Wood ducks are one of the most beautiful and colorful waterfowl species in North America. Their iridescent colors make them a highly sought-after game bird for hunters. Hunting wood ducks requires special techniques and equipment to be successful, especially when hunting them on rivers. Rivers provide excellent wood duck habitat but also present unique challenges for hunters. With the right approach, hunter can have an exciting and rewarding wood duck hunt on a river.
Understanding Wood Duck Behavior
The first step to successfully hunting wood ducks on a river is understanding their behavior and habitat preferences. Wood ducks prefer forested wetlands and wooded swamps and streams. Rivers with overhanging trees and vegetation provide ideal wood duck habitat. Wood ducks roost in trees at night and feed in shallow water and small wetlands during the day. They build nests in tree cavities near water.
In spring, wood duck pairs scout for nest sites along river banks. Once the female starts incubating eggs, the male leaves the area. Females care for the ducklings alone once they hatch. Mother wood ducks lead their broods along river shorelines and flooded timber in search of food. By late summer, wood ducks form large flocks that feed and roost communally before migrating south in fall.
Understanding this daily and seasonal behavior helps hunters locate wood duck hot spots on rivers. Wood ducks concentrate along stretches with ample feedings sites and cover. They follow their routine flight patterns between roosting and feeding areas. Hunting these flyways allows hunters to intercept wood ducks at predictable times and locations.
Scouting the River
Scouting is the most important part of preparing for a successful wood duck hunt on a river. It should be done over several days and weeks leading up to hunting season. The objectives are to locate wood duck hot spots and learn their flight patterns and behavior.
Good areas to scout are river bends, tributaries, ponds, flooded timber, and other backwater areas. Look for signs of wood ducks such as feathers, droppings, duckweed, and tracks. Also listen for wood duck sounds like their distinctive squeal and whistle.
Note the locations of roosting and feeding sites. Wood ducks typically roost in dense trees and deadfalls overhanging the water. They like to feed in shallow weed beds, flooded brush, and timber. Pay attention to their flight activity at dawn and dusk when they travel between sites. This will help pinpoint the major flyways and the times wood ducks are on the move.
Use a kayak or canoe to scout a river. This allows you to quietly navigate the shoreline and backwaters while staying concealed. Bring binoculars and a camera to observe and document promising areas. Refer back to your scouting notes when deciding where to set up on hunt days.
Choosing Hunt Locations
Use your scouting knowledge to select prime locations for hunting wood ducks on the river. The best spots are where ducks want to feed, rest, and fly. Key areas include:
- River bends and brushy shorelines
- Backwater sloughs and oxbows
- Mouths of tributaries or streams
- Flooded timber and swampy areas
- Acorn flats
- Near roosting sites like deadfalls
- Between feeding and roosting areas
Make sure you have legal access and permission to hunt the sites you choose. Arrive well before shoot time to set up. It takes wood ducks a while to leave their roosts and start flying at dawn.
Concealing Yourself
Concealment is vital when hunting wood ducks because of their wariness. Use natural camouflage like brush and vegetation to hide yourself. Wear camo clothing that blends into the surroundings. Face paint and gloves can conceal exposed skin. Avoid unnecessary movement when ducks are near.
Use a kayak or canoe to maintain concealment on the water. Avoid paddling where ducks can see you. Be ready to take shots from a seated position in your boat. You can also build a camouflaged boat blind from branches and grass. Other options are laying out camo netting or using a portable layout blind.
On shore, sit against large trees or logs to break up your outline. A pop-up ground blind works well but arrive early to brush it in. Sit still and avoid drawing attention before the ducks start flying.
Decoys and Calling
Using decoys and calling can improve your wood duck hunting success but requires careful strategy on rivers.
Set decoys very sparingly, especially in calm water. Wood ducks are easily spooked by unnatural rafts of decoys. Use one to three decoys per area at the most. Spread them out naturally and tie anchor lines to vegetation to avoid spooking birds. Light lines allow decoys to ride natural currents and look more lifelike. Weight the keels so they sit properly in the water.
When calling wood ducks, be very subtle. Start with occasional quiet whistles and squeaks from a wood duck call. Vary the volume, tone, and frequency. Only increase calling volume if you see ducks responding well. Be ready to take shots quickly when ducks approach.
Avoid calling in open areas so your location stays concealed. Use shoreline brush, flooded timber, or a boat blind to hide yourself. Stay low and still while calling and let your decoys do the initial attracting.
Shotguns and Loads for Wood Ducks
A good shotgun matched with proper shells is essential for clean kills on wood ducks. Their fast, darting flight requires quick swinging and accuracy. Here are some effective waterfowl hunting shotgun and ammo choices:
- 12 or 20 gauge semi-auto like Benelli or Beretta.
- 12 gauge pump like Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.
- Open modified or improved cylinder choke.
- 2 3⁄4” or 3” #3 or #4 lead or steel shot.
- Non-toxic shot like bismuth, tungsten alloy, or HEVI-Shot.
Use modified chokes for most wood duck shots within 30 yards. Improved cylinder works well in heavy cover. Choose #3 shot for longer shots up to 40 yards and #4 shot for close shots under 25 yards. Shoot steel shot over water and wetlands.
Practice shooting from sitting and offhand positions. Hunting wood ducks often requires shooting from awkward positions in boats, blinds, or brush. Maintain proper gun safety at all times when hunting around water.
Retrieving Wood Ducks on the River
A good retriever dog is extremely helpful for recovering wood ducks downed along a river. The swift current makes it difficult to chase crippled ducks by hand. Trained Labradors, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, or similar breeds are suited for this task.
Without a dog, be prepared with a kayak or canoe and a long landing net. You can paddle after hit ducks before they get swept downstream. Close cover along the banks also requires a patient search to find downed ducks. Have life preservers and safety gear in case you get in the water.
When possible, try to down ducks over shallow water or on your side the river so they are easier to reach. Calling birds across from your position gives better shot opportunities. Just make sure to only take legal, safe shots you are capable of retrieving.
Field Care of Harvested Wood Ducks
Handle harvested wood ducks carefully to preserve meat quality. Take steps like these:
- Pick up ducks gently but firmly by the head or bill.
- Wait until dead before retrieving to avoid crippling loss.
- Place in a cooler or bag immediately.
- Remove entrails as soon as possible.
- Keep ducks dry, cool, and away from direct sun.
- Use ice or refrigeration to cool ducks.
- Breast out for easier transport from remote sites.
Careful field handling keeps wood ducks fresh for the table. Changing wet clothes after hunting also helps prevent hypothermia.
Regulations for Hunting Wood Ducks
Several state and federal regulations apply to wood duck hunting. Be sure to check your state’s waterfowl hunting guide for rules including:
- Season dates and bag limits for wood ducks.
- Hunting zone maps and boundary information.
- Hunting hours, which are normally 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
- Possession and plug limits for shotguns.
- Requirements for duck stamps and HIP permits.
- Rules ondecoys, boats, blinds, and motors.
- Waterfowl identification and safe firearm handling.
Special permits may be needed for hunting certain public areas or private lands along rivers. Regulations help maintain healthy wood duck populations and fair hunting. Checking them is part of being an responsible sportsman.
Conclusion
Hunting wood ducks along rivers is an exciting tradition that requires specialized techniques. Pay close attention to wood duck movements and habitat during scouting. Choose concealed locations where the birds want to fly, feed, or rest. Hunt patiently and subtly using stealth, decoys, and calling. With preparation and skill, the spectacular wood duck can be your next memorable waterfowl adventure.
