I loved going for waterfowl when I had a good dog. I hunted the Susquehanna river here in PA where boat access is limited near the 'good' spots and a dog was a necessity. I went the gauntlet of shotguns up to the big Mag 10. But years of experience proved good calling and an sweet handling 12 or even a 20 gauge is all you needed. As for the decoys, the other poster is correct. Unlike geese that like a lot of company, you can get by with only a few dekes. I've gone just carrying 4-6 with me just to give the birds confidence when coming in. I had my best success in small coves with calm water on the lee side of the river sitting in a natural blind on shore.
Some of my best hunting memories involve duck hunting with friends or family. But most of all I really miss that chocolate female lab. I swear that dog could read my mind.