Take It To the Limit With Winchester's Blind Side

Melissa Bachman offers her favorite tips for fall waterfowl season.

posted on September 17, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Waterfowl hunting is something I grew up with in central Minnesota, and it’s still one of my favorite activities to do with family. I love being able to talk and setup as a group. And when the action heats up, there are times we are limited out even before the sun comes up!  

The fun of waterfowl hunting is also directly linked with having the right gear and being prepared. If you’re cold, wet and uncomfortable it will make any experience much less fun. I love the early season hunts as it’s usually very nice out, and if the mosquitoes are bad, I throw in a ThermaCell to keep my area bug free.

When it comes to ammunition, Winchester made this easy by creating Blind Side. This is the perfect shot shell for waterfowl. They utilized a hex steel shot technology, which is more stackable, giving you more shot, larger kill zones. They also added a diamond cut wad that keeps the pellets together longer.

Personally, I like to use an EOTech optic on top of my shotgun because it forces me to get on target better, and I have much better success. Most of my fall big game hunting is accomplished with scopes, adding a scope for waterfowl was a huge help. It might not be the preferred option for everyone, but if you’re new to waterfowl, it gets you on target fast.​

Latest

Rao Tracking Guns Lede
Rao Tracking Guns Lede

Increase Your Game Recovery Odds with the Right Tracking Gun

Ethical hunters carry the right tools for the job—including the right equipment even after the animal is presumed to be down.

The Armed Citizen Reload® September 11, 2026

Coast to coast—from California to Florida—women are saving their own lives via the Second Amendment.

Jessie Harrison Claims 2026 USPSA Ladies Open National Championship

Harrison's championship performance is a testament to the discipline, preparation and determination that have defined her career.

NRA Files Supreme Court Brief to Strike Down Bans on America's Most Popular Rifles

The brief urges the justices to strike down bans on commonly owned semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15s, in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins.

 

2026 National Firearms Survey: Female Gun Ownership Continues to Surge

The second-wave survey conducted by William English, Ph.D., of Georgetown University revealed that nearly half of the validated gun owners were women.

 

Safe LivinG to Visit Fort Stewart as Part of 2026 Grand Safety Tour

The experience offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage in various activities centered around personal security, situational awareness and firearms safety.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.