Canvasback hunting can be a fun and rewarding experience if done properly. Here are some key tips for successfully hunting canvasbacks:
Understand Canvasback Behavior and Habitat
Canvasbacks are diving ducks that prefer large, open bodies of water with abundant aquatic vegetation. They tend to congregate in large flocks and feed mostly on roots, stems, seeds and tubers of plants like wild celery, pondweed, and marsh grass. Canvasbacks migrate along flyways in the spring and fall between breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole region and wintering areas in the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi flyways.
Ideal Habitats
- Large lakes
- Reservoirs
- Marshlands
- Coastal bays
Food Sources
- Wild celery
- Pondweed
- Wigeon grass
- Bulrush
- Marsh grass
Scout for Canvasback Hotspots
It’s important to scout locations ahead of the hunting season to identify areas holding large concentrations of canvasbacks. Good scouting spots include:
- Feeding areas with abundant aquatic vegetation
- Loafing areas where birds congregate during the day
- Roosting sites where birds gather at night
Search for rafts of canvasbacks in open water and take note of flight patterns in morning and evening. Locations where canvasbacks consistently gather offer your best chance at success on hunt day.
Choose Proper Gear and Decoys
Using the right gear and decoy spread can make a huge difference in your canvasback hunting success. Recommended gear includes:
- 12 or 20 gauge shotgun – allows reaching birds at longer ranges
- Non-toxic shot – required by law for waterfowl hunting
- Layout blinds – conceal you in field for open water hunting
- Canvasback decoys – help draw birds into shooting range
Your decoy spread should mimic a natural flock and include:
- 1-2 dozen canvasback decoys
- Motion decoys to add realism
- Decoy anchor system for wind/wave conditions
- Strategic placement to lure birds in
Scout the Wind and Weather
Pay close attention to wind direction and weather when hunting canvasbacks. Ideal conditions include:
- Light to moderate winds
- Overcast or partially sunny skies
- Calm water conditions
Set up your hunting spot and decoys upwind from areas canvasbacks are using. This allows your scent to blow away from the birds as they approach. Adverse weather may lower hunting success.
Use Proper Calling Techniques
Calling is used to draw curious canvasbacks into shooting range. Effective calling methods include:
- Canvasback hen calls – imitate hens to attract males
- Feed call – mimics feeding chatter of large flocks
- Hail call – get attention of distant rafts
- Soft quacks/murmurs – finish wary birds that are close
Your calling sequence should start loud to attract attention, mix in feeding calls, and soften as birds close in. Be sparing with calling to avoid scaring off birds.
Hunt During Ideal Times
Canvasback activity follows daily and seasonal patterns you can use to your advantage. The best hunting times include:
- Early mornings – canvasbacks leave roosts to feed at dawn
- Late afternoons – return flights from feeding areas before dusk
- During migrations – increased numbers and activity in some areas
Hunting is often best on cloudy days or when a front is approaching, along with optimal winds and decoy placement.
Aim Properly for Clean Harvest
Take the time to properly identify your target and avoid unethical shots. Tips for clean harvest include:
- Confirm it’s a canvasback – look for rusty-red head and black breast
- Let birds fully commit and land before shooting
- Aim for the head and neck area whenever possible
- Use appropriate shot size for clean kills (Size 4-2 for 12 gauge)
Following these best practices helps ensure a swift, humane kill and keeps crippled birds to a minimum.
Care for Your Harvest
Proper field care preserves the quality of your harvested canvasbacks. Recommendations include:
- Immediately field dress and clean birds
- Place in cooler with ice as soon as possible
- Avoid excess heat or contamination
- Breast out birds for easier transport and storage
Taken care of properly, canvasbacks provide excellent table fare. Handle your harvest with care for best results.
Obey Regulations
Always hunt canvasbacks legally and ethically. Important regulations include:
- Possess required licenses and stamps
- Follow daily bag and possession limits
- Use non-toxic shot when required
- Respect restricted areas and private property
Consult your state hunting regulations guide for specific rules in your area. Following regulations ensures responsible canvasback hunting.
Conclusion
With some preparation and effort, hunting the regal canvasback can provide an exciting waterfowl adventure. Use these proven tips to scout locations, set up effective decoys, time outings for peak activity, and care for birds properly. Ethical hunting supplemented with safety and courtesy afield will lead to a memorable canvasback hunt.
