One of the best parts of booking an all-inclusive guided hunt is that you can leave most of the heavy logistics to us. There's no boat to trailer, no decoys to haul, no field to scout the night before. But showing up with the right personal gear still makes the difference between a comfortable, all-day-in-the-blind kind of morning and a long, cold one. Here's a field-tested packing list for a guided duck hunt in Northeast Arkansas, organized so you know exactly what to bring — and what you can leave at home because it's already waiting for you at The Mallard's Nest.
Your package already covers the things that are hardest to travel with. We handle lodging and home-style meals, the blinds and decoy spreads, transportation to and from the fields, our guides and trained retrievers, bird cleaning at the end of the hunt, and fuel costs. That means your packing job is really just clothing, your shotgun and shells, your waders, and a few personal essentials. If you're not sure whether to bring something specific, just ask when you book — we're happy to tell you.
This is the one category you cannot borrow at camp, so square it away before you travel. For Arkansas duck season you'll need a valid Arkansas hunting license, the Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp, and — if you're 16 or older — a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (the Federal Duck Stamp), which federal law requires. You'll also need to carry proof of Arkansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration, which is free. Anyone born after 1968 must also have completed hunter education, or hunt under Arkansas's deferred option with a qualified mentor. Bring a photo ID as well. Requirements can change year to year, so confirm the current details at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before your trip — and reach out to us if you have questions; we help guests sort this out all the time.
Most of our hunters run a 12-gauge, though a hard-hitting 20-gauge works fine for ducks. Bring your gun cased, plus a basic field cleaning kit — Arkansas mornings are wet, and a little maintenance goes a long way. For ammunition, remember that federally approved non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or tungsten) is required for waterfowl; lead has been illegal for duck hunting nationwide since 1991. Number 2 through 4 steel is a solid all-around duck load. Note that during the regular duck season your shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total. If you join us for a spring snow goose conservation hunt, those rules loosen — unplugged shotguns are allowed under the conservation order.
Whether we're hunting flooded rice or a timber hole, you'll want quality chest waders — neoprene is the move for cold December and January mornings. Make sure they're broken in and leak-free before the trip; a brand-new pair tested for the first time in 34-degree water is a rough way to start a hunt. Pack extra wool or synthetic socks, and bring a pair of camp shoes for around the lodge.
The biggest packing mistake first-timers make is under-dressing. Peak Arkansas duck hunting falls in the coldest, dampest stretch of winter, and you'll be sitting still for long periods. Build around layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof, windproof camo outer shell. Add a warm camo cap or beanie, a neck gaiter or face mask, and two kinds of gloves — a warm pair for downtime and a thinner shooting pair. Pack rain gear even if the forecast looks clear. Camo patterns that match flooded timber and field stubble help, but staying still matters more than any pattern.
A well-stocked blind bag keeps the morning smooth: your shells, a headlamp for the dark walk in, hand and toe warmers, a multi-tool, choke tubes and a wrench, eye and ear protection, and your phone in a waterproof pouch or dry bag. Toss in lip balm and a small first-aid kit. We provide water and snacks, but a personal favorite never hurts.
For your time back at the lodge, pack toiletries, any medications, a phone charger, and comfortable casual clothes. Bring a camera or GoPro if you want to capture the hunt, a cooler if you'd like to take cleaned birds home, and some cash if you'd like to tip your guide (always appreciated, never required). BYOB is welcome at the lodge.
If you remember nothing else: bring your license and stamps, a plugged shotgun with non-toxic shells, broken-in waders, and warm layers you can stay still in for hours. We'll handle the rest — from the decoys to the dogs to dinner.
Ready to put the list to use? Take a look at our 3- and 5-day Arkansas duck hunting packages, then reach out to lock in your dates — the calendar fills months in advance.