14 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021
IN THE FIELD
TEAL ESSENTIALS
By Todd Mills
For many, the opening of teal starts the beginning of
hunting season. Use these tips for a good start.
Scout Early and Often
Several years ago I showed up on the opening day of
teal season to hunt a series of potholes I had scouted a
month earlier but, to my detriment, had never returned to
scout closer to my hunt. When I walked to the hole, it was
bone dry. During late summer and early fall, water tables
can change rapidly. Take time a couple of days before
your hunt to make sure you have water and birds. Check
Rainwater Basin water tables if you're hunting that area
at OutdoorNebraska.org/waterfowlchecklist.
Equipment Check
Hunting teal brings a series of challenges that you
won't face later in the year. Make sure you have your
list ready before you start and don't forget the following
items.
•
Bug spray — Mosquitoes can be nasty that time of
year.
•
Portable chair — You don't need a great hide when
hunting teal, so a comfortable, low-profile chair works in
most walk-in areas,
•
Plenty of shells — I've learned this one the
hard way. Don't underpack on bullets as teal can be
challenging to hit. Keep your shot size at 4 and 6 with
hi-speed velocity.
•
Camo — Think green this time of year. Anything
brown and you'll stick out from the surrounding
vegetation.
Retriever Check
If you use a retriever, and I hope you do, make sure
you've taken time to get them in shape before the season
starts. Temperatures can be high, and finding teal in
heavy vegetation can be challenging even with a dog.
Retrieve downed birds quickly if possible to avoid too
much scent in one area. And if at all possible, work them
into the wind. Teal can be shifty when crippled. If you're
not using a dog, well good luck. But remember, taking
birds home that you've downed is always essential.
Hope, a Labrador retriever, watches the sky during a teal hunt in the Rainwater Basin. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
