I am looking to do some duck hunting this year. I have access to a couple of ponds and to a large lake. I am wondering how to get some ducks coming in. I am going to get some duck boxes put out soon but other than that I'm not sure what else to do. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Hunting & Fishing Getting ducks on a pond
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Re: Getting ducks on a pond
Get some decoys and start practicing on a duck call
Get some decoys and start practicing on a duck call
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: krw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Corn
</div></div>
gonna have some fat fish if its in the pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: krw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Corn
gonna have some fat fish if its in the pond
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
Been my experience they go where they want to and rarely will one group follow the next some days one place will be thick with ducks next day nothin but you and your call. Behold the joys of waterfowling !
Having said that if this is private property and the owner doesn't mind you adjusting the area, study up on duck habitat and make it what those ducks will be looking for in your area some will go to corn some to millet some will just be looking for a wet place to land on their way south,some tall grasses they can take cover in sometimes helps
Scouting is a good thing bring binos and see what they are doing in the weeks leading up to opening day take notes wind direction weather etc. wind direction will affect which side of the pond they will favor also how they look in the water to help with your decoy setups you want to send the message "It's all good here lets hang out and quack a bit.."
Tossin corn is baiting in these parts so check local laws. some will let you bait until about a week or so before season opens I don't like to do that because usually once the bait stops the locals find other places and the migrators won't know about a previously baited area
Obviously double check your decoys,calls and gear for anything unnatural looking they have great eyesight and that is where I found most success is the visual,then the audible with calls for a finishing touch
remember they are used to being hunted year round and know how to think like a duck and I believe can tell if ducks would swim like that or not (seeing a good or bad decoy spread) we get used to hunting only part of the year they are better at this than we are especially when those optimistic "hunters" are shooting at anything no matter how high or how far (skybusting) so know your effective range and wait until they get neither too far or too near by the time they reach me in Tenn. they have seen many decoy setups and heard many calls some even have a stray pellet or 2 in them
Been my experience they go where they want to and rarely will one group follow the next some days one place will be thick with ducks next day nothin but you and your call. Behold the joys of waterfowling !
Having said that if this is private property and the owner doesn't mind you adjusting the area, study up on duck habitat and make it what those ducks will be looking for in your area some will go to corn some to millet some will just be looking for a wet place to land on their way south,some tall grasses they can take cover in sometimes helps
Scouting is a good thing bring binos and see what they are doing in the weeks leading up to opening day take notes wind direction weather etc. wind direction will affect which side of the pond they will favor also how they look in the water to help with your decoy setups you want to send the message "It's all good here lets hang out and quack a bit.."
Tossin corn is baiting in these parts so check local laws. some will let you bait until about a week or so before season opens I don't like to do that because usually once the bait stops the locals find other places and the migrators won't know about a previously baited area
Obviously double check your decoys,calls and gear for anything unnatural looking they have great eyesight and that is where I found most success is the visual,then the audible with calls for a finishing touch
remember they are used to being hunted year round and know how to think like a duck and I believe can tell if ducks would swim like that or not (seeing a good or bad decoy spread) we get used to hunting only part of the year they are better at this than we are especially when those optimistic "hunters" are shooting at anything no matter how high or how far (skybusting) so know your effective range and wait until they get neither too far or too near by the time they reach me in Tenn. they have seen many decoy setups and heard many calls some even have a stray pellet or 2 in them
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
I highly recommend checking your game laws before baiting for ducks or any game, and following it to a "T". But especially a federal migratory bird.....
A quick search on the net for baiting waterfowl in SC showed this.....
"You cannot hunt waterfowl by the aid of baiting or on or over any baited area where you know or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.
Baiting is the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could lure or attract waterfowl to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.
A baited area is any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or feed could serve as a lure or attraction for waterfowl."
As these are federally regulated fowl, the penalties are also federal and can be severe.
I highly recommend checking your game laws before baiting for ducks or any game, and following it to a "T". But especially a federal migratory bird.....
A quick search on the net for baiting waterfowl in SC showed this.....
"You cannot hunt waterfowl by the aid of baiting or on or over any baited area where you know or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited.
Baiting is the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could lure or attract waterfowl to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.
A baited area is any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or feed could serve as a lure or attraction for waterfowl."
As these are federally regulated fowl, the penalties are also federal and can be severe.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
If the ducks you will be shooting are local and there are other bodies of water in the area you will have to limit your hunting somewhat. It is easy to shoot the birds too much to the point they go somewhere else.
If the ducks you will be shooting are local and there are other bodies of water in the area you will have to limit your hunting somewhat. It is easy to shoot the birds too much to the point they go somewhere else.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
corn around the edges, dont overshoot it and they will keep coming back.
the corn will also draw rats and other vermin so be carefull bout touching stuff (weils disease).but in turn those rats will draw foxes or in your country maybe coyotes so even more fun hunting !!
corn around the edges, dont overshoot it and they will keep coming back.
the corn will also draw rats and other vermin so be carefull bout touching stuff (weils disease).but in turn those rats will draw foxes or in your country maybe coyotes so even more fun hunting !!
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
planting corn i assume, other wise it's baiting if "put out" within 30days of the season opener.
get caught, kiss that cushy federal job good bye, among other complications. believe me, migratory bird violations are regarded by conservation officers as good pinches. observe the opening and closing times too, besides a violation the ducks may not return to the same pond or puddle if violently disturbed after they settle in for the night---only take a few to keep them coming for a later trip
this is the way it's done.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outdoorsman9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some decoys and start practicing on a duck call</div></div>
...other than that most chinese buffets offer roast duck.
you tube is a great source learning how to use duck / goose calls, and also setting up decoys.
planting corn i assume, other wise it's baiting if "put out" within 30days of the season opener.
get caught, kiss that cushy federal job good bye, among other complications. believe me, migratory bird violations are regarded by conservation officers as good pinches. observe the opening and closing times too, besides a violation the ducks may not return to the same pond or puddle if violently disturbed after they settle in for the night---only take a few to keep them coming for a later trip
this is the way it's done.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outdoorsman9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some decoys and start practicing on a duck call</div></div>
...other than that most chinese buffets offer roast duck.
you tube is a great source learning how to use duck / goose calls, and also setting up decoys.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
The reality of duck hunting is much different than call manufacturers would have you believe. First off, go down to a local duck pond where they've never been shot at and spend a few minutes listening to the sounds they actually make. Then go hunting with any random newbie duck hunter and hear the difference, it'll be staggering. The duck pond will be very few and mellow calls, whereas the duck hunter running the shit out of his call will be loud and calling WAY too much. Don't over-call, less is more and zero is better. Your goal is to sound like the never shot at duck pond.
In my experience, you can also go way overboard on decs. Put out 4 or 5 and maybe a mojo if it's early season. A bigger pond/lake could tolerate more decs but don't go nuts. Again, as with calling, less is more.
You'll never pull a string of 7+ ducks so don't even try. Duck hunting is all about the small groups of ducks trading ponds.
It takes about a week for a pond to recover after you've hunted it so if you're hunting public ponds it's a total crap shoot and a private pond can really only tolerate a one a week beating.
The worst hunts are the ones with too many people. Too much movement. Keep your party down to 2-3 people.
This is one of the spreads my buddy thought would work (about 4 doz decs and 3 mojos).... It didn't work and was one of our least successful hunts ever.
'of course your mileage may vary depending on your fly zone. I'm not in a major fly zone.
The reality of duck hunting is much different than call manufacturers would have you believe. First off, go down to a local duck pond where they've never been shot at and spend a few minutes listening to the sounds they actually make. Then go hunting with any random newbie duck hunter and hear the difference, it'll be staggering. The duck pond will be very few and mellow calls, whereas the duck hunter running the shit out of his call will be loud and calling WAY too much. Don't over-call, less is more and zero is better. Your goal is to sound like the never shot at duck pond.
In my experience, you can also go way overboard on decs. Put out 4 or 5 and maybe a mojo if it's early season. A bigger pond/lake could tolerate more decs but don't go nuts. Again, as with calling, less is more.
You'll never pull a string of 7+ ducks so don't even try. Duck hunting is all about the small groups of ducks trading ponds.
It takes about a week for a pond to recover after you've hunted it so if you're hunting public ponds it's a total crap shoot and a private pond can really only tolerate a one a week beating.
The worst hunts are the ones with too many people. Too much movement. Keep your party down to 2-3 people.
This is one of the spreads my buddy thought would work (about 4 doz decs and 3 mojos).... It didn't work and was one of our least successful hunts ever.
'of course your mileage may vary depending on your fly zone. I'm not in a major fly zone.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
So I guess I must have been dreaming all the times I remember having 10-50 ducks coming in at a time, while using a minimum of 6 dozen decoys? Must have been the same (dreaming) when we have up to 14 hunters who limit out on the same hunt.
So I guess I must have been dreaming all the times I remember having 10-50 ducks coming in at a time, while using a minimum of 6 dozen decoys? Must have been the same (dreaming) when we have up to 14 hunters who limit out on the same hunt.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I guess I must have been dreaming all the times I remember having 10-50 ducks coming in at a time, while using a minimum of 6 dozen decoys? Must have been the same (dreaming) when we have up to 14 hunters who limit out on the same hunt. </div></div>
You also live in some of the best duck hunting grounds. Those of us (read: most of us) who are not so lucky have to adopt different strategies...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I guess I must have been dreaming all the times I remember having 10-50 ducks coming in at a time, while using a minimum of 6 dozen decoys? Must have been the same (dreaming) when we have up to 14 hunters who limit out on the same hunt. </div></div>
You also live in some of the best duck hunting grounds. Those of us (read: most of us) who are not so lucky have to adopt different strategies...
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
Point taken. I agree that tons of decoys dont always work and at times can hurt. The main thing I have learned over all of my years hunting ducks is that you have to be willing to adapt to the situation and there are no sure fire ways to kill them every time you go out. The most important ingredient in killing ducks is being where they want to be or have been recently. Just because the spot/decoy spread/calling/etc seem perfect to a duck hunter doesnt make a bit of difference to the ducks.
I have hunted over any where from less than half a dozen decoys with no motorized ones to spreads of decoys containing 25 dozen and 8-10 motorized decoys. The main thing is dont be afraid to change up the way you are hunting if its not working.
And another thing, if you hunt enough you will have days where you will see thousands upon thousands of ducks and no matter how many times you change up your decoys/calling/exact location/etc you will come home nearly empty handed. Welcome to the drug addiction known as duckhunting.
Point taken. I agree that tons of decoys dont always work and at times can hurt. The main thing I have learned over all of my years hunting ducks is that you have to be willing to adapt to the situation and there are no sure fire ways to kill them every time you go out. The most important ingredient in killing ducks is being where they want to be or have been recently. Just because the spot/decoy spread/calling/etc seem perfect to a duck hunter doesnt make a bit of difference to the ducks.
I have hunted over any where from less than half a dozen decoys with no motorized ones to spreads of decoys containing 25 dozen and 8-10 motorized decoys. The main thing is dont be afraid to change up the way you are hunting if its not working.
And another thing, if you hunt enough you will have days where you will see thousands upon thousands of ducks and no matter how many times you change up your decoys/calling/exact location/etc you will come home nearly empty handed. Welcome to the drug addiction known as duckhunting.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
I agree about adapting to needs. Duck hunting isn't that great where I live but some days 3 or 4 decoys will work and some days a couple dozen are best. Some days just a jerk line brings em in and some days hail calls will. Don't be afraid to switch things up. One thing that very rarely works for me is a mojo, but when it does look out
I agree about adapting to needs. Duck hunting isn't that great where I live but some days 3 or 4 decoys will work and some days a couple dozen are best. Some days just a jerk line brings em in and some days hail calls will. Don't be afraid to switch things up. One thing that very rarely works for me is a mojo, but when it does look out
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Point taken. I agree that tons of decoys dont always work and at times can hurt. The main thing I have learned over all of my years hunting ducks is that you have to be willing to adapt to the situation and there are no sure fire ways to kill them every time you go out. The most important ingredient in killing ducks is being where they want to be or have been recently. Just because the spot/decoy spread/calling/etc seem perfect to a duck hunter doesnt make a bit of difference to the ducks.
I have hunted over any where from less than half a dozen decoys with no motorized ones to spreads of decoys containing 25 dozen and 8-10 motorized decoys. The main thing is dont be afraid to change up the way you are hunting if its not working.
And another thing, if you hunt enough you will have days where you will see thousands upon thousands of ducks and no matter how many times you change up your decoys/calling/exact location/etc you will come home nearly empty handed. Welcome to the drug addiction known as duckhunting. </div></div>
'and lets not forget the pinnacle rule of duck hunting:
<span style="font-weight: bold">'Ducks <span style="color: #FF0000">always</span> come when you're standing in the center of your spread or pissing in the bush and are 20' from your gun'</span>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Point taken. I agree that tons of decoys dont always work and at times can hurt. The main thing I have learned over all of my years hunting ducks is that you have to be willing to adapt to the situation and there are no sure fire ways to kill them every time you go out. The most important ingredient in killing ducks is being where they want to be or have been recently. Just because the spot/decoy spread/calling/etc seem perfect to a duck hunter doesnt make a bit of difference to the ducks.
I have hunted over any where from less than half a dozen decoys with no motorized ones to spreads of decoys containing 25 dozen and 8-10 motorized decoys. The main thing is dont be afraid to change up the way you are hunting if its not working.
And another thing, if you hunt enough you will have days where you will see thousands upon thousands of ducks and no matter how many times you change up your decoys/calling/exact location/etc you will come home nearly empty handed. Welcome to the drug addiction known as duckhunting. </div></div>
'and lets not forget the pinnacle rule of duck hunting:
<span style="font-weight: bold">'Ducks <span style="color: #FF0000">always</span> come when you're standing in the center of your spread or pissing in the bush and are 20' from your gun'</span>
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">'and lets not forget the pinnacle rule of duck hunting:
<span style="font-weight: bold">'Ducks <span style="color: #FF0000">always</span> come when you're standing in the center of your spread or pissing in the bush and are 20' from your gun'</span> </div></div>
That's why you will never see me without my shotgun on my shoulder or in my hands from shooting time until I put it in the case to head to the house. Opening day here is in 24 days, I CANT WAIT!! I just need to smack a few deer in the next 3 weeks so I am not tempted to chase deer instead of ducks.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">'and lets not forget the pinnacle rule of duck hunting:
<span style="font-weight: bold">'Ducks <span style="color: #FF0000">always</span> come when you're standing in the center of your spread or pissing in the bush and are 20' from your gun'</span> </div></div>
That's why you will never see me without my shotgun on my shoulder or in my hands from shooting time until I put it in the case to head to the house. Opening day here is in 24 days, I CANT WAIT!! I just need to smack a few deer in the next 3 weeks so I am not tempted to chase deer instead of ducks.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Opening day here is in 24 days, </div></div>
Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. I limited 3 mins after shooting light last Thursday morn. it was awesome!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Opening day here is in 24 days, </div></div>
Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. I limited 3 mins after shooting light last Thursday morn. it was awesome!
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. </div></div>
Damn you guys out west and up north with your earlier starting and longer lasting seasons! Ours is late and short, but oh so sweet once it gets here.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. </div></div>
Damn you guys out west and up north with your earlier starting and longer lasting seasons! Ours is late and short, but oh so sweet once it gets here.
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. </div></div>
Damn you guys out west and up north with your earlier starting and longer lasting seasons! Ours is late and short, but oh so sweet once it gets here. </div></div>
That's the trade off, we hardly ever limit-out and on public ponds you can get flat-out skunked 3 out of 5 times. (I refuse to hunt public ponds now because the hunting is <span style="text-decoration: underline">SO</span> bad it's a waste of time).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn, I've already been hunting ducks for a good month this season. </div></div>
Damn you guys out west and up north with your earlier starting and longer lasting seasons! Ours is late and short, but oh so sweet once it gets here. </div></div>
That's the trade off, we hardly ever limit-out and on public ponds you can get flat-out skunked 3 out of 5 times. (I refuse to hunt public ponds now because the hunting is <span style="text-decoration: underline">SO</span> bad it's a waste of time).
Re: Getting ducks on a pond
My advise to someone new to duck hunting is to keep the call in your pocket. Motion on the water is 100x more effective than any sound you can make with a duck kazoo and when you're new and learn to call just by watching videos you're more likely to blow the ducks out than call them in.
Learn how to make a jerk string and use it, hell, use two of'em. Find an area of the lake that has a natural food source like smartweed or a flooded area with a lot of acorns dropping. Ducks use up a lot of energy in the migration and need to fuel up. DO NOT throw corn out unless you want to get grudge phucked by a man in green jeans, doesn't matter what state you're in you can't hunt waterfowl over bait or even "altered crops". That's not to say that you can't hunt over crops or plant food for them, but it has to be non-altered based on normal agricultural practices, which favors the game warden in its interpretation.
My advise to someone new to duck hunting is to keep the call in your pocket. Motion on the water is 100x more effective than any sound you can make with a duck kazoo and when you're new and learn to call just by watching videos you're more likely to blow the ducks out than call them in.
Learn how to make a jerk string and use it, hell, use two of'em. Find an area of the lake that has a natural food source like smartweed or a flooded area with a lot of acorns dropping. Ducks use up a lot of energy in the migration and need to fuel up. DO NOT throw corn out unless you want to get grudge phucked by a man in green jeans, doesn't matter what state you're in you can't hunt waterfowl over bait or even "altered crops". That's not to say that you can't hunt over crops or plant food for them, but it has to be non-altered based on normal agricultural practices, which favors the game warden in its interpretation.
