Ultimate Kayak Hunting Gear: A Comprehensive Guide

From their earliest days, kayaks have been used to bring hunters to their game, whether it was fish, fowl, or four-legged. Today hunters still use kayaks to increase their chances of successful hunts.

Kayaks are a wonderful way to access hunting grounds that can’t be reached by motorized crafts, wading, or walking. Some hunters shoot right from their kayaks while others use it primarily for transportation. Whichever way you choose, you need the right gear to be successful.  

The pursuit of the ultimate kayak hunting setup involves carefully selecting gear that maximizes stealth, comfort, and efficiency. Let's break down the essential components:

Kayak Hunting Gear

Kayak

• Size: Picking the kayak of the right size is important. While you might be tempted to get the big stable platform with plenty of storage, you need to balance that against the weight. Since you want to be in skinny water that might require portaging or dragging your kayak; weight is a huge factor. Choosing a lightweight kayak and slimming down your gear is essential in kayak hunting. Think minimalist.
• Purpose: Are you planning to shoot from your kayak or do you want to use your kayak for transportation and then set up for hunting? This will impact what you need to bring and what kayak features you need. Is weight a bigger consideration than storage? Does stability outrank weight? Answering these questions will help you choose your ‘yak.
• Propulsion: If you want to get the most out of your stealthy kayak, you will want to skip the motor. However, you might sub the paddle for the pedal if you want to keep your hands free. Both paddling and pedaling are fairly quiet ways to approach game. In fact, many kayak hunters prefer a water approach because land-based game, like deer, don’t seem as likely to view danger from the water. 

Camouflage and Concealment

• Kayak Camouflage: There are several ways to conceal your kayak. If you are looking to purchase a kayak, you can buy it camouflaged. If you already have a kayak, you can paint it a neutral beige or tan to be more subtle. You can also get a wrap for your kayak. You can even buy camo covers and blinds that fit over your kayak. 
• Personal Camouflage: You will need to conceal yourself as well so you will need to invest in inconspicuous and water-resistant clothing. Make sure to have layers and sun protection as well. 
• Blind: You can get blinds that fit on your kayak or bring a lightweight blind that can be set up once you reach your hunting location. 
• Camo Netting: Use camo netting to cover your kayak and yourself for further stealth. 
• Decoys: Realistic decoys help attract game for duck hunters.

Weaponry and Accessories

• Gun: Choose a reliable shotgun or rifle for your target species. Guns and water don’t always mix so consider one specially designed for use around water, particularly one that can float. 
• Gun Mount: If you are shooting from your kayak, you might consider a mount. A secure and stable gun mount is crucial for quick and accurate shots.
• Ammunition: High-quality ammo kept safe and dry is important for kayak hunting. 
• Chokes: For bird hunting, your shotgun will need appropriate chokes. Select chokes based on your target distance and shot pattern.
• Callers: Effective callers can significantly increase your success with ducks.

Storage and Organization

• Waterproof Bags: Keep things contained and protected with dry bags. There are many sizes to choose from, but a major consideration in hunting and kayaking is always weight. A few smaller bags are often more practical than one large bag. 
• Dry Boxes: Store ammunition and other essentials safely.
• Cargo Nets / Bungees: Don’t let your expensive equipment end up in the drink. Make sure to secure items with bunges, leashes, and nets. Even if you do flip your craft, you don’t lose all your things.
• Deck Bags: Another option is to invest in deck boxes that can be secure to your kayak. Just make sure the weight is worth it. Be sure to check out the most lightweight options possible. 
• Internal Storage: Utilize the kayak's built-in compartments efficiently.

Retrieving and Transporting Game

Getting your game home can also be a challenge with a kayak. There are a few options that can work for big game. 

• Pack it out: If you shoot a big deer, it might be best to quarter it and stash it in a specially designed-backpack or duffle to transport it home. It is work to do it this way, but it will decrease the weight and space it takes up.  
• Tow a raft: Add an inexpensive, inflatable raft to your dry storage hatch. It could be deployed quickly to tow behind your kayak with your game. It will slow you down, but it won’t swamp your kayak.  
• Float the game: Lastly, you could try to tow your kill behind your kayak. Strap on an extra PFD or other flotation option to your kill and secure your buck to your kayak. (Make sure you don’t field dress or otherwise open up the animal. You don’t want water to taint the meat and the gut cavity will give it extra buoyancy.) This method will also slow you down and might not be practical in certain waters (i.e. don’t tow gater bait.)

Safety and Comfort

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a properly fitted PFD. This is always important if you are on the water. Get used to wearing a life jacket. There are many PDF / life jacket options today that are comfortable and less bulky than devices of generations past.
• Anchor: Some way to secure your kayak is important. Selecting the correct anchor will depend on how deep the water is. If you are in really skinny water, an anchor stake / post could be enough. 
• First Aid Kit: A staple of all kayaking trips should be a well-stocked first aid kit. This is especially true if you will be far from human intervention as you likely will be while hunting. 
• Comfortable Clothing: If you are planning on a long day out hunting, you will want to be comfortable. Choose clothes that are comfortable and layers to adapt to changing conditions. You might want camo for concealment during active hunting versus something bring while traversing waterways.  
• Float Plan: Another tip (that is too easily overlooked but could save your life) is leaving a plan with someone on land. Make sure someone knows where you are headed and when you are expected to return.

Hunting with your kayak can be a new challenge that yields amazing results. Let the natural advantages of a kayak make your hunting game better. Happy Paddling!