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 Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website
Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website

Firearm Terminology: Understanding Rifle Glass Bedding

Glass bedding and free-floating barrels can no doubt improve the accuracy of your firearm, but you still need to do your part and become proficient with your firearm.

New Guns 2026: EAA Balikli Blue Label Over-Under Shotgun

Included in the introduction is a youth model, offered in .410 bore with 18.5″ barrel and an adjustable length of pull.

Henry Repeating Arms' New Rifle Series Gives Back to our National Forests

The National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series honors America’s National Forests and Grasslands while contributing to conservation projects across nearly 200 million acres of public lands nationwide.

Women for Gun Rights Launches First National Membership Program

The new program reflects increasing demand from supporters who want to become more actively involved in advancing WGR's mission of education, safety, and constitutional advocacy.

NRA Women’s Wilderness Escapes: Vacation from the Ordinary

Women of all skill levels and walks of life experience adventure in a safe, judgement-free Southwestern paradise.

The Armed Citizen® Reload March 20, 2026

The defensive gunshots fired by these women were non-fatal—but they left a lasting impression with the perpetrators.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.