Full Day Open Water Duck Hunting on Lake Erie
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Full-day guided duck hunting on Lake Erie's prime watersHeated blind accommodates six hunters with expert guide serviceHot breakfast and decoys included for serious waterfowl hunters
If you're serious about waterfowl hunting, Captain Ken's Wild Wings delivers the kind of open water experience that separates the weekend warriors from the dedicated hunters. Operating out of the Lake Erie Islands, Sandusky Bay, and prime shoreline spots, this isn't your typical marsh hunt. We're talking big water, serious birds, and the kind of setup that's dropped over 1,000 ducks in a single season. The 28' Duckwater Ocean isn't just a boat – it's your hunting platform for an 8-hour pursuit of some of the best waterfowl Lake Erie has to offer.
Captain Ken runs a tight operation that caters to hunters who know what they're doing and expect results. The heated blind keeps you comfortable when the wind's howling off the lake and the birds are flying hard. You'll start early with a hot breakfast – none of this grab-a-granola-bar-and-go nonsense. The guide service here knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading weather patterns, bird movements, and those subtle changes that make the difference between a slow day and limits all around. With room for six shooters, this setup works best for groups that can handle themselves in the field. We're hunting divers, puddle ducks, and late-season goldeneye depending on what's moving through the area. All decoys are provided, but you'll need to bring your own firearm, ammunition, and valid hunting licenses.
Lake Erie's open water hunting is a different beast than your typical pothole or river bottom setup. The boat positions strategically around the islands and along productive shoreline structure where birds naturally want to be. The decoy spread is designed for big water conditions – think larger profiles and more realistic movement that pulls birds from distance. Weather plays a huge role here, and the captain adjusts locations based on wind direction, wave action, and bird behavior. The heated blind isn't just comfort – it's tactical, keeping you warm and ready when flocks appear on the horizon. Early morning and late afternoon typically produce the best action, though midday can surprise you when weather systems move through. The key is staying flexible and letting the guide's local knowledge put you where the birds want to be, not where you think they should be.
Redhead ducks are the prize of Lake Erie's open water hunting scene. These diving ducks raft up in massive numbers during peak migration, creating some of the most exciting shooting opportunities you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. They're fast, wary, and absolutely delicious on the table. Peak season runs from late October through November when birds are staging for their southern push. What makes redheads special here is their sheer numbers – when you find them, you find them in droves.
Black ducks represent the wariest quarry you'll encounter on this hunt. These birds have seen every trick in the book and earned their reputation as the graduate-level waterfowl challenge. They prefer shoreline areas with good escape routes and won't tolerate sloppy calling or movement in the blind. Late season black ducks that have survived months of hunting pressure are incredibly smart, making a successful harvest feel like a real achievement.
Wood ducks bring speed and beauty to the bag, though they're more common during early season before the big lake freezes them out. These birds move fast through timber and along shorelines, often appearing when you least expect them. Their distinctive call and flight pattern make them easy to identify, and drakes in full plumage are among the most beautiful birds in North America.
Bufflehead are the small, fast-flying dynamos that test your wing shooting skills. These little diving ducks move in tight groups and change direction like fighter jets. They're common throughout the season on Lake Erie and provide consistent action when larger ducks are being difficult. Don't let their size fool you – they're challenging targets and excellent eating.
Mallards round out the target species list as the most recognizable and vocal ducks in the bag. Lake Erie mallards tend to be larger and more heavily feathered than their southern cousins, having grown up in harsh northern conditions. They respond well to calling and provide some of the most exciting hunting when big flocks commit to the decoy spread. Late season mallards are particularly challenging as they've been educated by months of hunting pressure.
Captain Ken's operation stands out because it's built for hunters who want more than just a boat ride with decoys. The combination of prime Lake Erie locations, professional equipment, and guide expertise creates the kind of hunting experience that keeps serious waterfowlers coming back season after season. With the heated blind, hot breakfast, and all decoys provided, you can focus on what matters – making clean shots and filling your limit. The 1,000-bird season track record speaks for itself. This isn't beginner-friendly hunting, but if you know your way around a shotgun and want to experience Lake Erie waterfowling at its finest, this is your chance to hunt with one of the area's top-rated guides.
Our 28-foot Duckwater Ocean is purpose-built for serious waterfowl hunting on Lake Erie's open waters. Captain Steve Demboske, a retired Coast Guard chief, commands this platform that's proven itself with over 1,000 birds harvested in a single season. The boat features a heated overhead blind that keeps you comfortable during those brutal December goldeneye shoots, plus a full galley where we cook up hot breakfast before dawn patrol. This isn't your typical puddle-jumping setup - we're equipped to handle the big water conditions around the Erie Islands and Sandusky Bay. GPS navigation and fish finder help locate diving duck rafts, while the wireless trolling motor lets us slip into position without spooking birds. VHF radio keeps us connected to other hunters and weather updates. The heated cabin, onboard head, and icebox mean you can stay out all day chasing divers, puddle ducks, and late-season birds. Built for six shooters who want results, not just a boat ride.
Black ducks are the wariest birds you'll encounter on Lake Erie, but that's exactly what makes them so rewarding to hunt. These hefty ducks, running 2.5-3 pounds, prefer the protected bays and marsh edges rather than open water. You'll spot them in Sandusky Bay's shallow areas and along cattail-lined shorelines. Early season and late November produce the best action, especially during overcast conditions when they're more likely to move. Hunters love them because they're incredibly smart - outwitting a black duck feels like a real achievement. They also make outstanding table fare with rich, flavorful meat. The trick is keeping your calling minimal and natural. Black ducks will circle your spread multiple times, studying every detail before committing. Patience wins the day with these birds.
Buffleheads are the smallest ducks we target on Lake Erie, but don't let their size fool you - they're fast, fun, and surprisingly challenging. These little divers weigh just over a pound and stick to open water where they dive for small fish and aquatic insects. Look for them in 15-30 feet of water around the islands and along drop-offs. Late season hunting from December into January is when they really show up in numbers. Hunters enjoy buffleheads because they're incredibly quick on the wing and their black-and-white pattern makes for great photos. While small, they're decent eating and a nice addition to any mixed bag. The key is using smaller decoys in your spread - regular-sized blocks can actually scare them off. They'll often buzz the decoys multiple times before landing, so stay still and be patient.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Lake Erie duck hunting - reliable, vocal, and always ready to work a good spread. These big birds, often 2.5-3 pounds, adapt to just about any water condition from shallow bays to open lake. Sandusky Bay's marshes and protected coves near the islands hold them consistently throughout the season. October through late December offers steady action, with peak numbers during cold fronts. Hunters love mallards because they decoy well, respond to calling, and provide excellent eating. Plus, there's nothing like hearing a hen mallard's feeding chatter as she works your decoys. The trick with Lake Erie mallards is mixing up your calling - they see a lot of pressure and can get call-shy. Use a mix of feeding chatter and soft quacks rather than loud hail calls.
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks that really know how to work the open waters around Lake Erie. These birds typically weigh 2-3 pounds and dive deep for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. You'll find them in 8-20 feet of water, especially around the islands and offshore shoals where they raft up in big groups. Peak season runs from late October through December when migration really kicks in. What makes them special is their table quality - they're some of the best eating ducks you'll bag. They're also smart, which keeps things challenging. The key to success is setting your decoys in deeper water than most hunters think. When the wind kicks up and other species head for shelter, redheads often stay put, making rough days some of our most productive.
Wood ducks bring something different to Lake Erie hunting - they're smaller, around 1.5 pounds, but absolutely beautiful birds that fly like fighter jets through tight spaces. While they prefer wooded swamps inland, you'll catch them moving along the shoreline between feeding and roosting areas. Early season is prime time, especially the first hour of daylight when they're moving from overnight roosts. What hunters really enjoy is their unpredictable flight patterns and stunning plumage - the drakes are like flying jewels. They're also excellent on the table with mild, tender meat. Wood ducks respond best to higher-pitched calling than other species. The secret is positioning near travel corridors between timber and open water. They'll often swing in low and fast, so be ready for quick shots through narrow windows.
Port Clinton, OH, United States