A properly stocked shell bucket is a must for waterfowlers. Here are some essentials every hunter should have at his disposal:
• Non-toxic shells — No. 4s, No. 5s or No. 6s.
• Duck calls and whistles
• Mosquito spray or a ThermaCell
• Bottled water
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Hand-held GPS units
• A small first-aid kit
• A sierra saw for cutting brush
• A small tool kit or Leatherman tool
• Hearing protection
• A duck strap
• Toilet paper in a Zip-Loc bag
• Licenses, and state and federal duck stamps
• Lease maps and proof of permission to hunt