Segment 3, December 30th, 2023

Believe it or not, there are few groups of people who love this time of year when the cold and nastier weather shows up! On this section of Carolina Outdoors we delve into the life of one of those groups– duck hunters.

Jimmy Dobes of Southeast Specialty Outdoors joins the conversation to discuss all things duck hunting and how to best prepare for an enjoyable hunt this season. From analyzing wind direction, choosing your decoy spread, using various calls and finding your “X”, Dobes dives into the specifics when it comes to a successful hunt.

Scouting, or preparing for a hunt, is considered to be just as important. Dobes shares, “The most successful hunters are those that put in a little extra effort when it comes to scouting.”

Fighting a unusually warm season this year, duck hunters are more optimistic than ever with upcoming cold fronts.

In terms of equipment and gear, Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, has got you covered! Layering and staying warm are simply crucial to a fun hunt. Dobes shares his go-to is a light-weight base layer paired with a heavier-weight insulation piece and a wind-breaker shell and with hunts in the water, a quality pair of waders.

Bill Bartee from the Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s & host of the Carolina Outdoors had a chance to speak with Jimmy Dobes about how to best prepare and enjoy duck hunting season this year.

Things You’ll Learn by Listening:

Show Highlights:

• The most important first step to an enjoyable hunt is figuring out current wind direction
  
• Birds are always going to try to land with the wind in their face
  
• Your “X” is where you’re setting up your blind for the hunt
  
• Nasty and cold conditions in the north are ideal to a southeastern duck hunter
  
• The difference between field hunts vs. wetland hunts
  
• “Start from the ground up” — layer to stary warm
  
• Start with a light-weight base layer, then a heavier weight insulation piece, then a wind-breaker material
  
• Light-weight and breathable waders are necessary
  
• A wooden call, or a single reed all, is going to be quiet and simpler
  
• An acrylic call is louder and raspier