Professional Outdoor Sportsman Spook Spann





Tips And Tactics: How To Hunt Ducks

Wednesday, 21-Jun-2017 | Spook Spann

Hunting season is autumn and winter.

(Ducks have raised their young.) Ducks migrate too and fly to warmer areas for food. Being prepared, from using the correct equipment to learning methods to attract ducks, is the key to successful hunting.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

· Ducks are masters at spotting people, highly intelligent birds and quick to outwit many an experienced hunter. Being prepared is key.

· There are many ways to hunt ducks, and methods to attract ducks. Mastering the right duck calls, using decoys, learning to be still and building a good blind, are all tools used in your duck hunting arsenal. Ducks may fly overhead and be attracted to the area, as they see “other birds” feeding, or see a potential mate. Learning and observing the habits of each species is important. Some ducks are “divers” and others feed nearer the surface.

· Duck hunting is a popular outdoor activity.

Can I hunt all the ducks I see?

· No.It is highly regulated and there are limits to the number of a type of duck that you can hunt, per day.

Where do I find ducks?

· Waterfowl, and duck, species are diverse, and the many varieties each have their own preferred types of habitats. Marshes, lakes, rice fields, or catchment areas – meadows, and woodland. Ducks are found in many unique locations, but there are four main ‘flyways’ across the U.S. (The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific.)

How many types of Ducks are there? Do they all taste good?

· A part of the attraction of the sport is the great variety of waterfowl that can be hunted.

· Some species that are popular are: mallards, canvasback, redhead, pintail, gadwall, ruddy duck, harlequin, common and hooded. Geese and ducks are hunted. Some birds are not hunted as they do not have a good taste. ( Red-breasted merganser)

· The Canvasback population was under threat in the early part of the 20C as it is very tasty and was a highly prized restaurant favorite. (The hunting season for Canvasbacks is regulated. It is not always open.)

What will I need?

Duck hunting requires special equipment, and hunting skills. Ducks have keen eyesight and will spot you easily, as well as any movement.

· Clothing needs to be worn that blends into the environment. Brown and camouflaged clothes help to conceal hunters.

· Waders are needed too.( Chest high)

· A face mask is also recommended.

· A blind. A special camouflage netting or area that is used to help blend into the area.

· Decoys: special mock geese and ducks are used to attract birds to the water.

· A duck call: this is a piece of equipment used to imitate the quacks and language of waterfowl.

· The correct type of guns and shells. (Lead is not permitted. A 12 gauge chamber with three inch magnums is a general recommendation but it is a personal choice.)

· A log book and GPS are useful to record sightings and popular feeding spots, as well as wind direction and water conditions, so that returning to a good spot is easier, the next time you go to the area.

· Binoculars are needed to watch ducks during the hunt, and to scout the area.

· A boat.

· Dogs are also often used hunting ducks.