Early Teal Season Essentials

1. Decoys: The Foundation of Waterfowl Hunting

One of the most critical components of a successful teal hunt is a realistic and strategically placed decoy spread. Teal are known for their fast and erratic flight patterns, so having decoys that can catch their attention is crucial.

Early Season Teal Decoys

HydroFoam Early Season Teal Decoys are a must-have for your early season teal spread. These decoys are designed with ultra-realistic detailing and muted colors that mimic the natural appearance of early season teal. The HydroFoam technology ensures that the decoys ride naturally in the water, even in varying conditions, giving a lifelike movement that’s sure to lure in passing flocks.

 

HydroFoam Blue-Winged Teal Decoys

Similarly, the HydroFoam Blue-Winged Teal Decoys are designed to replicate one of the most common teal species in North America. As you move further south, the combination of these blue-winged teal decoys with early season decoys creates a versatile spread that mimics a more realistic spread, increasing your chances of success. As with all our decoys, the dual keel will ensure that no matter how skinny the water is, your decoys will sit upright.

FlexFloat Green-Winged Teal Decoys

Another excellent option is the HydroFoam Green-Winged Teal Decoys. These decoys are another great option for the early season. Helping to add another element to the spread, the more variation, the better! Their lightweight design makes them easy to carry and quick to deploy, ensuring you can set up your spread efficiently.

2. Texas Rigs: Efficient and Tangle Free

When it comes to setting up your decoys efficiently and avoiding the hassle of tangled lines, Texas rigs are the go-to choice for many duck hunters. These rigs offer a streamlined solution that saves time in the field, allowing you to focus more on the hunt and less on managing your gear. 

HEYDAY Texas Rigs

The 2.5' 3oz Texas Rigs and the 3' 1oz Texas Rigs are designed specifically for hunting in shallow water. Their compact length makes them ideal for marshes and other shallow water environments where teal often congregate and the lighter weights provide enough anchor for the smaller birds while not wasting weight. The PVC coated steel cable used in these rigs is not only durable but also resistant to kinks and bends, ensuring a smooth deployment and retrieval every time. The heavy-duty carabiners are easy to attach and detach, allowing you to quickly set up your decoys and move them as needed without fuss.

3. Jerk Rigs: Adding Movement to Your Spread

While our decoys are effective with less wind than conventional decoys, adding movement to your spread on still days can significantly increase its attractiveness to decoying ducks. Waterfowl are often drawn to the ripples and splashes that signify a safe and active feeding area of live birds.

HEYDAY Jerk Rig

The HEYDAY Jerk Rig is an indispensable tool for creating this movement - especially without the hassle of having to maintain electronics or worry about batteries. This rig is built to last, with durable materials that withstand the elements and the wear and tear of multiple hunting seasons. It’s easy setup allows you to add lifelike motion to your decoys quickly, making your spread more dynamic and convincing. 

4. Slings and Straps: Comfort and Convenience

Carrying your gear through the marsh can be cumbersome, especially when you're dealing with decoys, blinds, and other equipment. That’s where quality gun slings and bird straps come into play, helping you transport your gear & birds with ease.

The Bare Sling

The Bare Sling is a versatile and (surprisingly) comfortable option for carrying your shotgun. Its minimalist design ensures that it won’t snag on your clothing or gear, while still providing enough grip to ensure your weapon holds tight during long treks. The Bare Sling’s minimalist design provides everything you need with nothing you don’t, and its durable construction guarantees it will hold up season after season. It won’t hold water, block your sight picture, or impede your movement.

Bare Strap

For those looking for a simple way of carrying your birds, the Bare Strap is an excellent choice. This strap is designed for versatility, allowing you to carry anything from a goose by the head to a dove by the foot. Its high-quality construction ensures it can handle the weight of your birds without failing & its minimalist design ensures you’ll never leave it at home. Run the whole strap or just grab a single set of drops. Its versatility will end up making it an essential part of your hunting setup.

5. Hydration: Staying Refreshed in the Field

Hunting in the early teal season can be physically demanding on your dogs, with long hours spent in the field - often in warm and humid conditions. While we rarely forget to bring something to drink for ourselves, our dogs often get forgotten. Staying hydrated is critical to maintaining your pup’s energy and focus throughout the day.

Tagalong Water 3G

The Tagalong Water 3G is the perfect solution for retriever hydration on the go. This American Made portable water solution is designed to be both durable and easy to carry, ensuring you have access to fresh water whether you bring it to the blind or keep it at the truck. Its size makes it ideal for long weekends without being so bulky you end up leaving it behind. The sturdy handle allows for easy transport and the continuous gravity feed allows you not to worry whether your dog has access to water.

6. Headwear: Protection and Concealment

Keeping your head protected from the elements while staying concealed is crucial in teal hunting. The right headwear can provide both functionality and concealment, making it a necessary part of your hunting attire.

The Tex Hat

The Tex Hat is an excellent choice for early teal season. This hat offers a combination of comfort, protection, and concealment. Its lightweight, mesh design makes it comfortable to wear all day allowing for easy air movement. The Tex Hat is also an instant classic, with an out of the package comfortable fit that is unrivaled.

Be Prepared for a Successful Early Teal Season

Early teal season hunting is an exciting opportunity to get back into the field and polish up your skills. However, success depends on more than just skill—it requires the right gear. By investing in quality decoys like the HydroFoam Early Season and Blue-Winged Teal Decoys, adding motion with the HEYDAY Jerk Rig, and ensuring comfort and convenience with the Bare Sling and Strap, you’ll be well on your way to a productive season. Don’t forget to keep your pup hydrated with the Tagalong Water 3G and hide that shiny noggin with the Tex Hat.

Is all this stuff totally necessary? Probably not, but with the right preparation and gear, you can make the most of your early teal season, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt.