Guided Duck Hunting Charter On Lake Erie
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Hunt ducks and divers from specialized 38 SACPAS boatAccommodates up to six shooters with decoys includedExpert guide targets proven Lake Erie hunting zones
Lake Erie delivers some of the most productive waterfowl hunting in the Great Lakes region, and Captain Ken's Wild Wings puts you right in the thick of it. The 38 SACPAS boat is built for serious duck hunters who want to get close to the action without spooking birds. This isn't your typical shoreline setup - we're talking about a mobile hunting platform that can chase flocks and position you where the ducks want to be. Whether you're after divers coming off the deep water or puddlers working the shallows, this charter gives you access to prime hunting zones that most hunters never see. The boat handles six shooters comfortably, but with single-hunter bookings, you get personalized attention and flexible positioning based on bird movement and weather conditions.
Your hunt starts before dawn when Captain Ken reads the conditions and plots the best approach for the day. Lake Erie's massive size means birds spread out differently depending on wind, weather, and feeding patterns. Some days we'll set up near the islands where divers raft up in huge numbers. Other days, the shallow bays along the shoreline hold concentrations of mallards and pintails that provide fast shooting. The 38 SACPAS is designed for concealment - low profile, matte finish, and enough space to lay out a serious decoy spread without crowding the shooters. Captain Ken brings all the decoys and calls, but experienced hunters often bring their own favorites. The boat's shallow draft lets us get into spots that bigger vessels can't reach, giving you access to protected waters where ducks feel safe. Early morning fog rolling off the lake creates perfect concealment, and when flocks start moving at first light, you'll understand why Lake Erie has such a reputation among serious waterfowlers.
Lake Erie duck hunting requires different tactics than inland marsh hunting. The open water means birds have unlimited escape routes, so decoy placement and calling become critical. Captain Ken uses a combination of diver rigs for the deeper water species and puddler spreads for mallards and pintails working the shallows. The key is reading the wind and positioning the boat so incoming birds have a natural approach. Steel shot is mandatory on the lake, and most hunters find that 3-inch shells in BB or BBB shot sizes work best for the longer shots you'll encounter. The boat carries a blind system that breaks up your outline against the water, but proper camouflage clothing still matters. Lake Erie weather can change fast, so layering is essential - what starts as a calm morning can turn into whitecaps by mid-morning. Captain Ken monitors weather constantly and adjusts positioning to keep you in shootable conditions. The GPS and fish finder help locate structure that attracts diving ducks, while knowledge of local feeding areas puts you in position for puddlers making their daily flights.
Northern Pintails show up on Lake Erie during prime migration periods, typically peaking in early November and again in late November through December. These elegant ducks are wary and smart, often circling decoy spreads multiple times before committing. Pintails prefer shallow water areas where they can tip-feed, making the shoreline zones and protected bays perfect habitat. Drakes in full plumage are stunning birds with their chocolate-colored heads and distinctive white breast stripes. They're fast flyers that require good lead and precise shooting. What makes pintail hunting exciting here is their unpredictability - they might come in singles, pairs, or suddenly appear in flocks of twenty. Captain Ken knows the specific areas where pintails stage during migration, and timing your hunt during peak movement periods dramatically increases your chances.
Mallards are Lake Erie's bread-and-butter species, present throughout the entire hunting season and providing consistent action when other species are moving through. The lake's mallards include both local birds and migrants from Canada, with the migrants typically being larger and more colorful. Early season mallards are often found in family groups, while late season birds form large flocks that create spectacular shooting opportunities. These ducks respond well to calling, and experienced hunters enjoy working birds from long distances down into the decoys. Lake Erie mallards feed heavily on aquatic vegetation and small fish, making them larger and meatier than corn-fed inland birds. Drakes develop their full breeding plumage by October, showing off the glossy green heads and white neck rings that make them such prized birds. The challenging part about Lake Erie mallards is their wariness - they see hunting pressure throughout the flyway, so they're educated birds that require patience and skill to decoy effectively.
Captain Ken's Wild Wings offers the kind of duck hunting experience that keeps hunters coming back season after season. The combination of a specialized hunting vessel, proven locations, and decades of Lake Erie waterfowl knowledge creates opportunities that you simply can't replicate on your own. This charter accommodates serious hunters who want to target quality birds in prime habitat without the hassle of launching boats, hauling decoys, or guessing where the ducks are feeding. Remember to bring your valid hunting license, steel shot ammunition, and appropriate weather gear. The deposit secures your spot for what many consider the top-rated duck hunting charter on Lake Erie. Book early, especially for November dates when migration activity peaks and shooting opportunities are at their best. Whether you're looking to add pintails to your season bag or want consistent mallard action, this charter delivers the goods when weather and regulations align for world-class waterfowl hunting.
Get ready for serious duck hunting on Lake Erie aboard this purpose-built 22' Phowler designed for stealth and success in open water. This specialized hunting rig targets big waterfowl like Mallards and Pintails, getting you into prime shooting zones where the big ducks feed and rest. Built to handle Lake Erie's conditions while staying concealed from wary birds, the boat features GPS navigation to hit productive spots and a fish finder to locate underwater structure that attracts ducks. With room for up to 4 shooters, you'll have plenty of space to set up for clean shots without crowding. Your guide knows the lake's hottest hunting areas along shorelines and islands, positioning you where diving ducks and puddle ducks concentrate. The layout works great for both experienced hunters and those new to big water duck hunting. All decoys and hunting gear are provided - just bring your valid hunting license, shotgun, and shells. This is Lake Erie duck hunting at its finest, designed to put you on birds in one of the Great Lakes' most productive waterfowl zones.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Lake Erie duck hunting - hefty 2-4 pound birds that'll work your spread like they own the place. You'll find them everywhere from shallow protected bays to open water near the islands, though they prefer areas with 2-6 feet of depth where they can dabble and tip-feed. Peak action runs from mid-October through December, especially on those gray, windy days when they're moving. Hunters love mallards because they decoy well, respond to calling, and provide steady action throughout the season. Plus, nothing beats a fat greenhead on the dinner table. The trick with Erie mallards is understanding they've seen every decoy spread imaginable. Keep your calling subtle - a few soft quacks and feeding chuckles work better than aggressive hail calls. These birds get call-shy fast in heavily pressured areas.
Northern pintails are sleek, elegant ducks that run about 2-3 pounds with those distinctive long necks and pointed tails that give them their name. These birds prefer shallow bays and marshy areas along Erie's shoreline, especially spots with emergent vegetation where they can tip-feed. October through November is prime time when they're staging during migration. Pintails are wary birds - they'll flare at the slightest movement, making them a real test of your shooting skills. The drakes are absolutely gorgeous with that chocolate-brown head and white stripe, plus they're excellent table fare. Here's the key: keep your decoy spread simple with plenty of open water. Pintails like room to land and they're suspicious of crowded setups. Mix in some teal decoys upwind - pintails often follow smaller ducks into the spread.
Port Clinton, OH, United States