WATERFOWL HUNTING
Finding the Right Spot
It’s a cliché, but it’s true: ducks and geese are where you find them. For a successful waterfowl hunt, it’s essential to get away from the crowds. You can either learn to hunt on your own or hire a guide. Understanding weather patterns and how they affect duck and goose behavior is crucial for making the most of your days in the field.
Hunting in Stormy, Windy Weather
While most people dislike storms, duck hunters love them! Windy conditions cause birds to stop feeding at night and move more during the day, limiting them to areas protected by the wind. The lack of glare and increased movement caused by the wind make it easier to trick their eyes. Dress warmly, stay mobile, and adapt to changing wind directions for a successful hunt.
Hunting Under Bluebird Skies
Clear, sunny skies can make hunting challenging as birds can go wherever they want, making them more scattered. Perfect camouflage is essential on such days, and it’s important to avoid glowing upturned faces. Patterning is crucial, so take notes on where the birds fly during clear skies to intercept them on future hunts.
Hunting in Freezing Temperatures
Extreme cold causes shallow water to freeze, concentrating birds on the remaining open water. Birds need more calories in cold weather, so they fly out to feed twice a day. While this can be advantageous, dealing with the cold can be tough, and having the right gear is important. A good tactic is to work open river channels until you jump a flock of ducks, then quickly set up your decoys along the edges out of the wind. Hide the boat and stand next to cover in your waders, waiting for the birds to return. Enduring the cold is the hardest part.
Hunting During Snowstorms and Fog
When visibility is low, ducks and geese can’t see well either, making calling even more important. Hunting in snow and fog can be incredibly exciting.
Setting Up a Good Decoy Spread
- Visibility: Ensure your spread is visible. Simply setting a good spread in an area where ducks will see it can lead to a productive hunt.
- Prevent Freezing: Don’t let the water around your decoys freeze. Consider purchasing an ice eliminator like the Ice Blaster from Higdon Decoys for the ultimate solution.
- Hunt Water for Geese: When others are hunting geese in the fields, set up a floating spread where there’s less hunting pressure.
- Use Goose Decoys for Duck Hunting: Goose decoys are larger and easier to see in the fields. Don’t forget silhouettes, as they give the illusion of movement in your spread.
- Spread Out in Flooded Timber: Spread out your decoys in flooded timber.
- Leave Room for Landing: Leave space in your spread for the birds to land.
- Coot Decoys: Setting up coot decoys against the bank gives ducks confidence.
- Make It Real: Supplement your spread with feeder, rester, and sleeper decoys to create the illusion of a flock of live birds.
Safety Tips for Waterfowl Hunting
- Wear Proper Gear: Always wear appropriate clothing and gear, including a life jacket when hunting near water.
- Know Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and the location of other hunters to avoid accidents.
- Use Safe Firearm Practices: Always handle firearms safely, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Check Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes. Avoid hunting in extreme weather that could put you at risk.
- Communicate: Keep in touch with your hunting partners and let someone know your hunting plans and expected return time.
