I often get asked from new to the sport duck hunters what exact duck equipment they need to get started.  Invariably, I will strongly suggest that for a first waterfowl hunt you go with someone who is well versed in the duck hunting world.  Trust me, this is better on all levels.  The experienced duck hunter will know where to hunt, have a boat, duck decoys, duck calls, and a lot of general knowledge that a novice hunter will not have.  So, if you are able to able to find an experienced hunter to go on your first duck hunt with, the needs are a lot less.  You need to have a shotgun and shells, some camoflague clothing (minimum at least a hat and a light jacket you can put over your normal cold weather clothes), and a mind set of having fun.  This isn't to say that one can't get started completely on their own, just that like anything else, there is a learning curve which can get shortened by going with someone who knows what is going on.