How do you hunt open water ducks?
Try and locate your landing zone on the downwind side of the spread. Space your blocks much wider apart on the big water than you would in a field, as it gives the appearance of more birds, and on big water more decoys is almost always better. If you’re specifically targeting diving ducks, consider using a long line.
Will divers decoy to Mallards?
Divers typically aren’t as picky as mallards and pintails. If you’re reasonably camouflaged and don’t move, they’ll usually decoy.
How do you hunt pressure ducks?
10 Tactics For Hunting Pressured Ducks
- TEST THE BLIND. Ever hear of matching the hatch in fly-fishing?
- HUNT EARLIER, QUIT SOONER. Another thing to consider is not hunting too late in the day.
- TIGHTEN YOUR SPREAD.
- NO-CALL DUCKS.
- SHUT UP.
- MUCH TOO MUCH.
- CALLING ALL WOODIES.
- ROOSTING WOODIES.
How do you get ducks to land in your decoys?
Analysis: A decoy spread situated too close to the hunting blind or hideout doesn’t invite ducks in to a convenient landing zone that’s well within shotgun range. Fix: Move the decoy spread farther away, offering a gap or slot between you and the decoys that shows the next flock an inviting place to land.
Do Mallards prefer open water?
Food. Mallards prefer to feed by “dabbling” in shallow water. They can reach 15 or 16 inches deep without submerging completely.
How do you attract ducks to the river?
Current will keep free-flowing rivers open long after shallow marshes and flooded fields ice up. When the Big Chill hits, ducks will frequently feed in dry grainfields, then move to the rivers to loaf in the mid-day.
Can you put out too many duck decoys?
One hunter shouldn’t attempt to carry more than 18 standard, rigged decoys in a backpack. You might physically carry more than this, but too many decoys (plus shotgun, shells, etc.) lugged through marsh or muck can be a killer. Boat hunters can put out bigger spreads.
How can I be a better duck hunter?
15 Tips for Duck Hunters
- Camo Cord. Nothing beats natural vegetation for concealment in duck hunting.
- Fighting Ice. Creating open water holes in frozen marshes and lakes is a very effective late season hunting tactic.
- Stay Late.
- Crossing Over.
- Easy Read.
- Clean Call.
- Calm Approach.
- Patience Pays.
What time of day are mallards most active?
Waterfowl are most active from shortly before sunrise until midmorning, and then again from midafternoon until after sunset. I like to arrive an hour before these prime times (yes, that often means showing up in early-morning darkness) to let the birds get accustomed to my presence.
How many decoys should I use for duck hunting?
On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. On larger waters or dry fields, hunters should put out as many decoys as practical. I never heard of anybody scaring ducks or geese away because they used too many decoys. Typically, the more, the merrier.
Can you use too many duck decoys?
Just like there is no such thing as too many guns, there is no such thing as too many decoys. If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
