Campus-to-Blind: 7 Things Every Young Duck Hunter Needs

Duck hunting isn’t just about calling ducks or sitting in a swamp waiting for them to fly by. It’s also about being ready for crazy weather cold mornings, muddy fields, and sometimes warm afternoons. And if you’re a college student, you also want clothes that don’t look weird when you wear them to class.

If you’re new to hunting or just starting to buy gear, it can feel stressful. Do you really need the most expensive jacket? Or can you just wear your hoodie from home? The good news: you can build a simple 7-piece kit that works both in the blind and on campus.

Here’s the gear every young hunter should have:

1. Base Layers Your Undershirt Superpower

Base layers are like your superhero suit. They go right against your skin to keep you warm and dry. Cotton = bad (it gets wet and cold). Go with synthetic or wool that dries fast. Bonus: that long sleeve looks good with jeans when you’re not hunting.

2. Mid Layer (The Hoodie You Can Toss Off)

Think of this like your favorite hoodie or fleece. It keeps you warm when you’re waiting for ducks in the dark. But once the sun comes up and you start sweating, you can peel it off. Pro tip: pick a color that looks good in class too.

3. Shell Jacket (Your Rain Armor)

This jacket is your shield against wind and rain. Camo is perfect for the blind, but plain colors mean you can wear it to the dining hall too. Look for vents under the arms so you don’t get sweaty while carrying decoys.

4. Durable Pants (Not Just Sweatpants)

Sweats rip and soak up water. You need pants that can handle mud, thorns, and crawling around. Many hunting pants now look like joggers or cargos so yes, you can rock them in class and still look normal.

5. Boots That Don’t Quit

Cold, wet feet equal a miserable hunt. Get waterproof boots with insulation. Good grip is a must for icy mornings. Some hunters keep sneakers in the car so they can switch before heading to class.

6. Hat & Gloves (Small but Mighty)

Don’t underestimate the little stuff. A warm beanie keeps your head cozy, and waterproof gloves save your hands from freezing. Plus, that beanie? Totally fine for campus fashion.

7. A Backpack or Dry Bag

You need a bag to carry calls, shells, snacks (lots of snacks), and extra layers. A waterproof backpack is perfect because it doubles as your gym bag or travel bag.

Why This Matters

Buying these 7 pieces isn’t just about hunting it’s about creating a wardrobe that works everywhere. You don’t need to buy two sets of clothes. You’ll save money, stay comfortable, and actually enjoy being out there.

When you’re warm, dry, and confident in your gear, you can focus on the fun part: being with your friends, learning the tradition, and making memories you’ll never forget.