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

Deering Flyways Pacific Flyway
Deering Flyways Pacific Flyway

What’s Up With Flyways?

If you’re not a waterfowl hunter, you might not be familiar with the concept of flyways. What are they, and what are the differences between the different flyways?

The Armed Citizen® Reload April 17, 2026

It's reality TV at its best: A brave hotel clerk is captured on video as she thwarts an armed robbery—and potentially worse—with her own handgun.

From Hawaii To Houston: Finding Fab Female NRA Firearm Training on the Mainland

Frustrated in their search for next-level instruction on the Big Island, two women journey 3,800 miles to Texas for the gold standard in training.

3 Hunting Tips from an Old Game Warden

For a fun, safe and successful hunt, it's best to follow sage advice from the most experienced.

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 2.0 Revolver

This enhanced small-frame revolver is intended for personal protection in a compact, lightweight platform.

How to Avoid Panic-Buying Ammo

When is the best time to buy ammo? Right now. 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.