Wood Duck Hunting 101

Wood ducks, also known as Woodies, are one of the most beautiful and sought-after sporting waterfowl. They are one of the most unique hunting experiences because you can be successful in various habitats with minimal equipment. Living on the Mississippi flyaway, you know exactly where the closest pond or swamp with wood ducks is located. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be equipped with additional knowledge and new tips for the hole.

Resting habits

Wood ducks tend to roost in swamp forests and other small bodies of water caused by floods. Woodies in the afternoon give you fast-paced action, but you have to be patient as they shoot for your setup. Many hunters make the mistake of nest hunting because they see thousands of ducks in the area. BEWARE! Hunting in the heart of the chicken coop will ruin the hunting area for an extended period of time. When exploring, be sure to analyze all flight directions into and out of the hole. Find an ideal escape in a narrow creek or move away from the chicken coop and duck for an incredible hunt.

Use of decoys and calls

I know you think, “Have I never heard of wooden duck decoys?” The easiest way for wood ducks to ignore your lure setting is to place it in the escape zone that I mentioned earlier in the article. Decoy wood ducks should be at their feeding destinations early in the morning or late at night before sleeping. If your setup is correct, the woodlands will drop into your setup like a flock of mallards. Wood ducks will work with your lures like scuba divers or puddle ducks when properly set. Don’t forget your wooden duck whistle to increase their curiosity!

Walking on Woodies to shoot

Duck hunters love the thrill of leaping by shooting wood ducks from beaver ponds or streams. The jump and shoot method of duck hunting is used when duck populations are scattered across the property. In my own experience, the most prosperous area to jump Woodies is down a winding stream with different water level depths. Also, these streams are effective because of the food supply. Trees such as white oak, red oak, and beech produce nuts and foliage that attract wood ducks. During the summer, find a meandering stream on your property that is lined with nut trees and when you return during the fall wood duck hunting season, get ready to shoot!

Woodie Reminders

• Be patient
• Don’t Hunt The Roost (look for outlets and wait for them to come out)
• Use decoys and calls when hunting feeding grounds (not in outlet streams)
• Shallow currents – walk along the banks looking to jump, shoot
• Deep Currents – Look around the bend as you float by canoe to jump and shoot
• Mount Ducks (they are the most beautiful waterfowl)

I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me using my information below.