Full Day Guided Duck Hunting on Lake Erie
Private Trip
Bird hunting
8hour guided duck hunting on Lake Erie's open watersProfessional captain targets multiple waterfowl species including Redhead and CanvasbackSpecialized 32' Duckwater boats accommodate up to 6 hunters
When you're looking for a world-class waterfowl hunting experience, Captain Kenny Lewis has been putting hunters on birds for years aboard his specialized Duckwater boats. This isn't your typical marsh hunt – we're talking about big water gunning on one of the Great Lakes, where diving ducks gather in massive rafts and the action can be fast and furious. Lake Erie's open waters provide some of the most productive duck hunting in the region, and with Kenny's local knowledge, you'll be in the right spot when the birds are moving.
Your 8-hour guided hunt starts early, and Kenny provides breakfast to fuel you up before we head out. We'll be running one of three custom Duckwater boats – 32', 28', or 25' depending on conditions and group size. These boats are built specifically for open water hunting, giving you a stable shooting platform even when Lake Erie gets choppy. Kenny reads the water like a book, positioning us based on wind direction, weather fronts, and where the birds are working. You'll be hunting over professional-grade decoy spreads set up to pull birds right into your shooting lanes. The key to success out here is patience and being ready when flocks of divers come screaming in. Kenny will call the shots, literally – letting you know when birds are working and when it's time to take them. This hunt accommodates up to 6 hunters, so bring your buddies for a top-rated group experience.
Lake Erie duck hunting is all about reading conditions and adapting your setup. We're not sitting in a blind waiting – Kenny actively scouts and moves based on bird behavior throughout the day. The open water environment means we can cover ground quickly, relocating to where the action is hottest. 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" or 3.5" shells for the longer shots common in open water hunting. Steel shot is mandatory, and Kenny recommends BB or BBB shot sizes for the diving ducks we target. The Duckwater boats are designed with low profiles and camouflaged to blend with the water, giving us the element of surprise when birds approach the spread. Kenny's decoy setups are proven fish-magnets for the species we're after, using motion decoys and strategic spacing to create realistic presentations that fool even the wariest old birds.
Redheads are the crown jewel of Lake Erie duck hunting, and these diving ducks are absolute rockets when they commit to the decoys. These medium-sized ducks typically weigh 2-3 pounds and are known for their distinctive rust-colored heads and gray bodies. Peak season runs from late October through December when northern birds push down from Canada. Redheads often travel in large flocks, and when they decide to work your spread, they come in fast and low over the water. Hunters love them because they're challenging shots and excellent table fare – their diet of aquatic vegetation gives them outstanding flavor compared to grain-fed puddle ducks.
Lesser Scaup, or "bluebills" as most hunters call them, are the bread and butter of Great Lakes hunting. These compact divers are smaller than Redheads but make up for it in numbers and attitude. They're fearless when working decoys and will often circle multiple times, giving hunters several opportunities for clean shots. Scaup peak in November and can show up in rafts of hundreds or even thousands of birds. They're fast fliers that require good lead, and their tendency to bunch up means experienced hunters can often take doubles. Scaup are underrated on the table – properly prepared, they rival any waterfowl for eating quality.
Red-breasted Mergansers are the fighter jets of the duck world, with sleek profiles and incredible speed. These fish-eating ducks are known for their punk-rock crests and saw-toothed bills designed for catching minnows and small fish. They're year-round residents on Lake Erie but peak during migration periods in fall and early winter. Mergansers present unique hunting challenges – they're extremely wary and often require perfect concealment and calling to bring within range. When they do commit, they come in like missiles, testing even experienced hunters' shooting skills. While not prized for eating due to their fishy diet, they're trophy birds that represent some of the most challenging wing shooting you'll find.
Mallards round out our target species and need no introduction – they're the classic duck that most hunters cut their teeth on. On Lake Erie, we encounter both local birds and northern migrants, with peak numbers occurring during November cold snaps. Lake Erie mallards are often larger and more colorful than their southern cousins, having fed on abundant aquatic foods throughout the season. They're the most vocal of our target species, responding well to aggressive calling and adding excitement to any hunt with their distinctive quacking. Mallards are versatile birds that can show up any time during the day, either as singles, pairs, or good-sized flocks riding weather fronts down from Canada.
Captain Ken's Wild Wings offers a customer-favorite hunting experience that combines professional guiding, top-notch equipment, and access to some of the best waterfowl hunting waters in North America. This full-day hunt gives you maximum time on the water during prime feeding periods, and Kenny's local expertise ensures you're hunting the most productive areas based on current conditions. Whether you're a seasoned waterfowler looking for a new challenge or a newcomer wanting to learn from one of the region's best guides, this Lake Erie adventure delivers the kind of memories that keep hunters coming back season after season. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly and book your spot for what could be your best hunting trip yet.
Your hunting platform for this Lake Erie waterfowl adventure is a purpose-built 32-foot Duckwater cruiser that's designed specifically for open water gunning. This isn't your typical fishing boat – it's engineered to handle the big water conditions of Lake Erie while getting you into prime duck territory fast. With a top speed of 40 mph, Captain Kenny can cover serious ground to chase migrating flocks of redheads, canvasback, and goldeneye. The boat features a multimedia system for weather updates, GPS navigation to mark productive spots, and VHF radio for safety communication on the big lake. A wireless trolling motor lets you approach nervous birds without spooking them with engine noise. The fish finder doubles as a depth sounder to navigate shallow areas where ducks feed. You'll appreciate the onboard toilet and kitchen during those long December hunts when the birds are flying but the wind is howling. This stable platform accommodates up to 6 hunters comfortably, giving everyone room to swing on fast-flying divers without crowding. The Duckwater design handles Lake Erie's notorious chop better than standard boats, keeping you steady when that flock of scaup comes screaming into the decoys.
Lesser scaup are compact diving ducks that bunch up in massive rafts on Erie's open waters during fall and winter. These birds love depths between 6-20 feet where they dive for zebra mussels, small fish, and aquatic insects. Best hunting runs from November through January when weather pushes them into protected bays and nearshore areas. They're fast, erratic fliers that challenge even experienced shooters. What hunters appreciate is their willingness to decoy once you find them - they'll often circle back for a second look. Scaup provide decent eating, though not as prized as some dabblers. Pro tip: watch for those big black rafts on calm mornings, then set up along their flight path between roosting and feeding areas.
Mallards are the classic duck that most hunters cut their teeth on, and Erie's shallow bays hold plenty during migration. These large, adaptable birds work everything from 2-foot cattail edges to open water flats. Best action happens October through November when northern birds push through, plus we get solid numbers again in early spring. Mallards are vocal, social, and respond well to calling, making them perfect for newer hunters. They're also hands-down the best eating duck in the bag. What I love about mallards is their predictable nature - they follow the same flight patterns and feed in the same spots when conditions are right. Set decoys in shallow water near cover and use a mix of feeding and resting positions.
Red-breasted mergansers are sleek, fast-flying fish eaters that cruise Erie's open waters year-round. These medium-sized ducks have a punk-rock crest and prefer deeper water from 15-40 feet where baitfish concentrate. Peak season runs October through March when northern birds join our residents. They're challenging targets - mergansers fly low and fast in small groups, often hugging the water. Hunters enjoy them for the difficult shots they present and their unique appearance, especially the males with their shaggy crests. Fair table fare since they're fish eaters, but many folks mount the drakes. Best strategy is setting up along drop-offs where emerald shiners school - these birds follow the baitfish religiously.
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks that show up in good numbers on Erie during migration and winter months. These stocky birds prefer deeper open water, usually 8-15 feet, where they dive for aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates. Peak action happens from late October through December when they're moving through in rafts of 20-50 birds. What makes them special is their wariness - they're smart ducks that test your calling and decoy setup. The drakes have that distinctive rusty-red head that's unmistakable. Table fare is top-notch since they feed mostly on vegetation. Key tip: use a mix of redhead and canvasback decoys in a J-hook pattern about 200 yards from shore in 10-12 feet of water.
Port Clinton, OH, United States