A Huntwise Guide to Waterfowl Hunting: Ducks, Geese, and More

While waterfowl hunting can be challenging to break into, with its differing regulations, unique gear requirements, weather requirements, and more, sometimes grabbing your shotgun, heading out with a waterfowl hunter friend, and having a go is the best way to get started.

In this guide, we'll look at everything you need to know about hunting waterfowl (ducks, geese, and more), equipment, and techniques to help you bring home plenty of birds. 

Understanding Different Waterfowl Species 

You know a duck when you see one, and you can definitely tell the difference between a duck and a goose — but do you know which duck you're looking at?

When it's duck season (but not all local duck species are legal to hunt in your area,) you need to know which ones you can (and can't) aim for.

Many waterfowl species are readily identifiable, especially when in shotgun range. However, the fast-paced and agile nature of the birds, similarities, and general adrenaline of the hunt means hunters must be especially discerning in noting these important distinctive field markings before taking the shot.

It's crucial to be mindful of the standing regulations, restrictions, and limits on species or genders, as not doing so can lead to legal issues. Identification is crucial to make sure you take home the right birds and hunt following these legal obligations.  

Ducks 

Mallards, teals, pintails, and other common species are all game duck species commonly targeted during the waterfowl seasons.

Most ducks are similar in size on the water, which is often the first point of contact towards identification. Even a non-hunter should distinguish between a duck and a goose with relative ease.

Additionally, several duck species have white plumage on one part of their body. Learning where this plumage is can help identify the species (for example, a drake with a white belly, winged neck with white-edged wings, surf scoter with white patches on their head, etc.) 

Where You'll Find Them

Regarding habitat, ducks can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, retention ponds, wetlands, marshes, bays, and more. Wetlands and blended environments with a lot of vegetation are typically duck-dense areas as they support fish, eggs, aquatic plant life, and invertebrates, which comprise a large portion of the ducks' diet. 

What You'll See Them Do

Behaviorally, ducks have a range of adapted behaviors, including migration, strong bonding between hatchlings and their parents, and nesting. Ducks form complex social hierarchies and engage in behaviors such as preening and flight sounds to reinforce these structures. 

Geese 

North American geese are stunning birds that inspire wonder and awe when flying through the sky in intricate formations. Commonly hunted types include the Canadian and snow geese.

Along with their larger size, you can identify geese due to their migratory patterns, with nearly all geese species being naturally migratory. Geese in the Northern Hemisphere migrate in autumn and winter from September to December in search of a wider availability of food sources and water, as cool climates and freezing temperatures limit their access to food in the northern regions. 

What They Eat

Geese are primarily vegetarians, targeting a range of vegetation, including grass, seeds, rushes, aquatic plants, weeds, roots, and shoots. They can be found grazing on land and water and even target agricultural areas during the winter to put on weight and boost their intake. 

Other Waterfowl 

While not as popular for hunting, other waterfowl species, such as swans and coots, can also be targeted during limited seasons.

Swan hunting is often highly regulated, involving the requirement of a tag or specialist licensing system administered by a lottery. Additionally, many states require hunters to complete a specialist course to differentiate the tundra swan (legal) from the trumpeter swan. 

Most hunters hunt swans as trophy birds. The limit is commonly one per season. 

What Hunting Gear and Equipment Do You Need for Waterfowl Hunting?

Waterfowl hunting is an accessory and gear-intensive sport. That being said, you can get started with a relatively simple setup before the bug catches you and you find yourself with a shed full of decoys! 

The Right Shotgun

For performance, versatility, and firing power, you'll want to start with a 12 gauge (yes, you can use a 10 or 20). While it will depend on your intended species, you'll want to find the right pellet density and penetration ability. Anything from 4 - 1 should do the trick, and you'll want to use steel or bismuth for density and energy retention. 

Clothing

Waterfowl clothing must strike a balance between functional use and camouflage potential.

Start with your base layers of thermo-regulating clothing to keep your body temperature up. Match your waders and outer layers with the natural environment, and don't forget a cap, gloves, and a solid pair of boots.

Remember this four-letter word (camo) when choosing every item of clothing for your waterfowl hunt preparation. 

Decoys

If you're just starting out, don't worry about getting too fancy or elaborate with the decoy spread. You can get started with around three (blended) and one type of call that you can practice a range of different vocalizations on before heading out to the field. 

Try These Hunting Techniques for Waterfowl Success

You can't sit in a tree stand and tag out like you do during deer season. Waterfowl hunting is a different game altogether.

Scouting 

Scouting is a critical component of a waterfowl hunt.

Start by utilizing the HuntWise mapping layers to target zones where birds may rest and feed. Begin by looking for mixed environments near bodies of water that may also align with the migration paths of your target species. 

To dial in this scouting process, leverage the HuntCast feature to track weather forecasting. This will give you an indication of bird movement and activity for your intended hunting period. From this, you can place decoy spreads and blinds more effectively and predict high-potential zones. 

Decoys and Calls and Practice 

While there are various decoy spread options, the most basic choice is a hooked-shaped decoy that provides a landing zone for incoming waterfowl. Along with stationary decoys, consider implementing some motion-controlled birds to mimic natural behavior and boost realism in your spread. 

Focus on practicing the single-quack sound before building a wider repertoire of calls, such as mating, feeding, and socializing calls. Listen to natural bird-calling audio while out in the field to start adding more advanced vocals. 

The best advice I received about bird hunting was to practice from all different positions. You'll never be perfectly upright with your shotgun in front and eyes locked on an incoming bird for each shot you take. Due to this, it's essential to get comfortable firing from a range of different angles and awkward positions. 

Clay target practice is essential for sharpening your agile shooting capabilities. Remember to always take it one bird at a time, focus on the bird's eyes, and don't be afraid to mix it up occasionally by scouting different locations or firearm types. 

Dogs

There's nothing worse than getting cold water in your waders and spending the rest of the hunt in discomfort.

Many waterfowl hunters use a water bird dog like a labrador or Boykin spaniel to help the retrieval process. While this requires investment in training and preparation, these dogs make great hunting companions, fantastic buddies, and family members. 

Know Your Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates and Rules

Waterfowl seasons are carefully regulated to ensure ecosystem balance and sustainable population numbers. 

Always check season dates, bag limits, possession limits, and any other regulations that may be imposed on the respective waterfowl season. All this up-to-date information can be found on HuntWise and your state-based wildlife management authority websites. 

Prepare for Your Next Waterfowl Hunt With Huntwise

Waterfowl hunting is one of those things that has to be experienced to be understood. Waterfowl hunters are passionate, dedicated, and often some of the strongest advocates for conservation and maintaining the natural environment. 

If you're interested in waterfowl hunting, would like to learn more, or are gearing up for your next trip, then jump on HuntWise to start e-scouting, exploring weather patterns, gaining insight from trusted hunting pros, and a whole lot more. 

Use HuntCast to plan your day in the field, from how and where to place decoys to where to post up and wait for those ducks or geese to fly into range.

If you don't have the app yet, download it and start planning your hunt today! Your first week of exploring the app is free.