made using high-density polyethylene, meaning it's made to last.
This duck hunting kayak has plenty of duck hunting features like two interior gun racks, which include shell holders and a nice addition of a padded platform should you want to bring your pup along on the water!
This kayak is an incredible option for the enthusiastic hunter. However, it is important to bear in mind that it weighs a whopping 130 lbs which means you'll have to find a way of getting it to the water and from the water!
This boat is designed for hunting on the water and fits right in for fishing enthusiasts too!
The boat is made using high-density rotomolded polyethylene, meaning it can handle any bumps, scratches, scrapes the water has to throw at them.
It is an exceptionally stable sit-on-top boat due to its 33.25-inch beam width and the 550 lbs weight capacity makes a lot of room for extra hunting and fishing equipment or gear, and with two storage hatches, you can store gear without concern of getting wet. The other storage options include a tank well with added bungee strap fixtures for the more waterproof kit.
You can easily sneak up on your prey due to the stealth camouflage paint job and pedal-drive silent approach perfect for sneaking up hands-free and being able to take quick action.
This is a great boat for those that like to go 'super stealth' and silently creep up on their waterfowl.
The Riot Kayak Escape 12 duck hunting kayak is a great option for a hunting kayak that is kinder to the wallet without compromising too much.
It is also made using high-density rotomolded polyethylene that is great for withstanding any accidental bumps giving you the ruggedness you'd expect from a durable kayak.
The escape 12 is 12 foot long and weighs 68.2 lbs and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
It has four flush-mounted rod holders and a swivel rod holder should you be interested in both hunting and fishing on the water.
The cockpit in the Escape 12 offers plenty of room and storage options that are all within easy reach of your seated position. It provides comfort due to its adjustable sliding footrests. This is a great kayak for those duck hunting on a budget.
The Perception Pescador Pilot 12 Waterfowl Kayak is a pedal drive kayak which means it will move incredibly quietly on the water allowing the paddler to become closer while remaining hands-free to get ready to take aim.
It has a length of 12 feet and a width of 33.75 inches which adds to its stability. This kayak is also incredibly stable and won't capsize or rock easily when you take a shot. This is really beneficial in increasing your accuracy when hitting your target.
The kayak is made using high-density polyethylene to prevent weak spots or leaking as well as withstanding any rocks and bumps you find on shallow waters.
It has a comfortable lawn chair-like breathable mesh seat that is adjustable for your comfort.
It also features integrated accessory rails to accommodate fish finders, rod holders or other accessories, as well as bungee cord storage at the front and rear of the boat.
Our Top Duck Hunting Kayak!
So we've crunched the numbers, researched extensively and finally have all our ducks in a row, and we have come to the conclusion that the best duck hunting kayak on the market is the Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth Waterfowl Kayak!
This kayak is perfect for any serious hunter that wants to sneak up on their targets in silence and complete stealth. It has it all, from camouflage to stability, storage to durability- what can't this boat do?!
It is comfortable because of its 360 degrees cushioned swivel seat complete with a folding backrest. You can hunt and fish until your heart is content and this boat is so stable you can easily stand up on its non-skid floor, cast a line or take aim from there and, should you shoot from that position, the boat will not capsize and is unlikely to rock much at all increasing the accuracy guaranteeing you're on target!
The Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth Waterfowl Kayak is a fantastic option for the serious duck hunter. So, if you're ready to get out on the water and bring home the bacon (or rather the duck) then jump in, take a paddle and enjoy one of the best duck hunting kayaks we've covered today!