I started duck hunting when I was about eight years old and it is by far my favorite waterfowl to hunt.  There is just something about working a flock of mallards, seeing that greenhead cup and turn, wings back…. I just love that!  There is also so much variety in duck hunting from small ponds, open bays, rivers, flooded fields and grain fields.  While those experiences are different from one another, there are some things that remain consistent.

 

1.      Know their patterns – It is important to know when the ducks are using the area that you are going to hunt.  Scouting is a necessity to learn where they are going for food, for rest, and for fresh water.  Even on privately leased ground this is important because you do not want to overhunt a piece of property or continually push birds unnecessarily.  My favorite time to hunt is mid-morning when birds are returning from the bay for food and fresh water.   

 

2.      Concealment – If you are not hidden, you simply will not consistently decoy ducks.  I don’t care how great of a caller you are or if you have the best decoy spread, if they see you your ‘e busted.  

 

3.      Decoys and decoy spreads – Great care should be taken with your decoys and decoy spreads.  Further information is provided in the tips and instruction section.

 

4.      Calling – A good idea is to not call when the birds are coming straight at you, instead call when the birds swing or are going away.  I’ve heard it said “Call em on the tips and tails”.  I personally think many people call too much or more precisely at the wrong time.  Further detail is provided in the calling ducks section on our tips and instruction pages.  

 

5.      Be patient – If they are coming closer… wait!  Too many hunters get impatient and jump up to shoot when the ducks are at 40 yards.  By the time you get your gun shouldered and on the bird they are going away.  Far too many birds are crippled and lost when a little patience would have had the birds in nice and tight.