The Ultimate Guide to Duck Hunting: Waterfowl, Dogs, Gear & America's Best Destinations

There's a moment every duck hunter chases. You're standing waist-deep in flooded timber as the first gray light touches the sky. Your breath hangs in the cold air. Then you hear it—wings cutting through fog, the whistle of pinions, the chatter of a hen mallard. You hit the call. They turn. They cup. And suddenly a dozen greenheads are backpedaling into your decoys, orange feet reaching for the water.

That moment—when everything comes together and wild ducks commit to your spread—is why people set alarms for 4 a.m., stand in freezing water, and spend small fortunes on decoys.

Whether you're a first-timer wondering if duck hunting is worth the early wake-up or a seasoned waterfowler planning a trip to the flooded timber of Arkansas, this guide covers everything: the birds, the dogs, the gear, and the legendary destinations that have shaped American waterfowl hunting.

What is Duck Hunting?

Duck hunting is deception at dawn. Your job is to convince wild, wary birds that your spread of plastic and paint is a safe place to land, that your calling sounds like real ducks, and that the shadow in the blind is just another cattail. When it works, it's magic. When it doesn't, you're just a cold person standing in the dark wondering what went wrong.

Waterfowl hunting differs from upland hunting in almost every way. Instead of walking birds up, you bring them to you. Instead of a light shotgun, you need something that can throw steel shot. Instead of boots and brush pants, you need waders and camo. And instead of a pointing dog, you need one that will plunge into icy water to retrieve birds you can't reach.

The sport divides roughly into two categories: hunting puddle ducks (dabblers) in shallow marshes, flooded timber, and fields, and hunting diving ducks on open water. Most hunters start with dabblers—mallards, teal, pintails, wood ducks—and that's where we'll focus.

Duck season generally runs from October through January, with exact dates varying by flyway and state. Unlike upland hunting, waterfowl seasons are set federally through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with states choosing dates within federal frameworks.

Duck Species: Know What You're Shooting

Species identification isn't optional—it's the law. Bag limits differ by species, and shooting the wrong bird can cost you your license. Beyond legality, knowing your ducks is half the satisfaction.

Mallard — The king of ducks and the most recognized waterfowl in the world. The drake's green head, white collar, and chestnut breast are iconic. Mallards are the primary target for most hunters and make up roughly 30% of the total duck harvest in the U.S. They respond well to calling and decoys, prefer shallow marshes and flooded agricultural fields, and are among the best-eating ducks.

Green-Winged Teal — The smallest dabbling duck, and among the fastest. Flocks of greenwings twist through the air like shorebirds, making them challenging targets. Drakes have a cinnamon head with an iridescent green stripe behind the eye. They're early migrants and often the first ducks hunters see in September.

Blue-Winged Teal — Slightly larger than greenwings, blue-wings are identified by the powder-blue wing patch visible in flight. They migrate early and far—many winter in Central and South America—so your window to hunt them is narrow. September teal seasons exist specifically for these early movers.

Wood Duck — Arguably the most beautiful duck in North America, the drake wood duck looks hand-painted. They prefer wooded swamps and beaver ponds, nest in tree cavities, and flush explosively from tight cover. Wood ducks make excellent table fare and are abundant throughout the eastern U.S.

Northern Pintail — The aristocrat of the marsh. Pintails are elegant, long-necked ducks with distinctive pointed tails. Drakes have chocolate-brown heads with a white stripe running up the neck. Once one of the most abundant ducks in North America, pintail populations have declined significantly, leading to restrictive bag limits in most flyways.

Gadwall — Often called "gray ducks," gadwalls are understated but beautiful up close. Look for the small white wing patch—the only dabbler with this marking. Gadwalls are numerous in the Central and Pacific flyways and respond well to mallard decoys and calls.

American Wigeon — A stocky, nervous duck with a white belly visible in flight. Drakes have a distinctive white forehead and green eye stripe. Wigeons whistle rather than quack, and they're known for stealing food from diving ducks. Their white wing patches make them easy to identify overhead.

Northern Shoveler — The "spoonbill" has an absurdly large spatula-shaped bill used to filter seeds and invertebrates from shallow water. Drakes have green heads like mallards but with rust-colored sides. Shovelers are common but generally considered poor table fare compared to other dabblers.

Canvasback — The king of diving ducks. Drakes have a wedge-shaped, rust-red head, black chest, and gleaming white back. Canvasbacks were once so prized that market hunters nearly drove them to extinction. Today, they're a trophy bird with tight bag limits.

Redhead — Similar to canvasbacks but stockier, with a more rounded head. Redheads are common on larger bodies of water and often mixed in with other divers.

Scaup (Bluebills) — Both greater and lesser scaup have classic diver coloration—black head and chest, white sides, gray back. They raft in huge numbers on open water and are among the most harvested diving ducks.

The Four Flyways

North American waterfowl migration follows four major routes from breeding grounds to wintering areas. Understanding flyways helps you know which birds to expect and when.

Atlantic Flyway — From the Maritime provinces to Florida, this flyway follows the eastern seaboard. Black ducks are the signature species, but mallards, wood ducks, and sea ducks are also common. The Chesapeake Bay is historically the most important wintering area.

Mississippi Flyway — The superhighway of duck migration. At 2,300 miles long, this flyway carries more ducks than any other—roughly 40% of all migrating waterfowl in North America. Arkansas and Louisiana are the primary destinations, with the Mississippi River delta supporting millions of wintering ducks.

Central Flyway — From the Canadian prairies through the Great Plains to the Gulf Coast. This flyway passes through prime breeding habitat, meaning hunters have access to local birds plus migrants. North Dakota, Kansas, and the Texas Panhandle are hotspots.

Pacific Flyway — From Alaska to Mexico along the West Coast. California's Central Valley and the Great Salt Lake are critical wintering areas. Pintails, wigeons, and teal are particularly abundant.

America's Top Duck Hunting Destinations

If you're planning a bucket-list trip, these are the places that have defined American waterfowl hunting.

Stuttgart, Arkansas — Self-proclaimed "Duck Capital of the World," and they can back it up. Stuttgart sits at the heart of the Grand Prairie, where flooded rice fields and bottomland hardwoods attract millions of mallards. Hunting flooded timber—wading through knee-deep water among oaks with greenheads dropping through the canopy—is an experience unlike any other in waterfowl hunting.

Louisiana Marsh — The Sportsman's Paradise lives up to its name. Louisiana's coastal marshes support upward of 9 million wintering ducks. The Chenier Plain in southwest Louisiana is legendary, as are the marshes around Lake Charles and the Mississippi River delta. Cast-and-blast trips combining duck hunting with redfish fishing are a Louisiana specialty.

North Dakota Prairie Potholes — The nation's "duck factory" produces more breeding ducks than any other state. North Dakota offers excellent DIY hunting through the PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) program, with over-the-counter licenses and generous bag limits. Expect mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and teal over small prairie wetlands.

Texas Panhandle — The playa lakes region spans parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. When seasonal rains fill these shallow wetlands, they become magnets for waterfowl. Light hunting pressure and friendly landowners make access easier than in more famous locations.

California's Sacramento Valley — The Pacific Flyway's primary wintering ground, with 60% of Pacific waterfowl relying on the Central Valley during migration. Rice fields hold mallards and pintails; the Suisun Marsh near San Francisco Bay is legendary for diverse hunting.

Great Salt Lake, Utah — One of the most important waterfowl staging areas in North America, hosting 3-4 million birds annually. The marshes around the lake have a long waterfowling tradition, with nearly 30 private hunting clubs operating alongside public opportunities.

Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee — A 15,000-acre natural lake created by earthquakes in 1811-1812, Reelfoot is legendary for mallards, gadwalls, and wood ducks. The flooded cypress timber provides classic southern waterfowling within easy reach of Memphis.

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland — The historic center of East Coast waterfowl hunting, where market hunters once supplied restaurants with canvasbacks. Today, the Bay remains excellent for divers, sea ducks, and puddle ducks alike.

What a Guided Duck Hunt Actually Costs

Let's talk real numbers, because a "guided hunt" can mean almost anything.

Budget Option: Self-Guided/Blind Lease — In some areas, you can lease a pit blind in flooded rice or timber for $150-$250 per day per group (up to 4-6 hunters). You're on your own for everything else: decoys, calling, dogs, lodging, meals. This works well for groups with experience and equipment.

Mid-Range: Guided Hunt Only — A morning guided hunt without lodging runs $250-$400 per person in most regions. You'll hunt with a guide on private land, over their decoys, with their dogs retrieving. Lunch might be included; dinner and lodging are on you.

All-Inclusive Package — This is what most traveling hunters book: lodging, meals, guides, decoys, dogs, and bird processing. In Arkansas or Louisiana, expect to pay $550-$700 per person per day. Premium operations in peak season can push $800+.

The Hidden Costs:

• Non-resident license and stamps: $100-$200 depending on state
• Federal duck stamp: $25 (required everywhere, funds wetland conservation)
• State waterfowl stamp: $5-$25
• Bird processing: $3-$5 per duck if not included
• Tips: 15-20% is standard for guides who hustle
• Shells: Steel shot isn't cheap—budget $20-$30/box
• Travel: Flights, rental trucks, fuel to remote lodges
• Dog gear: If you're bringing your own retriever, crate, food, bowls, first aid

Group Economics Example:

Four hunters book a 3-day/3-night all-inclusive package at $650/person/day in Arkansas.

This is why splitting expenses matters. That per-person total varies wildly depending on who drove, who paid for gas, who tipped the guides, and who put the deposit on their card three months ago.

Decoys and Spreads: How Many Do You Really Need?

The decoy industry wants you to believe you need hundreds of decoys to kill ducks. You don't—but the right spread in the right place matters enormously.

For Small Water and Run-and-Gun Hunting:

A spread of 6-18 decoys is plenty for small potholes, beaver ponds, and flooded timber holes. Mobility beats volume. A dozen mallards, rigged light with Texas rigs or J-hooks, fits in a backpack and sets up in minutes.

For Typical Marsh and Field Hunting:

Most hunters run 2-4 dozen decoys—primarily mallards with some pintail drakes and teal mixed in for visibility and realism. This covers 90% of situations.

For Big Water and High-Pressure Areas:

When you're competing with other hunters or trying to pull birds off huge flocks, spreads grow to 60-100+ decoys, often with full-body field decoys, motion decoys, and species variety.

The Basic Setup:

Regardless of numbers, the goal is to create a realistic scene with an obvious landing zone. Most spreads follow a few principles:

1. Leave a hole — Ducks need open water to land in. The "J-hook," "U," and "C" configurations all create landing zones.
2. Spread decoys naturally — Real ducks don't line up like soldiers. Small clusters with irregular spacing look right.
3. Mix positions — Feeders (head down), sleepers, and upright swimmers add realism.
4. Add motion — A jerk string or motion decoy makes a spread come alive. In calm conditions, static decoys look dead.
5. Face into wind — Ducks land into the wind, so position your spread and blind accordingly.

Starter Decoy Kit:

• 12-18 mallard decoys (mix drakes and hens)
• 6 pintail drakes (the white is visible at distance)
• 1 motion decoy or jerk rig
• Mesh decoy bag for transport
• Quality cord and weights

Calling: Less Is Usually More

Duck calls are the most over-used tool in waterfowl hunting. Bad calling educates ducks; good calling pulls them in. The difference is knowing when to blow and when to shut up.

The Basic Sounds:

• Quack — The hen mallard's signature sound. Master this first.
• Greeting call — 5-7 notes, descending: "Kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc-kanc." Used to get distant birds' attention.
• Feed chatter — Rapid, soft "tikkitikkitikki" that mimics feeding ducks. Best when birds are close and working.
• Comeback call — Pleading, insistent notes when birds start to leave. Use sparingly.
• Lonesome hen — Single, drawn-out quacks. Deadly when birds are call-shy.

Calling Strategy:

1. Get their attention — Aggressive calling is fine when birds are far away and not committed.
2. Back off when they turn — Once ducks show interest, tone it down.
3. Match the moment — Soft feed chatter as they circle; pleading comeback if they start to leave.
4. Know when to stop — If birds are locked in and committed, don't give them a reason to flare.

Call Selection:

• Double-reed calls are easier to blow and more forgiving—ideal for beginners.
• Single-reed calls offer more range and volume but require more skill.
• Acrylic vs. wood — Acrylics are louder and more consistent in wet/cold conditions. Wood calls sound warmer but require more maintenance.

Budget $25-$40 for a quality starter call. Don't buy the cheapest option, but you don't need a $150 custom call to kill ducks.

Duck Dogs: The Retriever Question

You can hunt ducks without a dog. But you'll lose birds—cripples that swim into thick cover, ducks that fall across the channel, birds that hit the water alive and dive before you can get to them. A good retriever changes everything.

Labrador Retriever — The gold standard, and it's not close. Labs combine natural retrieving instinct, trainability, cold-water tolerance, and family-dog temperament better than any other breed. If you want one dog that hunts hard and plays with your kids, get a Lab from field-bred lines.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever — The four-wheel-drive of retrievers. Chessies were bred to retrieve market hunters' ducks from the brutal waters of the Chesapeake Bay—100+ birds a day in ice and wind. They have a thick, oily coat, legendary toughness, and stubborn independence. Chessies are not for first-time dog owners; they require experienced handling and don't suffer fools. But for serious waterfowlers who want the toughest dog in the blind, nothing beats a Chessie.

Golden Retriever — Field-bred goldens are excellent duck dogs—eager, trainable, and soft-mouthed. They're less tolerant of extreme cold than Labs or Chessies, but for moderate conditions, they're outstanding.

Boykin Spaniel — A smaller option for hunters who boat in small skiffs or don't need a big dog. Boykins are versatile—they'll hunt ducks, doves, and turkeys—and they're easier to transport. The trade-off is less cold tolerance.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — A specialist breed that "tolls" ducks by playing along the shoreline, drawing curious birds closer. Tollers are energetic, intelligent, and compact. They're not as common as Labs but have devoted followers.

If You Don't Have a Dog:

Many guided operations provide dogs. If you're hunting DIY, consider teaming up with someone who has a trained retriever—it's better for bird recovery and the birds.

Shotguns and Ammunition

Waterfowl hunting demands more from your shotgun than upland hunting. You need to throw non-toxic shot effectively at longer ranges, often in wet, dirty conditions.

Gauge Selection:

• 12-gauge — The default choice. Enough payload to handle steel shot at reasonable distances, widely available in every action type.
• 20-gauge — Increasingly popular with modern ammunition improvements. Lighter to carry, less recoil, adequate for decoying birds inside 40 yards.
• 10-gauge — The specialist's choice for pass-shooting geese and long-range work. Heavy, expensive shells, not necessary for most duck hunting.

Action Types:

• Semi-auto — The most popular choice. Three shots, reduced recoil, and modern designs are extremely reliable in wet conditions. The Beretta A400, Benelli SBE3, and Browning Maxus are top-tier options. Budget picks include the Stoeger M3000 and Winchester SXP.
• Pump — More affordable and arguably more reliable in extreme conditions. The Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova have taken more ducks than any semi-auto.
• Over/Under — Less common for waterfowl than upland, but some hunters prefer them. You're limited to two shots, and O/Us are more sensitive to moisture and mud.

Ammunition:

Federal law prohibits lead shot for waterfowl. Your options:

• Steel — The default non-toxic. Cheaper than alternatives but less dense than lead, requiring larger shot sizes. #2 steel is the workhorse for ducks; BBB or BB for geese.
• Bismuth — Denser than steel, allowing smaller shot sizes. More expensive but kills cleaner at distance.
• Tungsten (BOSS, Kent, etc.) — Premium performance at premium prices. Tungsten is denser than lead and devastating on ducks. Expect $3-5 per shell.

For most hunting, steel #2 or #3 in 3-inch 12-gauge is plenty. Save the expensive stuff for later season when birds are wary and shots are longer.

Choke:

Modified is the standard for decoying ducks. Improved Cylinder for timber and tight quarters. Full choke for pass-shooting.

Essential Gear

Waders:

This is your biggest purchase and most important piece of clothing. You'll spend hours standing in water—don't cheap out.

• Chest waders are standard for most situations. They keep you dry when you sink unexpectedly or sit in wet blinds.
• Breathable waders (like Gore-Tex) are lightweight, packable, and comfortable across a range of temperatures. Layer underneath for warmth.
• Neoprene waders provide built-in insulation but can overheat during walks and don't dry well between hunts. Better for extreme cold.
• Boots should have 400-1200 grams of insulation depending on conditions and good tread for muddy bottoms.

Budget $200-$400 for quality breathable waders. Brands like Sitka, Drake, LaCrosse, and Gator Waders make excellent options.

Blind Bag:

Your command center: shells, calls, hand warmers, snacks, water, licenses, phone, headlamp. A good blind bag keeps everything organized and accessible.

Camo Clothing:

Match your pattern to your environment—timber patterns for timber, marsh patterns for marsh. More important than exact pattern is breaking up your silhouette and hiding your face and hands.

Gloves and Face Mask:

Ducks have excellent vision. Your pink face and bare hands will flare birds at the worst moment. Wear something.

Headlamp:

You'll be setting decoys in the dark. A red-light option preserves night vision.

Thermos:

Hot coffee at 6 a.m. in a frozen blind is a morale multiplier.

Dog Gear (if applicable):

Neoprene vest for cold water, crate for transport, towels for drying, first aid kit, fresh water, and treats.

Safety in the Marsh

Waterfowl hunting involves water, boats, firearms, and darkness—a combination that demands respect.

• Wear your PFD when boating. Period. Most waterfowl drownings happen when hunters skip the life jacket for a "short" boat ride.
• Tell someone your plan — Where you're hunting, when you'll return, who's with you.
• Watch for hypothermia — Wet, cold, and fatigue combine quickly. Bring dry clothes and know the symptoms: shivering, confusion, slurred speech.
• Identify your target — Know what you're shooting before you shoot. Low-light conditions, hen plumage, and fast-moving birds make identification challenging.
• Muzzle discipline — In a blind with multiple hunters, gun handling matters. Pointed straight up until it's time to shoot, safe and unloaded when moving.
• Beware of ice — Walking on frozen marshes is dangerous. Ice thickness varies wildly.

Conservation and Why It Matters

Waterfowl hunting has the greatest conservation success story in North American wildlife. Populations of ducks and geese collapsed in the early 20th century from market hunting and habitat loss. The recovery—funded almost entirely by hunters—is remarkable.

The Duck Stamp — Since 1934, every waterfowl hunter has been required to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp. That $25 has protected over 6.5 million acres of wetland habitat.

Ducks Unlimited — The largest wetland conservation organization in the world, founded by hunters in 1937. DU has conserved over 15 million acres in North America through direct land protection, restoration, and partnerships.

Pittman-Robertson Act — An 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition funds wildlife conservation. Duck hunters pay this every time they buy shells.

The Prairie Pothole Region — The breeding ground for most of North America's ducks is disappearing. These small wetlands in the Dakotas and southern Canada produce 50-70% of the continent's ducks but continue to be drained for agriculture. Supporting conservation organizations that protect these wetlands is the single most important thing hunters can do for duck populations.

Planning a Group Duck Hunt

Duck hunting is inherently social. Blinds hold multiple hunters. Someone needs to work the dog. And the pre-dawn boat ride is better with company.

Before You Book:

• Confirm group size — Lodges have minimum and maximum group sizes. Four to six hunters is typical for a blind.
• Agree on dates early — Prime weeks (late December in Arkansas, early January in Louisiana) book a year in advance.
• Discuss experience levels — A group of first-timers should book a guided hunt. Experienced hunters might lease a blind and DIY.
• Talk about dogs — If someone's bringing a dog, make sure the lodge allows it and that the dog is actually ready.

Expenses to Track:

• Deposit and final payment
• Licenses and stamps (each hunter's responsibility, but someone will forget)
• Travel: flights, rental vehicle, fuel
• Tips for guides, cooks, dog handlers
• Extra shells
• Bird processing and shipping
• Coolers and ice for transport
• Meals and drinks outside the package

The Post-Hunt Accounting:

This is where group trips get messy. One person put $2,000 on their card for the deposit. Someone else covered the rental truck. A third person tipped the guide in cash. Now everyone's trying to figure out who owes what, and the group text is getting awkward.

This is exactly why we built Field & Tally. Log expenses in real-time—right from the blind if you want—and settle up with one tap when the trip ends. No spreadsheets, no Venmo nagging, no arguments about who paid for gas.

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The Bottom Line: Duck hunting is demanding—early mornings, cold water, expensive gear, and birds that seem to know exactly when you're not ready. But there's nothing like watching a flock of mallards commit to your spread, wings cupped, feet down, close enough to see their eyes. It's why people travel across the country to stand in Arkansas timber or Louisiana marsh, and why they'll do it again next year.

Get the gear. Learn the birds. Find your people. And when those ducks lock up over your decoys, don't forget to breathe.

Plan the trip. Hit the blind. Split the tab. Start your duck hunt for free on Field & Tally.