Premium Open Water Duck Hunting on Lake Erie
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Premier open water duck hunting on Lake Erie's prime locationsHeated blind with hot breakfast and expert guide service includedAccommodates six hunters targeting multiple waterfowl species effectively
Captain Ken's Wild Wings has been putting hunters on birds for years, and this full-day open water hunt on Lake Erie is where serious waterfowlers come to fill their limits. We're talking about an 8-hour guided hunt aboard the 28' Duckwater Ocean, targeting everything from diving ducks to puddle ducks across prime spots like the Lake Erie Islands and Sandusky Bay. This isn't some weekend warrior setup - we're running a top-rated operation that's dropped over 1,000 birds in a single season. With room for six shooters and a heated blind to keep you comfortable when the weather gets nasty, this hunt is built for hunters who want results, not just stories.
Your day starts early with a hot breakfast before we head out to the prime hunting grounds. The 28' Duckwater Ocean is equipped with everything you need for a world-class waterfowl hunt - heated blind, complete decoy spread, and all the gear to keep you comfortable while we work the birds. We hunt the open waters where the big flocks stage, hitting spots around the Lake Erie Islands and productive areas along Sandusky Bay. The beauty of hunting Lake Erie is the variety - one minute you're calling in a flock of divers working the deep water, the next you've got mallards cupping into the spread. Captain Ken knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you where the birds want to be. The heated blind keeps everyone comfortable even when the weather turns brutal - and let's be honest, that's often when the hunting is at its best. This hunt accommodates up to six hunters, making it perfect for serious groups looking to put birds in the bag.
Lake Erie open water hunting is a different game than marsh hunting, and that's what makes it so productive. We're targeting birds in their natural staging areas where they raft up in huge numbers. The decoy spread is key - we run large spreads of divers and puddle duck decoys depending on what we're seeing. Wind direction and weather patterns play huge roles in where we set up each day. When those northwest winds start howling and the weather gets rough, the birds move, and that's when we shine. The 28' Duckwater Ocean handles the big water conditions that smaller boats can't, letting us hunt spots other guides avoid. We're constantly reading the water, watching for bird movement, and adjusting our setup throughout the day. You'll need to bring your own firearms and ammo - we recommend 12-gauge shotguns with 3-inch shells for the longer shots you'll encounter over open water. Steel shot only, of course, and make sure you've got your Ohio hunting license and federal duck stamp sorted before we head out. The heated blind keeps everyone comfortable for the long sits, but dress in layers because Lake Erie weather can change fast.
Redheads are the crown jewel of Lake Erie diving duck hunting. These medium-sized divers show up in huge rafts during migration, and when they commit to the decoys, it's game on. They're fast, they're smart, and they provide some of the most challenging shooting you'll find. Redheads love the deeper waters around the islands where they can dive for their preferred food sources. The best action usually happens from late October through November when big numbers stage on the lake. What makes redhead hunting so exciting here is the sheer volume - when you find them, you often find hundreds or even thousands of birds.
Black ducks are the wariest of the puddle duck bunch, and that's what makes bagging one so satisfying. These birds are incredibly cautious and quick to flare at the slightest movement or wrong note on the call. They prefer the protected bays and shoreline areas where they can feed in shallow water but still have quick access to open water escape routes. Black ducks are most active during early morning and late afternoon, making our full-day format perfect for hitting them during prime time. They're slightly larger than mallards and provide excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite among hunters who appreciate both the challenge and the reward.
Wood ducks bring a different element to the hunt with their stunning plumage and acrobatic flight patterns. These birds love the timber and protected areas along the shoreline where they can find acorns and other preferred foods. Woodies are early migrants, so the best opportunities usually come in September and early October. They're known for their ability to navigate tight spaces at high speed, making them challenging targets when they come into the spread. The drakes are absolutely beautiful birds, and even seasoned hunters get excited when a flight of wood ducks commits to the decoys.
Bufflehead might be small, but they make up for it with their lightning-fast flying and diving ability. These little divers are incredibly hardy and often stick around later in the season when other species have moved south. They're fearless when it comes to rough weather, often providing action when conditions keep other ducks down. Bufflehead are fantastic table fare despite their small size, and their distinctive black and white plumage makes them easy to identify in the spread. They tend to travel in smaller groups, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in entertainment value.
Mallards are the bread and butter of waterfowl hunting, and Lake Erie's mallards are particularly impressive birds. The drakes are heavy, the hens are smart, and they provide consistent action throughout the season. These birds adapt to different feeding patterns and habitat types, making them regular visitors to both the shallow bays and open water areas we hunt. Mallards respond well to calling, and there's nothing quite like watching a flock cup their wings and drop into your spread. They're also excellent eating, making them a top choice for hunters looking to fill the freezer with quality waterfowl.
This isn't just another duck hunt - it's a chance to experience Lake Erie waterfowling at its finest with a guide who's put more birds in the boat
The 28' Duckwater Ocean gets you out to the best waterfowl spots on Lake Erie fast and keeps you comfortable all day. Captain Steve Demboske, a retired Coast Guard chief, knows these waters inside and out and positions this sturdy boat where the birds are flying. The heated blind keeps your group of up to six hunters warm during those cold morning shoots, while the onboard kitchen serves up hot breakfast to fuel your hunt. GPS and fish finder help locate prime feeding areas where ducks and divers concentrate. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly into position without spooking birds. VHF radio keeps you connected, and the multimedia system provides entertainment between flights. An icebox stores your drinks and any birds you harvest, plus there's a toilet for those long days on the water. This boat has proven itself with over 1,000 birds taken in a season, targeting everything from puddle ducks to late-season goldeneye around the Lake Erie Islands and Sandusky Bay.
Black ducks are the wariest birds you'll encounter on Lake Erie, but that's exactly what makes them a prized target. These large, dark puddle ducks stick to shallow areas near cattail edges and protected bays, rarely venturing into deep open water. Early season in October offers your best shot before they get educated by hunting pressure. Black ducks are smart - they'll study your spread from a distance and often won't commit unless everything looks perfect. What hunters love most is their reputation as the ultimate challenge and their premium meat quality. The secret to fooling blacks is movement in your decoys. Add a jerk string or spinning wing decoy to your mallard spread, but keep it subtle. Too much motion will flare them every time.
Buffleheads are the little speedsters of Lake Erie - small, compact diving ducks that zip around like feathered rockets. These black and white beauties prefer deeper water from 10-20 feet, often mixed in with other diver flocks during late October through December. They're incredibly fast fliers and make challenging targets that test your wing shooting skills. While they're smaller birds, they're surprisingly good eating and make a nice addition to any mixed bag. Buffleheads are curious by nature and will often investigate your diver spread multiple times. The secret is using smaller decoys - standard mallard blocks look too big to them. Mix in some bluebill or canvasback decoys, and don't be afraid to shoot when they buzz past. They rarely give you a second chance.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Lake Erie duck hunting, and for good reason. These large, vocal birds adapt to almost any water condition - from shallow bays to open water layouts. They're most active during October through November, especially on stormy days when they're looking for shelter. Mallards are aggressive feeders and respond well to calling, making them perfect for hunters who love the interaction. They're also the gold standard for table fare. What makes mallards special is their willingness to work decoys and their vocal nature - a good calling sequence can turn birds from half a mile away. The best tip I can give is to watch their body language. When their feet drop and heads come up, get ready. They're about to commit or flare, and you've got seconds to make the call.
Redheads are classic diving ducks that show up in good numbers during migration on Lake Erie. These medium-sized birds dive deep for aquatic vegetation and mollusks, preferring open water areas around 8-15 feet deep. They're most active during October through November and again in early spring. What makes redheads special is their tendency to raft up in large groups, giving you multiple shot opportunities when they commit to the decoys. They're excellent table fare with a mild, clean taste. The key with redheads is patience - they'll circle your spread several times before dropping in. Set your decoys in a J-hook pattern with the opening downwind, and don't move when they're working. They're spookier than most divers but worth the wait.
Wood ducks are hands down the most beautiful birds you'll see on Lake Erie, and they make for some fast-paced shooting when conditions are right. These smaller ducks prefer wooded shorelines and creek mouths where they can duck into cover quickly. Early season from September through October is prime time before they migrate south. Woodies are lightning fast and love to buzz the decoys at treetop level, giving you split-second shooting opportunities. They're also some of the best eating ducks on the lake. The trick with wood ducks is calling - they respond well to their distinct squealing call, especially hen calls. Set up near fallen timber or overhanging branches where they feel comfortable, and keep your decoy spread small and tight.
Port Clinton, OH, United States