Full Day Guided Duck Hunting on Lake Erie
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Full-day guided duck hunting on Lake Erie watersProfessional captain targets eight different waterfowl speciesStable 32-foot Duckwater boats accommodate six hunters
When you're ready to experience some of the best waterfowl hunting the Great Lakes have to offer, Captain Ken's Wild Wings delivers exactly what serious duck hunters are looking for. This isn't your typical marsh hunt – we're talking about open water gunning on Lake Erie aboard purpose-built Duckwater boats that can handle whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at us. Captain Kenny Lewis has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the birds are moving based on wind patterns, weather fronts, and seasonal migration routes.
Your 8-hour guided hunt starts early – and I mean early. We're talking about getting on the water before sunrise to set up in prime position for the morning flight. Captain Kenny runs a fleet of specialized Duckwater boats including 32', 28', and 25' models, all designed specifically for open water duck hunting. These aren't your average fishing boats converted for hunting season. They're built low to the water with stable shooting platforms and plenty of room for up to 6 hunters to spread out comfortably. The 32-footer is the flagship of the fleet, offering exceptional stability even when Lake Erie decides to show her attitude. You'll have a hot breakfast waiting for you onboard, which hits different when you're bundled up in your gear watching the sunrise paint the water. Captain Kenny reads the conditions like a book – wind direction, cloud cover, barometric pressure – all factors that determine where we set up and how we approach each hunt. This is open water gunning at its finest, and the action can be fast and furious when flights start moving.
Lake Erie's open water hunting is a completely different game than puddle jumping in small ponds or working timber holes. We're dealing with big water, which means birds have endless options for where they want to be. That's where Captain Kenny's experience becomes invaluable. He's constantly monitoring wind patterns, watching for weather fronts, and tracking bird movements to position us in the most productive areas. The Duckwater boats are equipped with everything needed for effective open water hunting – from proper concealment setups to stable shooting platforms that won't leave you fighting for balance when that perfect shot presents itself. We use a combination of decoy spreads and calling techniques specifically adapted for big water hunting. The boats can handle 2-4 foot seas comfortably, and the low-profile design keeps us hidden from incoming birds. Captain Kenny will coach you through reading bird behavior on open water – how diving ducks approach differently than dabblers, when to call and when to stay quiet, and how to time your shots when birds are working the decoys. You'll need to bring your own shotgun, shells, and all required federal and state licenses and stamps. Most hunters prefer 12-gauge guns with 3-inch shells for the longer shots that open water hunting often presents.
Redheads are the crown jewel of Lake Erie's waterfowl hunting scene. These diving ducks are built for big water living, and Lake Erie provides some of the best redhead hunting in the country during peak migration. They're medium-sized ducks with the drakes showing off that distinctive rusty-red head and black breast that makes them unmistakable in flight. Redheads love the deeper waters where they can dive for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. They typically arrive in good numbers during late October and November, often traveling in large rafts that can provide fast-paced shooting when they decide to work your spread. What makes redhead hunting so rewarding is their wariness – they're smart birds that require patience and skill to decoy effectively.
Lesser Scaup might not get the same respect as redheads, but don't sleep on these hard-flying divers. They're smaller ducks, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and agility. The drakes have a distinctive black and white pattern that's easy to identify, while hens show more subdued brown coloring. Scaup are often the first divers to arrive each fall and can provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. They love the same deep water habitat as redheads and often travel in mixed flocks. These birds will test your wing shooting skills with their erratic flight patterns and quick turns.
Red-breasted Mergansers are the wildcard of Lake Erie waterfowl hunting. These fish-eating ducks are built for speed with sleek bodies and that unmistakable crested head. They're often the most abundant waterfowl on the lake, especially during migration peaks in late fall. While they might not be everyone's first choice for the dinner table due to their fish diet, they provide excellent shooting opportunities and their numbers can make for memorable hunts when other species are scarce. Mergansers are curious birds that often investigate decoy spreads, giving hunters multiple opportunities for shots.
Mallards represent the classic duck hunting experience, even on big water. While Lake Erie isn't primarily known as mallard water, these adaptable birds show up throughout the season and provide familiar targets for hunters used to traditional duck hunting. The drakes with their green heads and white collars are always a welcome sight in the bag. Mallards often use Lake Erie as a resting area during migration, and when weather pushes them around, they can provide surprise action during what might otherwise be a slow day for diving ducks.
This Lake Erie waterfowl hunt with Captain Ken's Wild Wings isn't just another guided trip – it's your chance to experience world-class open water duck hunting with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to add some variety to your season or someone new to waterfowl hunting who wants to learn from a pro, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Kenny's expertise, top-notch Duckwater boats, and Lake Erie's diverse waterfowl population creates hunting opportunities you won't find anywhere else in the region. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so when
Captain Kenny's 32-foot Duckwater cruiser is built for serious waterfowl hunters tackling Lake Erie's open waters. This specialized hunting vessel cuts through choppy conditions at 40 mph to get you positioned where the birds are moving. The boat's designed specifically for water gunning with a stable platform that handles wind and waves while you're tracking Redheads, Canvasback, and Mergansers. Inside you'll find GPS navigation to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder that doubles as waterfowl detection. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking incoming flocks. When you need a break between flights, there's a full galley and head onboard, plus entertainment system for the ride out. The wide beam and low profile make shooting comfortable while staying concealed from passing ducks.
Lesser scaup are smaller diving ducks, usually around 1.5-2 pounds, that work the open waters of Erie in massive rafts during peak migration. You'll find them in 10-30 feet of water where they dive for zebra mussels, small fish, and aquatic insects. Peak time is November through early December when thousands move through, especially during cold fronts. Hunters appreciate their challenging shots since they're fast, erratic fliers that often buzz the decoys at high speed. While not the best eating duck due to their diet, they make up for it with sheer numbers and action. The key is setting up near their diving grounds - look for areas where you see them working underwater, then set your spread upwind of their feeding zone.
Mallards are the classic duck most hunters grew up with - big, hardy birds around 2-3 pounds that adapt to almost any water condition on Erie. While they prefer shallower areas and protected bays, you'll find them following food sources from marshes to open water. Early season through November is prime time, especially during weather fronts when they move between feeding and resting areas. Hunters love mallards because they decoy well, provide excellent eating, and give that classic duck hunting experience with their distinctive calls. These birds are smart though - they get educated fast in pressured areas. Best advice: hunt the weather and focus on their travel routes between roosting and feeding spots. A good mallard call and realistic decoy spread in the right flyway beats fancy gear every time.
Red-breasted mergansers are sleek, fish-eating ducks that cruise Erie's open waters year-round but peak during late fall migration. These medium-sized birds prefer deeper areas around 20-40 feet where baitfish concentrate, especially near structure or current breaks. They're fast fliers with that distinctive saw-toothed bill built for grabbing fish. November through December offers the best shooting when northern birds push down during cold snaps. Hunters target them more for the challenge than the table - they're pretty fishy tasting. Mergansers are curious birds that often investigate decoy spreads, but they're spooky and require good concealment. Set up where you see them feeding and use a few diver decoys mixed with some gulls - they associate with feeding gulls over baitfish schools.
Redheads are chunky diving ducks about 2-3 pounds that love Erie's deeper waters, especially around 15-25 feet where they can dive for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. These birds show up strong during late October through December migration, and they're drawn to areas with good current and structure like reefs or drop-offs. What makes them popular with hunters is their solid build and excellent table fare - they taste great compared to fish-eating ducks. Redheads often raft up in big groups during rough weather, making for exciting action when conditions align. My best tip: watch for them staging in protected bays early morning before they head to deeper feeding areas. They respond well to motion in your decoy spread.
Port Clinton, OH, United States