Keep Your Shotgun Dry in the Marsh | Tule Tube
Wet reeds. Muddy banks. Water everywhere. Keeping your shotgun out of the muck starts with how you carry it, where you rest it and how you care for it after the hunt.
The short version
Protect your shotgun in transit, use a stable resting place away from mud and water, and follow your manufacturer's care instructions after every wet hunt. A gun stand is a support, not a substitute for safe handling.
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Jump to: Before the hunt · In the marsh · After the hunt · Common questions
Before the hunt: prepare for wet conditions
Choose a protective case
A case designed for wet conditions helps protect your shotgun during the walk in or boat ride. Check the manufacturer's waterproofing and flotation claims, closures and load limits rather than assuming every soft case offers the same protection. Dry the case between trips.
Follow your shotgun's care guidance
Use only the cleaning products, corrosion protection and lubrication recommended for your model and conditions. More lubricant is not necessarily better, especially around grit or in freezing weather. Consult the owner's manual before changing your routine.
Plan your resting place
Think about where your shotgun will rest before you settle into the blind. Avoid wet grass, loose gear and improvised supports that can shift when you move.
In the marsh: keep it out of the muck
Mud, spray and wet vegetation are hard to avoid while duck hunting. A dedicated support gives you an alternative to laying your shotgun on wet ground or balancing it on your lap.
Give your shotgun a dedicated support
The Tule Tube is a floating marsh gun stand designed to support your shotgun above the mud and water. Learn more about its setup and use on our marsh gun stand page.
Choose stable placement and follow the stand's instructions. Maintain a safe muzzle direction, keep your finger away from the trigger and never rely on a stand as a safety device or secure storage.
If your shotgun falls into water or mud
Stop using it. Keep it pointed in a safe direction and follow the manufacturer's safe unloading and inspection instructions. Do not fire a firearm that may contain an obstruction or has not been confirmed safe. If there is any doubt, have a qualified gunsmith inspect it before use.
After the hunt: don't put it away wet
Moisture trapped against metal can encourage corrosion. After a wet hunt, follow your owner's manual for safe unloading, cleaning, drying, lubrication and storage. Give your case and other wet gear time to dry separately.
Saltwater exposure deserves prompt attention. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith for model-specific guidance, especially after submersion. Avoid assuming a quick exterior wipe has removed moisture from internal areas.
Off-season storage
Store your unloaded firearm securely, away from unauthorized access, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check periodically for moisture or corrosion, and use storage humidity controls appropriate for your safe and environment.
Common questions
Will a gun stand keep my shotgun completely dry?
No. A stand can help keep it off wet ground, but it cannot eliminate rain, spray or the risk of a fall. Protective handling and after-hunt care still matter.
How often should I clean my duck hunting shotgun?
Follow the schedule in your owner's manual and account for the conditions you hunted in. Wet, muddy or saltwater exposure may require attention sooner than ordinary dry use.
What should I use to prevent rust?
Use corrosion protection approved by your shotgun's manufacturer. Choose products suited to your firearm's materials and finish, and follow their directions.
What if my shotgun has been submerged?
Stop using it and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have a qualified gunsmith inspect it if you cannot confirm it is safe, clean and free of obstructions.
Less time in the mud. More focus on the hunt.
Give your shotgun a dedicated resting place in the marsh. Explore the Tule Tube and see whether it fits your hunting setup.