Duck Hunting
Classic waterfowl hunting tradition
About Duck Hunting
Duck hunting is one of North America's oldest and most cherished hunting traditions. From the flooded timber of Arkansas to the prairie potholes of the Dakotas, waterfowlers pursue dozens of species across four major flyways.
The sport combines decoy placement, calling, dog work, and marksmanship into a challenging pursuit. Early mornings in the marsh, the sound of wings overhead, and working with a well-trained retriever create memories that last a lifetime.
Federal conservation efforts, including the Duck Stamp program established in 1934, have protected over 6 million acres of wetlands and ensure healthy duck populations for future generations.
Why Hunt Ducks
Dynamic Action
Fast-flying targets and multiple shot opportunities create exciting hunts
Species Variety
Mallards, teal, pintails, canvasbacks - each with unique behavior
Social Tradition
Blinds and boats accommodate groups - a great shared experience
Excellent Table Fare
Properly prepared duck rivals any fine dining experience
Common Species
North American ducks divide into two main categories: dabbling ducks (puddle ducks) that feed in shallow water, and diving ducks that dive for food in deeper water.
Dabbling Ducks
- Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Most sought-after, adaptable, widespread
- Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) - Second most commonly hunted, tree-nesting
- Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) - Smallest duck, fast flyer
- Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) - Elegant, distinctive long tail
Diving Ducks
- Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) - Largest diver, "aristocrat of ducks"
- Redhead (Aythya americana) - Copper-colored head, blue bill
- Scaup (Aythya affinis/marila) - "Bluebills" - Lesser and Greater species
The Four Flyways
Ducks migrate along four major routes, each managed as a distinct unit for regulations and harvest management.
- Atlantic Flyway: 17 eastern states, Maine to Florida. Black ducks, sea ducks
- Mississippi Flyway: 14 central states, the heart of duck hunting. Mallards, wood ducks
- Central Flyway: Great Plains states. Pintails, teal, prairie potholes
- Pacific Flyway: Western states. Diverse species, year-round populations
Season Framework
Duck seasons are governed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and managed through Adaptive Harvest Management based on annual population surveys. Each flyway sets seasons within federal frameworks.
The maximum season length is 107 days, with the earliest opening September 1 and latest closing March 10 as set by Migratory Bird Conventions. Most regular seasons run late September through January.
Seasons and bag limits change annually - always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency.
Bag Limits Structure
Daily limits typically allow 6 ducks with species restrictions to protect vulnerable populations.
Example Species Limits (varies by flyway)
- Mallards: 4 max (only 2 females)
- Pintails: 1-3 depending on year/flyway
- Wood Ducks: 3 max
- Canvasbacks: 2 max
- Scaup: 1-2 depending on flyway
Possession limit typically 3x daily bag. Always check current regulations.
Licensing Requirements
Required Licenses
- State Hunting License - Basic hunting credentials
- Federal Duck Stamp - Required for all waterfowl hunters 16+ ($25)
- State Waterfowl Stamp - Most states require additional stamp
- HIP Registration - Harvest Information Program enrollment
Duck Stamp Conservation
- Established March 16, 1934 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Has raised over $1.2 billion for conservation
- Protected 6+ million acres of wetlands
- Helped establish 300+ National Wildlife Refuges
Decoy Spreads
Decoy placement is critical for bringing ducks within range. Spreads should create an inviting landing zone while accounting for wind direction, as ducks land into the wind.
Common Patterns
- C or J Formation: Bulk upwind forming hook, arm downwind as landing zone
- Slot Pattern: Decoys in groups with clear gap - guides ducks to land in opening
- Horseshoe/U-Shape: Effective for field hunting mallards
- X Pattern: Arms extending from blind, creating multiple pockets
Even 1-2 dozen decoys can work in the right location - spread size isn't everything.
Calling Ducks
Duck calling takes practice but can make the difference between success and an empty strap. Start simple and build skills over time.
Calling Tips
- Use calls appropriate to species and situation
- Early season: Ducks less call-shy, more responsive
- Once birds commit and approach: Lay off the call
- Late season: Hunting pressure makes ducks wary - adjust strategy
- Practice frequently before season opens
Pass Shooting
Pass shooting targets ducks flying between feeding and roosting areas without decoys. Position on flight paths during peak movement times.
Pass Shooting Keys
- Best action at dawn and dusk - peak flight times
- Position on hills, points, or narrow valleys birds funnel through
- Be in position before legal shooting hours
- Stay within effective range of shotgun/ammunition
- Be considerate of nearby blind/decoy hunters
Jump Shooting
Jump shooting involves walking or floating to get close to resting ducks and shooting when they flush. Similar to upland hunting technique.
Jump Shooting Strategy
- Best mid-day when ducks resting between feeding periods
- Approach techniques: Hunker down, crawl, use cover
- Target small potholes, streams, rivers
- Puddle ducks flush almost straight up - shoot immediately
- Canoe/kayak effective on small rivers (watch for ripples ahead)
Shotguns for Ducks
A reliable, weather-resistant shotgun is essential for waterfowl. The ability to cycle in wet, cold conditions and handle steel shot is critical.
Recommended Setup
- Gauge: 12 gauge most popular; 20 gauge effective with proper loads
- Action: Semi-auto or pump (semi preferred for cold/wet)
- Barrel: 26-28 inches, 3" or 3.5" chamber
- Finish: Camo or matte - avoid shiny surfaces
Ammunition
Lead shot has been banned for waterfowl since 1991 to protect birds from poisoning. Steel shot is required; bismuth and tungsten are approved alternatives.
Steel Shot Sizes
- Small ducks (teal): #4 or #6 steel
- Medium ducks (mallards): #2 or #3 steel
- Large ducks at distance: #2, #1, or BB steel
- Most versatile: #2 steel works for most situations
Use steel shot 2 sizes larger than equivalent lead. Pattern your specific gun/load combination.
Chokes & Patterns
Steel shot patterns differently than lead - generally tighter through any given choke. Open chokes often work better with steel.
Choke Selection
- Close range (decoying): Skeet or Improved Cylinder
- Medium range (30-40 yds): Modified
- Longer range: Improved Modified to Full
- Critical: Pattern your gun with your specific ammunition
Waders & Clothing
- Chest Waders: Maximum protection for deep water and extreme cold
- Neoprene: Excellent insulation, buoyant, durable - best for cold
- Breathable (Gore-Tex): Prevents overheating, versatile - layer for warmth
- Wader Belt: Essential safety - prevents water entry if you fall
- Layering: Moisture-wicking base, insulation, waterproof outer
- Gloves: Waterproof, insulated - neoprene works well
Decoys
- Standard: Realistic size, lightweight, packable - good for public land
- Magnum: Oversized (21"+), high visibility from distance
- Foam-filled: Bulletproof, unsinkable, heavy - best for permanent spreads
- HydroFoam (EVA): Ultra-lightweight, never sinks, durable
- Motion Decoys: Spinning wing, jerk strings add movement
Blinds
- Layout Blinds: Low-profile, portable, great for field hunting
- Pit Blinds: Buried underground, birds at eye level when landing
- Boat Blinds: Most versatile - can position anywhere in water
- Layout Boats: Hybrid - concealment of layout + waterproof boat
- Permanent Blinds: Comfortable, effective, require land access
Field Care
Proper field care ensures quality meat. Cool birds quickly and keep clean to maintain flavor. In warm weather, field dress promptly.
Field Care Steps
- Cool birds as quickly as possible (especially in warm temps)
- Keep birds dry and out of water in the boat
- Don't pile birds - allow air circulation
- In warm weather, consider field dressing to speed cooling
- Keep shaded and transport in cooler with ice
Processing Options
Most hunters breast out ducks for the easiest processing, but plucking yields whole birds for roasting.
Methods
- Breasting: Fastest method, yields boneless breast fillets
- Plucking: More work but allows roasting whole bird
- Skinning: Quick, but removes fat layer important for moisture
- Legs: Often discarded but excellent slow-cooked or in confit
Cooking Wild Duck
Wild duck is much leaner than domestic and has richer flavor. Most preparations benefit from quick, high-heat cooking or slow braising. Don't overcook!
Popular Methods
- Pan-Seared Breast: Score skin, sear skin-side down, finish to medium-rare
- Roasted Whole: Stuff cavity, roast at high heat, rest before carving
- Grilled: Marinate breasts, grill hot and fast to medium-rare
- Confit: Slow-cooked in fat, traditional French preparation
- Ground: Mix with pork fat for sausages, burgers
Storage
Properly wrapped duck stores well frozen. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn and extends storage life significantly.
- Refrigerator: 2-3 days maximum
- Freezer (wrapped): 6-9 months
- Freezer (vacuum sealed): 12+ months
- Aging: 2-3 days refrigerated before freezing improves tenderness
- Thawing: In refrigerator, never at room temperature
Hunting Tips
Scout Before Season
Locate feeding and roosting areas - birds are creatures of habit
Be Still
Ducks have excellent vision - minimize movement as they approach
Work Weather Fronts
Cold fronts push new birds south - some of the best hunting
Stay Late
Midday and afternoon flights often produce when morning is slow
Shooting Tips
Follow Through
Keep the gun moving after the trigger pull - most misses are behind
Pick One Bird
Flock shooting = missing - focus on a single target
Let Them Work
Decoying birds are easier targets than pass shots - be patient
Know Your Range
Steel shot loses energy fast - most effective under 40 yards
Safety Reminders
Cold Water Safety
- 1-10-1 Rule: 1 min cold shock, 10 min useful movement, 1 hr before unconsciousness
- Always wear a life jacket when in boats or wading deep water
- Wear wader belt to prevent water entry if you fall
- Never overload the boat with gear, decoys, and hunters
- Communicate your hunt plan to someone not hunting
Firearm & Hunting Safety
- Always know your target and what's beyond it
- Be aware of other hunters in nearby blinds
- Stay seated when shooting from boats for stability
- Unload before entering/exiting boat or blind
- Watch for signs of hypothermia in yourself and hunting partners
Ready to Hunt Duck?
Find hunting locations near you that offer duck hunting opportunities.