5 Reasons Why Kayak Hunting Could INCREASE your Success
Wes Littlefield 11.19.24
As I glided across the water, I seemed invisible to them. The deer looked up at me and casually put their heads back down to browse. Surprised by their lack of reaction, I continued to paddle, beached my kayak, and began unloading my gear for the stalk. My introduction to kayaks was at a young age. We always had a kayak or canoe for fishing and hunting. So, thanks to my dad, I was already ahead of the curve when the kayak hunting craze hit the hunting and fishing communities during the pandemic. Now that the initial rush has settled, hunters need to be reminded of why hunting from a kayak is worth it. So, I compiled a list of 5 reasons to hunt out of a kayak this season.
1. Kayak Hunting can reach Places other Modes of Transportation Can’t
There are lots of unreachable public hunting lands because they’re bordered by water and private land. Using a boat, such as a kayak, is an easy way to reach these areas. While a boat is great, a kayak can get further back into the shallow creeks, allowing you to hunt deer that others cannot reach without much more effort.
A kayak is also incredibly beneficial if you hunt private land (with a creek or other body of water) because you can use it to reduce the amount of your scent tracked through the woods and set up in places you couldn’t otherwise without bumping deer.
The benefits of hunting areas that lack pressure are worth investing in a kayak alone, so I could end the article here, but I believe the other four reasons are essential, too.
2. Kayak Hunting is more Stealthy
A boat motor is obnoxiously loud, alerting every animal for miles around that you (the predator) are nearby. At one time, I thought running a mud motor on my kayak was a good idea, but I no longer do, so I can be more stealthy.
I still use a trolling or electric motor designed for my kayaks, but they are virtually silent, especially compared to the gas-powered outboard motor on my boat.
It’s also easier to blend in while duck hunting from a kayak. There are kayak blinds you can purchase, or you can build your own to disappear. You don’t have to worry about hiding a big boat because brushing in a kayak is much less challenging.
Getting to your spot via a kayak also means you spread less of your scent through the woods and scare fewer animals. Spreading your scent is unavoidable, but a kayak is less smelly than a gas-powered boat, and the water helps dilute your scent.
This increased stealth means the animals aren’t on high alert as I approach, giving me an advantage. I’m looking for every edge I can get, and hunting from a kayak gives me many advantages.
3. Kayak Hunting is more Versatile
I’ve briefly touched on how versatile a kayak can be, but let’s buckle down on this point. A kayak can be used to hunt nearly any game animal.
It might be as simple as using a kayak to cross the creek while turkey or hog hunting. I had several hunts when the water was too deep to wade across, and I refused to swim in the cold water. Not having a kayak on those hunts definitely cost me.
As I’ve already mentioned, kayaks are often used to reach spots. It’s as simple as loading your gear into the yak and paddling across the body of water close to your stand or blind.
You can also hunt from the kayak. This is primarily for waterfowl hunters (but if your state allows it, deer hunters can also try it); it takes some time to get used to it and iron out how you want the kayak rigged. However, it’s one of my favorite ways to duck hunt because it opens up more places to set up the spread.
Remember, a kayak is another tool to add to your hunting kit to increase your chances of a successful hunt, so don’t be limited by the ideas I’ve discussed (they’re simply suggestions).
4. Kayak Hunting Makes you more Adventurous
I have a much more adventurous side than my wife. She prefers the comforts of spending time inside, while I’m more apt to brave the elements, which makes sense why I love hunting from a kayak.
You’re more exposed to the elements, closer to the water, and spending more time in remote locations while hunting from a kayak. So, it’s the only way (this is the way) if you’re an adventure seeker like me.
However, increased danger comes hand-in-hand with more adventure. While using a kayak, you’re more likely to get wet (a terrible combination with the cold), and the wind is much more of a factor, especially on larger water bodies. It’s also much more work, unloading and loading the yak and paddling to your spot.
I’m not trying to scare you away from kayak hunting, but you should be aware of the increased dangers and be prepared to face them. Always wear your life vest and waterproof clothing/gear is best. You should also keep an eye on the wind and weather and never place yourself in a risky situation, as no adventure is worth your life.
5. Kayak Hunting Connects us to the Past
Now, maybe I’m just being too nostalgic, but using a kayak (even the modern plastic yaks) connects me to my ancestors. I have a Native American background, which makes hunting from a kayak a little more sentimental.
Even if you don’t have Native American ancestors, many other people groups used small boats for hunting expeditions, and you can still experience what it was like to hunt back in the day.
Hunting from a kayak has helped me appreciate how easy we have it with our modern hunting conveniences and provides a more profound connection with the hunters who came before me.
I might never know all the challenges and successes they experienced, but I can do my part to ensure the kayak hunting heritage continues.
