As a "newbie", wow, the sky is the limit with what you can do and achieve. From calls, to gear, to decoys, its almost a neverending process, if you choose to get that deep. I too also agree with crowkilla, get a copy of Buck Gardners instuctional CD's, they are good information for a newbie or even someone who has hunted for years on calling techniques and gives you a good starting point. Get some good hunting DVD's, like fallin skies, or the takem videos, something like these will let you see how the pro's do it and give you a sense of what can be done and ways to go about it. You can get ideas on how to hide in a blind or in some marsh grass. There are several good camo patterns out there, me, I use all max4, a good high quality camo pattern. Are you going to hunt water,I would recommend a good quality, warm, wader. Field hunting, a good layout blind. There are several makers of good decoys out there, and you don't have to start out with a million, just get a dozen or so to get you started. Bulk will come with time as you buy here and there. Get on Cabela's website and just look at all the different things that are offered to make you waterfowling a fun and exciting time. I didn't mean to go on, but just wanted to give you a couple of ideas on all the options you have, the sky is the limit. I truly hope you decide to get into the sport and even join some groups such as Ducks Unlimited to help preserve the great sport and keep it around for our children's children. Welcome to waterfowling and hope you find the love as so many of us have.