Duck Flight Hunting with Decoys

Duck Flight Hunting with Decoys

What it is:
Duck flight hunting with decoys is a method where the hunter uses floating duck decoys to attract flying ducks during their morning or evening flights.
The decoys make it look like other ducks are safely resting or feeding, encouraging passing ducks to slow down or land within shooting range.

Time and place:

• Most effective at dawn and dusk, when ducks move between feeding and resting areas.
• Typically carried out at lakes, bays, wetlands, or coastal meadows.
• Wind direction is crucial — ducks almost always land into the wind.

Equipment:

• Duck decoys (usually 10–30) placed on the water in a natural group pattern.
• Shotgun, commonly 12 or 20 gauge, with shot size No. 4–6 depending on species and distance.
• Camouflage clothing or a concealed blind near the shore.
• Optional duck call to imitate natural contact sounds.

How the hunt is conducted:

• The hunter places decoys in small groups with an open landing area facing the wind.
• Remain silent and motionless in cover, with the wind in your face.
• Wait until ducks approach closely or prepare to land before taking a shot.
• Only shoot at clear, safe targets with a secure background.

Advantages:

• Provides an exciting and traditional form of waterfowl hunting.
• Very effective during autumn migration.
• Suitable for solo hunters or small groups.

Challenges:

• Requires good understanding of duck flight paths, wind, and light conditions.
• Decoys must be realistically placed to avoid suspicion.
• Demands patience, stillness, and timing.