Great posts already. I would only add the following because I am also brand new to duck hunting.

A buddy got me into it and now I call him my crack dealer. He isn't a pro either so we just go out and see what happens. We have learned alot from just going out. We have gone to the same marsh a few times and from that we learned where the ducks like to go on the marsh and the time of day they prefer. We have learned that a large number of woodies use a certain spot to roost and fly in from some flooded timber a little ways away. We didn't get many birds during the early Teal season, I didn't get any, but we learned alot and feel like we are ready for the opener next weekend.

I would also recommend joining your local DU chapter. That way you will meet fellow hunters that may invite you to head out with them. I have been invited to go out twice with the local president but scheduling has always interfered.

Good luck.