The ABC’s of Duck Hunting – Start Duck Hunting This Year – Part 2

Whether you are a seasoned duck hunter or a complete newbie, the following pages will provide an in-depth look at all facets of duck hunting and start duck hunting this year.  The goal of this article is to enable you to hunt ducks more effectively while providing easy-to-digest information. Here, the complete ABC’s of duck hunting Part 2 will be presented (Part 1 can be located here).

How to Time your Hunt

What is the best time to hunt?  For many hunters with strict family and work schedules, the answer is simple:  hunt whenever you are able.

However, in a perfect world where hunters can time their outings, there are certain things to keep in mind.  For instance, ducks are most active during the early morning hours. It is during this time that they move from roosting areas to find food.  They are also active in the late evenings, when they return to their roosts for the night. For these reasons, the half hour before sunrise and for 1 – 2 hours afterwards provides good opportunities, as well as during the final hour of daylight.  Keep in mind you should always check the legal hours for duck hunting in your area.

Keeping track of the weather is also important.  Ducks are active on days that are cold or windy, and also when there is a significant change in weather conditions.  If the weather is unseasonably warm, they are less likely to be active, as well as when there is a light breeze. Abrupt changes in weather also trigger migration, which can bring new birds that are less aware of the hunting patterns into your camp.  Following these patterns closely, as knowing when a stiff northwest wind is on the horizon can lead to a very successful day in the field.

Tips for Decoying and Calling Ducks

There are many tactics for enticing ducks to come your way.  Decoying is one of the most popular methods, but there are plenty of other ways to kill ducks, as well.  There are three general types of duck hunters: jump-shooting, pass-shooting, and decoy hunting.

A jump-shooting hunter is one that sneaks up on ducks as shoots them as they flush.  Jump-shooting can occur on foot, while wading through a creek, or from a boat.  This method is useful for hunting puddle ducks mid-day, and is the purest manner for duck hunting.  As a word of caution: when jump-shooting with a dog, hunters should avoid shooting such that the bird drops into thick shoreline cover, as the retrieve will be difficult.  It is also important to respect property boundaries. For instance, hunting is often legal on waterways, but the shoreline is typically private.

Pass-shooting is a controversial method, as people who pass shoot sometimes do so out of range.  Here, the idea is to find the areas which birds fly through (but don’t land in) and hide within shooting range.  For ethical pass-shooting, shots should be limited to an effective range of 40 yards or less. Examples of areas for pass-shooting include creek corridors and high spots between prairie pothole lakes.  

Decoy hunting is the most traditional method for duck hunting.  Here, ducks are attracted to duck decoys within a

concealed setup in an area ducks would want to land.  Decoy hunters are able to be more mobile, as they can hunt from shorelines, while wading, or from a boat.  

Success with this method is easy.  Hunters simply must identify areas where ducks like to be, and find cover nearby.  Keeping track of the wind direction is important, since ducks land and take off into the wind.  The sun should also be at the hunters back. The decoys should mimic real ducks, and hunters should position themselves to one side of the spread, as they should not be directly in the line of the duck’s sight.  

How should you go about setting out decoys?  There are many tips to follow:

Your decoy quarry will depend on the type of ducks you are hunting.  If you are hunting puddle ducks or most divers, mallard decoys will suffice.  During teal season, hunters should use Bluewing or Greenwing Teal decoys. If hunting in the prairies, consider pintail or wigeon decoys.  The goal is to make your spread as attractive to your game bird of choice as possible. When hunting in the field, Canada goose decoys can be used for all types of puddle ducks.  For diving ducks, use bluebill or canvasback decoys. Goldeneye and bufflehead ducks prefer their own species, so hunters should use whistler or bufflehead decoys if hunting these birds.

Next, the number of birds in your decoy spread matters as well – and is dependent on your location and hunting scenario.  For instance, if you are hunting on a small pond, 6 – 8 decoys are appropriate. The main goal in decoying is to make the space appear inviting to any ducks that are passing by.  Another limiting factor is how many decoys you can transport, especially if you are traveling in a small boat. In most instances, 24 decoys is an appropriate number, as it will catch the eye of a passing duck without looking abnormally large.  

Of course, larger expanses of open water or fields will require larger spreads.  In these areas, up to 72 decoys may be appropriate. In some instances, up to 200 decoys can be used, such as when hunting diving ducks on big water.  In the appropriate setting, a large number of decoys can trick ducks into believing there is safety in numbers. In a field, a large spread of geese could entice a mallard to take a second look and stop by in search of food.  In general, the location of your blind is more important than your decoys, so in a well-chosen area, fewer decoys can still be effective.

Another consideration is the shape and pattern of your spread.  The way that your decoys are positioned will affect where the ducks will land and if they feel comfortable touching ground.  Puddle ducks typically prefer to land in the openings between decoys (called holes) and will rarely fly low over the decoys. Therefore, areas should be kept open to encourage Puddlers to land. Typical patterns include a loose group of a limited number of decoys, 2 – 3 distinct groups with an open landing area in between, or a J or U shaped spread.  For spreads of puddle ducks, duck-butt decoys should be incorporated to make the area appear inviting to hungry birds.

Diving ducks, on the other hand, fly over other ducks when approaching, so a diving duck spread should have a large group of decoys upwind with a tail extending downwind, similar to a runway.  A J-shaped spread is ideal, as well as spreads of multiple lines with 1 – 2 strings downwind. Don’t forget to leave plenty of room for ducks to land. If birds are hesitant to land, open a larger landing hole.

The final important consideration is motion.  Spinning wing decoys are popular, as the motion can be enticing.  Look for a model that has a remote-controlled switch to turn off the spinning wings as the ducks get close for landing.  During calm conditions, mechanized feeders, swimming decoys, and jerk-string rigs are also useful.

Purchasing decoys is easier than ever, thanks to the number of inexpensive decoys on the market that are realistic.  Unlike decoys from the past, modern decoys are lightweight and float well in water. Standing decoys are more costly, but are invaluable for the realism they add to the field.  Ultimately, there is a decoy on the market that can fit any hunter’s needs.

To rig a spread of decoys, each fake needs a line that is connected to a weight, both of which are readily available in hunting and sporting goods stores.  If each decoy is individually rigged, nylon decoy line works well, while tarred line lasts for a long time. Allow yourself plenty of line, as slack will ensure the decoy can securely hit bottom and dig in when the wind pulls the rigging line taut.  Slack also allows for more natural movement. A general rule of thumb is to give yourself 50 – 75% more line than the depth of the water.

There are numerous styles of decoy weights.  These include sinkers, mushroom anchors, scoop weights, and grapple-hook anchors.  For small water, any style is suitable. When hunting in sand or big water, use a scoop or grapple hook.  

Texas-rigging describes a style where decoys are fitted with high-test fishing line and are secured together with a carabiner.  This method saves hunters time and prevents tangling. Individual weights are placed on the decoy leaders before the entire spread is deployed.  

Another method is to use multiple decoy lines.  This method works well for hunting diving ducks simply because of the large numbers in the spreads.  A leader of decoy line attaches to a mother line with a lobster or snap clip. Then, hunters use heavy weights on each end of the mother line before dragging it into place.  

Mastering the Bird Call

While decoys attract ducks, calling adds another level of realism.  Mimicking duck vocalizations allows hunters to create

the illusion that multiple ducks have found your area enticing, safe, and full of food, leading other ducks to want to join the party.  

The most popular duck call is that of a mallard, since that is the most common duck.  These calls have a tube configuration with a mouthpiece and 1 – 2 reeds. Properly using a call is an art, and requires huffing air from the diaphragm, as opposed to simply blowing on the call.  

To make a quacking sound with a duck call, you should first grunt or hum “huuut” into your call.  Use your tongue to modulate the flow of air at the beginning and end of your call. The last note of your call (the “t” in “huut”) should end with your tongue pressed against your palate, similar to if you were saying the word “ten.”  

After you have mastered the quack, next is the highball, also called the hail call.  This call requires a series of high-pitched quack-like notes. To make each call distinct, you must press your tongue to your palate multime times.  

When ducks feed on water, they make a distinct sound, similar to a chuckle.  To mimic this sound, grunt into your call while mouthing “ticka, ticka, ticka” in an uneven cadene.  

To get the attention of a distant flock, utilize a hail-call, which is a 5 – 7 note greeting.  Longer calls can be used, but their only real utility is in case only a few notes from the call can be heard.  If the hail-call gets the flock’s attention, switch to quacks or chuckles. Alternatively, hail-calls might be best depending on the flock, so it is important to experiment and find out what works best for you.  

If ducks pass your decoys, use a comeback call which is an urgent sounding of “quack quack quack” 5 – 7 times.  Always give the comeback call when the birds are on the corners of your blind and spread, before they get out of range.  Avoid calling at ducks as they are flying directly over or towards your spread.

For Teal, Wigeon, and Pintails, whistle calls are ideal, as well as Gadwall calls.  If working with mixed flocks, use these in addition to mallard calls. Ultimately, remember that less is more, so if ducks are coming in, put down the call.  

Ultimately, in order to be as realistic as possible you should spend time listening to birds.  The goal should be to mimic the duck, not a competition caller.

How to Hide:  The Basics of Concealment

Another important aspect of duck hunting is concealing yourself from the sight of birds.  This point is critical, as ducks will not come in if they can see people or dogs.

The most traditional way to conceal yourself is with a duck blind made from wood or other materials.  This method is useful on shorelines or in marshes and rice fields. The blind should be low enough to the ground that it does not stand out from an aerial perspective.  Boat blinds are useful on lakes, open water, and in marshes.

When hunting diving ducks, a low-profile layout boat can be used.  These special boats eliminate the hunter’s silhouette when viewed above the water and allow for hiding among the decoys.  Pit blinds are another specialty, which are comfortable and spacious and best for the fields.

However, in some instances a blind is not an option.  In this case, hunters should hide in natural cover, such as bulrush, timber, rice, prairie grass, and cattails.  Indeed, this method works best as it is completely natural. Avoid disturbing the vegetation, which will look unnatural when viewed from above.  When hunting in fields or in sloughs, layout blinds may also be necessary. If using a commercial blind, it is important to match your camo to the field.  Regardless of using a commercial blind or natural cover, you should wear appropriate camo and don a facemask or face paint.

Duck Hunting Equipment

Waterfowl hunting can require a lot of gear, depending on weather and hunting scenario.  Here, everything you need for different situations will be discussed.

What all does duck hunting entail?  We have already discussed decoys and calls, as well as where to hunt which sometimes involves watercrafts and specialized blinds.  If using a boat, you should match your boat to your hunting style and area. A skiff or canoe is perfect for streams and marshes while a motorized boat is necessary for big, open water.   Jon boats are popular for backwater and marsh hunting. When in doubt, ask around what is best for hunting in your favorite area.

Apparel is also important.  Depending on region and game, duck hunters can experience balmy weather to downright miserable conditions.  Remember: there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. If you are hunting streams, marshes, or sloughs you will want a high-quality pair of chest waders or hip boots.  If you are hunting in the early season you will want a pair of waders that are breathable for maximum comfort. For late-season hunting, look for insulated or neoprene versions.

The same principles should be followed for your general clothing.  Recent innovations in material technology have provided breathable materials that wick sweat on warm days while providing insulation on cold days.  A couple quality items that keep you comfortable during a long day are well worth the investment. When the weather is warm opt for light-colored, breathable clothes.  However, as the temperature drops it is important to dress in layers. The first layer should be moisture wicking. Avoid cotton, as it will cause you to chill if you sweat throughout the day.  Wool socks, fleece pants, and a wind / waterproof shell are all necessary items. Don’t forget to have camo on your outer layers.

An often overlooked item is heavy duty waterproof gloves.  Look for gloves that do not hinder your ability to handle your gun.  Hats and facemasks can also drastically improve your comfort level on cold days in the field.  

Guns and Ammo

What type of shotgun is best for shooting ducks?  In reality, any 12- or 20-gauge shotgun will suffice as long it can be used in bad conditions, such as rain, wind, snow, or sleet.  While personal preferences vary, many hunters use semi-automatic guns with synthetic stocks and fore-ends that feature baked-on camouflage which provides rust protection and concealment.  Pump guns are also popular, as they never fail to eject and load shells. Another option is a simple double-barreled gun.

The shells that you choose to go with your gun are important.  When hunting for table fare, non toxic shot must be used. Options include steel and tungsten among others.  New hunters should practice with different materials and chokes on a patterning board to find the best option for their needs.  Steel and tungsten typically require open chokes, and aftermarket chokes can be purchased to improve patterning.

Pellet sizes for duck hunting include No. 4 to BB and Nos. 2 and 3.  However, density of the load is important for performance. Hunters should do plenty of research into the performance levels of different shot before committing to a purchase.  Be sure to use the shotgun choke tube that will obtain the best pattern from your gun.

Many duck hunters prefer 1 ⅛ – 1 ⅜ ounce loads; but, again this is personal preference.  

Tips for Shooting Ducks

There are many ways to learn how to shoot ducks, such as reading books or attending seminars.  In reality, shooting ducks is challenging, and the best way to improve your shooting skills is to simply practice.  Taking regular trips to the trap field, clays course, or skeet range will all help you improve your skills, as each locale improves different aspects of your shooting game.  For instance, skeet shooting requires hard crossing shots and a good follow through. Trap shooting depends on straight-away shots and quartering angles. Sporting clays works on teal-like targets and shooting through trees.  You can never have too much practice, especially since ducks are known for their acrobatic flight patterns.

To kill ducks efficiently, you should beware that some ducks will hit the water alive.  Even mortally wounded ducks can escape. Be prepared to finish the duck on the water, even if it costs extra shells.  If a wounded bird shows signs of life, especially a diver, it is best to shoot twice.

Dogs for Duck Hunting

Perhaps the best aspect of duck hunting is the retriever.  After you have downed a bird, a well-trained retriever will swim through any type of conditions to locate the bird and bring it back to your hand, come hell or high-water.  They use their natural drive for birds, extensive training, and impressive nose to complete this task. Without a dog, many birds would be lost each season.

The best duck dogs are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Water Spaniels, and Flat-Coat Retrievers, among others.  Dogs intended for hunting should be purchased from reputable breeders that can prove their 

breeding stock has hunt-test or field-trial achievements.  Started dogs can also be purchased, which are adolescent dogs that have already been started in their training. Depending on your situation, it isn’t necessary to spend thousands on a started pup, though.  Local breeders or shelters can also provide dogs that will suffice in certain instances. The most important aspect is to have a dog that meshes well with your personality and is willing to learn.

Training a duck dog can be a lengthy process, and there are many resources available in the form of books and DVDs that cover all aspects of training.  Be consistent with your training and understand that all dogs are individuals with different learning needs and capabilities. Consult with experts when you are struggling, and don’t be afraid to take things slowly, going backwards as needed.  Spend as much time with your duck dog as possible, and don’t be afraid to send your dog to an expert if you are struggling with the dog training process.

How to Cook Ducks

Arguably the best part of the hunt is having a chance to cook, eat, and share your bird with others.  Most ducks make for good eating, and hunters should remember that a duck’s worth on the table is dependent on its diet.  For instance, all puddle ducks (except the shoveler) have a superior taste. Diving ducks are less prized for their taste, with canvasbacks being the exception.  To improve the taste of redheads, bluebills, and ringbills, you should remove all the fat from the bird and brine them in salt water for a couple days, being sure to change the water frequently.  This technique can also be successfully used with buffleheads, goldeneyes, shovelers, and ruddies, in addition to marinating them or simply using them in stews.

Since duck meat is generally lean, it can also be dried easily.  Other cooking methods include grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. Ducks should be cooked hot and fast, and never beyond a temperature of medium-rare.  

(Part 1 of this article can be located here)

Start Duck Hunting This Year – the ABC’s of Duck Hunting – Part 1

Whether you are a seasoned duck hunter or a complete newbie, the following pages will provide an in-depth look at all facets of duck hunting and start duck hunting this year.  The goal of this article is to enable you to hunt ducks more effectively while providing easy-to-digest information. Here, the complete ABC’s of duck hunting will be presented.  

North American Duck Species

There are four types of ducks that are typically hunted in North America:  puddle ducks (aka dabbling ducks), diving ducks, sea ducks, and whistling ducks (aka tree ducks).  In North America, puddle ducks and diving ducks can be hunted all across the continent, while sea ducks and whistling ducks are only found in certain regions.    

Puddle Ducks

Puddle ducks can be found in freshwater wetlands such as marshes, river backwaters, prairie pothole lakes, and shallow bays.  A defining feature of these birds is their tendency to tip up (i.e. place their heads underwater with their rear in the air) for feeding in a foot or less of water.  Puddle ducks also feed on land, consuming vegetation, agricultural crops, and aquatic invertebrates. They also make for good eating because of their diet.

In comparison to the other types of ducks, such as diving ducks, they function well on land, which is largely due to their anatomy.  They have legs that are centered towards the middle of their body, enabling them to walk more easily. Their feet are smaller than diving ducks, and they lack lobed toes.

Puddle ducks use their strong legs and wings to flush upward when taking flight and are able to become airborne almost immediately.  Their size varies among species, but in general dabbler ducks have large bodies. Indeed, dabblers can be distinguished from diving ducks based on their silhouette on the water.  If the duck holds its head high, it is likely a diving duck; a high body is more indicative of a puddler.

The Mallard Duck is easily the most recognizable duck in both North America and the world.  This bird is large, measuring 2 feet and commonly weighing up to 3 lbs. Drakes may also be called greenheads, due to the glossy

green coloring on their heads.  Mallards are not picky eaters, and consume aquatic invertebrates, as well as submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation. When mallards are migrating they feed on crops like beans, corn, wheat, and barley.  

Their breeding range is large, spanning the northern third of the US as far north as Alaska. Migration occurs in the late fall and winter in the southern US, with a large concentration of these birds found in the Mississippi Flyway.  They are vocal birds, and they have provided the basis for duck calling. Besides their prevalence in North America, they are widely hunted because of their superior taste and wariness of hunters.

The Wood Duck is widely considered one of the most beautiful ducks in the world.  This species differs from other

puddlers in that they nest in tree cavities and spend much of their time perching.  Most often found throughout the eastern and southern US, many of the wood ducks that reside in the south do not migrate.

 They feed on acorns and aquatic vegetation, such as duckweed. In addition, wood ducks eat crops, especially when mast production is poor.  Like Mallards, wood ducks are great for eating. Defining characteristics of wood ducks include their distinct “hoo-eek” squeal when they take flight.

The American Black Duck, also known as the black duck, is a large puddler that resembles a mallard.  American black ducks and mallards are the same size and share the same general habitat as both are commonly found in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways.  They migrate late, staying in the north until food and water become scarce. Recently, black duck numbers have declined due to hybridization with mallards as well as competition.  This species is wary and can be very tough to decoy.

The Northern Pintail, also called sprigs, is skinnier and longer than the mallard.  They are graceful, with long necks and gull-like wings. Although numbers are down relative to recent years, the northern pintail duck maintains a large

breeding area in North America and northern Eurasia.  While hens have a coarse quack, drakes emit a short, trill whistle. Northern pintails are early migrators and prefer shallow water with submergent vegetation. However, northern pintails will also feed in fields like other puddle ducks.  

 

 

 

The American Wigeon, also called a baldpate, is a beautiful species that is both shorter and stockier than the mallard, with short bills, pointed tails, and narrow wings.  A wigeon can be distinguished from another duck in flight due to its white belly and white wing shoulders. The American wigeon consumes aquatic vegetation as well as wild celery and other plants.  When feeding on land they prefer grasses and plants as opposed to crops. The wigeon is also vocal. Drakes have a unique three-note whistle where the middle note is higher than the others. Wigeons migrate early to mid-fall.

The Gadwall, also known as the gray duck, is similar in size to the wigeon.  Thanks to a recent population surge, gadwalls are one of the most populous ducks in North America, primarily found in prairie regions of the Central Flyway.  Like wigeons, gadwalls primarily eat aquatic vegetation and rarely feed on land. Hen gadwalls sound like hen mallards, while drakes emit a “blat” sound. Unlike other birds, gadwalls are easy to decoy.  

The Blue-Winged Teal is a small duck that measures only 16’’ long and weighs less than 1 lb.  This bird migrates early, commonly leaving its breeding grounds in August or September.  The Blue-Winged Teal also migrates farther than any other duck, heading all the way to South America.  Called the acrobat of the duck world, bluewings are known for their stunts in the air. They feed on shallow aquatic vegetation and are good for eating.  Drakes of this species emit soft peeps while hens emit a 4-5 note quack similar to a mallard.

The Cinnamon Teal is similar to the blue-wing teal, but only found in the western regions of North America.  

This bird gets its name from cinnamon-colored breeding plumage while the hen looks similar to a bluewing.  Like the bluewing, the cinnamon teal migrates early and can be found in shallow wetland areas.

The Green-Winged Teal is the smallest of all puddle ducks.  Unlike the other teals listed, greenwings do not migrate until late October or early November.  Drakes emit a short, high-pitched peep while hens are distinguished by their soft, nasal quack. Green-winged teals are also very acrobatic and agile.  This species can be found in shallow wetlands feeding on exposed shorelines.

The Northern Shoveler, also known as the spoonbill, smiling mallard, or Hollywood mallard, is common in the Northern Hemisphere.  This bird gets its name from a shovel-like bill that is both broad and flat. Shovelers have the unique ability to strain food from the water, allowing them to eat plankton and aquatic invertebrates.  For this reason, northern shovelers are not considered good for eating. This early-migrating species is fast and prefers shallow wetlands.

Diving Ducks

A second type of duck is the diving duck, which describes the type of birds that dive underwater to find food.  They can often be found on vast areas of water during both the spring and fall migrations, such as lakes and rivers, particularly the Great Lakes of the midwest.  The typical diet of the diving duck is submergent vegetation and aquatic invertebrates, such as mollusks. Like other ducks, the type of diet the diver has will affect the duck’s quality for eating.

A diving duck typically has small wings and a short, stout body in comparison to puddlers.  Therefore, these birds are often seen running very fast across the water before taking flight, with the exception of ringnecks.  Hunters can distinguish diving ducks by their rapid wingbeats.

In comparison to puddlers, diving ducks have proportionately larger feet, with legs that are set farther back on their bodies.  These characteristics make them appear clumsy when on land yet they are superior swimmers and divers.

Most diving ducks feed in water that is less than 10 feet deep, while certain divers such as buffleheads, goldeneyes, and sea ducks typically feed deeper.  All ducks are capable of diving to great depths, however.

The Canvasback is considered the king of ducks and is indeed one of the most prized waterfowls in North America. Despite recent declines in their population, canvasbacks are still highly regarded. Their diet includes mollusks, aquatic tubers, and vegetation, particularly wild celery.  Canvasbacks migrate mid-fall. This bird decoys well, but will become wary of hunters after extended interaction. This bird is considered one of the best-tasting of all ducks.  

 

Greater and Lesser Scaups, also known as broadbills and bluebills, respectively, can be found across the US.  The two

types of scaups are similar in appearance, except that the greater scaup is slightly larger than the lesser scaup.  The two birds can be distinguished based on their wing feathers, as the white band across the secondary flight feathers extends into the primary feathers for the greater scaup, but stops before the primary feathers in the lesser version.  Both types of birds can be found on big water during fall migrations. Their diet is comprised of aquatic invertebrates such as freshwater shrimp and zebra mussels. Lesser scaup hens make a “brr” call, while greater scaup hens are not vocal.  Drakes of both types make a “scaup, scaup” sound, which is indeed how the bird got its name.

The Redhead is a diving duck that is similarly sized to a wigeon or gadwall and is swift-flying.  This bird is similar in appearance to a canvasback, yet has a shorter neck, more gray on its back, and a light blue-gray bill with a black tip.  In comparison to canvasbacks, redheads are blockier in flight. They can be found on large waters during migrations, but also can be frequently found in prairie pothole lakes and marshes.  Their diet consists of submergent vegetation and aquatic invertebrates, and their migration begins earlier than most birds.

The Ring-Necked Duck, also known as the ringbill, is similar in size to the lesser scaup.  Unlike other diving ducks,

ringnecks do not need to run across the water before taking flight.  For this reason, they can be found in smaller bodies of water such as marshes and sloughs. Ringnecks migrate in early October and their diet consists of aquatic vegetation.  This type of diving duck is generally easy to decoy.

The Bufflehead, also known as the butterball, measures 15’’ and weighs 1 lb.  These birds can be found in tree nests, and they wait until late fall to migrate.  Buffleheads can be found in smaller flocks of 15 – 30. Their diet consists of aquatic invertebrates and they tend to fly along the shoreline, unlike most other diving ducks.  

The Common Goldeneye is also called the whistler due to the high pitched whistling sound of its wings.  Goldeneyes migrate latest, typically waiting until everything freezes. These ducks are similar in size to redheads.  Their diet is primarily that of mollusks and aquatic invertebrates, meaning they are not good for eating. Nonetheless, hunters enjoy the challenge of hunting the common goldeneye because of their strong flying ability.  A close relative is the Barrow’s goldeneye, which can be found primarily in the west.  A white, crescent-shaped cheek patch distinguishes this bird from the common goldeneye, whose cheese patch is round.  

The Ruddy Duck is smaller than most diving ducks and distinguished by its stiff, fan-like tail.  These birds migrate early and can be found in extremely large flocks on big water. They are not wary of hunters and are hesitant to fly from danger, which makes them poor for hunting.

There are three types of Mergansers, a type of diving duck not often hunted.  The largest is the common merganser,

followed by the medium-sized red-breasted merganser and the small hooded merganser.  These birds are also sometimes called sawbills because of their bills that resemble serrated knives.  Their diet consists of fish, for which the serrated bill is useful. These birds are not good for eating.  

Sea Ducks

The third group of ducks that will be discussed is the sea duck, which is rarely found inland.  However, freshwater hunters can sometimes find them on the great lakes, as certain sea ducks winter in this region.  Longtails (also known as oldsquaws), surf scoters, white-winged scoters and black scoters are all ducks that are common on the seas.  The harlequin duck can be found on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and is widely considered to be a bucket list bird.   

Other sea ducks include Eiders (including the common eider, Steller’s eider, spectacled eider, and king eider).  Each variety can be found in a different region, with the Steller’s and spectaled eiders protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Whistling Ducks

Finally, whistling ducks are comprised of birds such as the West Indian whistling duck, which can be found primarily in the Caribbean.  In Texas (as well as Mexico and Central America) the Black-bellied whistling duck can be found.  The Fulvous whistling duck ranges from southern California through Texas, the Louisiana Gulf Coast, and Florida.  

 

Where to Hunt Duck

Now that you know the characteristics of many of the most popular types of ducks in North America, we will discuss where to find these birds.  Because the many types of ducks have different physiologic features, they can be found in various habitats.

Puddle ducks prefer to feed in shallow waters, so they can be primarily found in marshes, swamps, river backwaters, lake shorelines, and temporary wetlands, like puddles.  Many species of puddle ducks also dine on agricultural crops, and can therefore be found in fields.

Diving ducks, on the other hand, are more likely to be found on larger bodies of water.  During migratory periods, diving ducks are typically found on lakes, impoundments, rivers, large soughs, the Great Lakes, and coastal estuaries / shorelines.  Their preferred foods are fish, mollusks, vegetation, and invertebrates, so wherever these items are abundant will be where ducks can be found. Safety is another concern, so areas of cover are also appealing.  

Locating ducks can be difficult, due to the various areas they inhabit.  However, observational skills and a good work ethic go a long way. Avoid popular areas, such as the ones recommended in online chat forums.  Since this information is easy to find, chances are that there will be many hunters with the same idea and ducks will be scarce.

To find diving ducks, look for good vantage points on large water and glass for flocks.  From a distance, birds can appear as dark spots in an oil slick on the water. If you struggle to find birds from the shoreline, use a boat and look for feeding areas.  Stay a safe distance away, though, lest you want the birds to relocate.

To start duck hunting this year find puddle ducks in an agricultural field, simply look for areas where ducks would like to feed.  For instance, corn, oats, beans, wheat, and barley are all safe bets. Keep your eyes open during early morning and early evening hours, as those are the times of days ducks are most likely to feed in fields.  Another hint is that fields which attract geese are also likely to attract ducks. Glass these spots to identify small ducks mixed in with a flock of Canadian or Snow Geese.

Another place to find puddle ducks is in shallow water environments; however, these areas can be more difficult to spot and require more leg work.  Take a hike or travel by boat into swamps, backwaters, potholes, creeks, or flooded areas to find birds. Watch for areas where ducks land or flush and look for potential areas to set up a duck blind.  

Overall, keep your eyes and ears open.  Hunters quickly get the hang of the art of finding ducks after spending time looking for them.  If you are vigilant, you will find that the ducks will reveal themselves.

When to Go Duck Hunting

As a general rule of thumb, the best time of day to go duck hunting is in the early morning and early evening hours, but duck hunters should be aware of the weather patterns and that even slight changes should necessitate prompt action.  

Ducks migrate towards food and open water in the south, vacating northern regions every autumn, while making pit stops along the way.  Seasons vary depending on the latitude of each region, with certain ducks migrating earlier than others depending on their primary region.  Additionally, not all ducks migrate on the same schedule. For instance, some species don’t mind cold weather and will stay in cold regions until there is no food or open water left, while other species will head for warmer weather the second the thermometer drops.  

Indeed, understanding waterfowl migratory patterns is certainly more of an art than a science.  While some birds will follow the same schedule every fall, others do not operate like clockwork.  Additionally, some birds will remain in a pitstop area until the weather changes. Therefore, hunters can never be sure when the time will be right for hunting their favorite bird, as each year is different.  

There are, however, factors that remain the same annually.  For instance, blue-winged teal begin migrating in August. In general, duck season for the better part of Canada and the northern US begins in September.  In southern states, seasons open in October and November, with certain regions remaining open through January. These seasons are federally mandated, and each state is given a limit on the number of days a duck season can remain open.  

Depending on the region, climates and conditions can be vastly different.  In the north, the beginning of hunting season can feel like summer, while the end of the season takes place in the bitter cold.  Southern states, hunters must wait for a cold front to push birds their way, offering only a short window of opportunity during unseasonably warm winters.  In Florida, hunters are granted the opportunity to shoot in warm weather all throughout duck season.

Look for “ABC’s of Duck Hunting – Part 2” for the second half of this article.

(Part 2 of this article can be found here)