5.0(1 Reviews)Ohio Duck Hunting With Captain Nate
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Bird hunting
8hour duck hunting adventure across 30mile radius watersOpen water and layout hunting with breakfast onboardSmall group experience for up to four guests maximum
Looking for top-rated duck hunting in Port Clinton? Captain Nate's Guide Service delivers the real deal for serious waterfowl hunters. This isn't your weekend warrior setup – we're talking about a full-day hunt that starts before dawn and keeps you in prime bird territory for eight solid hours. Whether you're chasing greenheads over decoys or picking off teal on the wing, this Lake Erie hunting operation knows where the birds are and how to put you in position for clean shots.
Your alarm goes off at 5 AM, but trust me, the coffee's worth crawling out of bed for. Captain Nate runs a tight ship, literally and figuratively. We're not just talking about a quick boat ride to the nearest marsh – this is a 30-mile radius hunt covering everything from open water layouts to protected backwaters where the ducks feel safe. The boat comfortably handles up to four hunters, so you've got room to spread out without bumping elbows when the action heats up. Plus, breakfast is cooked right onboard, so you're fueled up and ready when we hit the prime spots. The whole operation has that local guide feel where Captain Nate knows every wind pattern, feeding area, and flight path that matters in these waters.
Port Clinton sits right where Lake Erie meets some of Ohio's best waterfowl habitat, and Captain Nate knows how to work both environments. Open water hunting means layout boat setups where we're right in the ducks' wheelhouse – think big water mallards, divers, and those early morning flights coming off their roosts. The shallow bays and protected areas give us different opportunities, especially when weather pushes birds into calmer water. You'll need to bring your own firearm and shells – stick with 12 or 20 gauge and pack both #2 and #4 shot. The #2s work great for bigger birds like mallards at distance, while #4s are perfect for teal and close-in shots. Captain Nate handles all the decoy spreads, boat positioning, and calling, so you can focus on reading the birds and making your shots count.
"Had a great day of hunting with Captain Nate! Our group of 3 fairly large guys (plus Capt. Nate) fit comfortably in the boat. Made good conversation, had plenty of opportunities to shoot birds, and had a full hot breakfast cooked on the boat. Very fun day, already looking forward to our next trip!" - Aaron
Green-winged Teal are the speed demons of the duck world, and they're absolutely addictive to hunt around Port Clinton. These little rockets typically weigh around 12-16 ounces but what they lack in size, they make up for in pure flying ability. They'll buzz the decoys at 40+ mph, giving you split-second shots that separate the good shooters from the great ones. Early season is prime time – September through early October – when they're moving through in good numbers. The rush you get dropping a greenwing on a crossing shot is why hunters keep coming back.
Wood Ducks bring something special to every hunt, especially in the backwater areas where Captain Nate likes to set up. These are hands-down the most beautiful ducks in North America, with the drake's iridescent colors catching the early morning light. They're creatures of habit, using the same flight paths between roosting and feeding areas day after day. Woodies are most active during that magic hour right at sunrise, often coming in singles or pairs rather than big flocks. They're also surprisingly hardy birds for their size – plan on using #4 shot and making your shots count because a wounded woody can disappear fast in heavy cover.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Great Lakes waterfowl hunting, and Port Clinton delivers some genuine wall-hangers. These big ducks – drakes can push three pounds – respond well to aggressive calling and large decoy spreads. Captain Nate knows exactly how to work mallards on Lake Erie, where they behave differently than prairie birds. They're less decoy-shy but more weather dependent, often moving based on wind direction and barometric pressure. Peak mallard hunting runs from mid-October through November, when migration birds mix with local breeders. There's nothing quite like watching a flock of greenheads commit to your spread, wings cupped, feet down, totally convinced your setup is the real deal.
Blue-winged Teal are the early birds of duck season, typically showing up in good numbers during September when other species are still thinking about migrating. These medium-sized ducks are known for their erratic flight patterns – they'll circle the decoys multiple times, giving you several shot opportunities if you're patient. Blues are also excellent eating, with mild-flavored breast meat that converts non-hunters into believers. They love shallow water areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation, exactly the kind of habitat Port Clinton offers. When blue-wings are moving, they're moving fast, so be ready for quick action and multiple flocks throughout the morning.
Captain Nate's Guide Service offers the kind of duck hunting experience that keeps hunters talking long after the season ends. Eight hours of prime hunting time, hot breakfast on the boat, and a guide who actually knows where the birds are – that's value you won't find everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned waterfowler or someone looking to step up their duck hunting game, this Port Clinton operation delivers consistent results in some of Ohio's best waterfowl habitat. The boat's comfortable, the hunting's productive, and Captain Nate runs the kind of service where every detail is handled so you can focus on what matters – putting birds in the bag. Don't wait until prime migration dates fill up – book your hunt today and see why hunters keep coming back to Port Clinton year after year.
Blue-winged teal are early migrants that give us some of the best action in September before most other ducks arrive. Small, quick birds about 14-16 inches that travel in tight flocks and offer rapid-fire shooting when they commit. Look for them in shallow, muddy areas and protected marshes where they can tip up and feed on aquatic plants. September's your window - once October hits, they're long gone to warmer climates. Hunters enjoy the fast action and their excellent eating quality, plus they're less wary than other species. When a flock decides to work your spread, they'll usually give you multiple passes. Key tip: use small teal decoys in shallow water and don't worry about calling much - movement on the water is more important than sound with these birds.
Green-winged teal are our smallest dabblers, usually around 12-15 inches with fast, erratic flight patterns that keep hunters on their toes. These birds love shallow marshes and protected bays around Lake Erie, especially areas with good emergent vegetation. Early season through October is prime time when they're moving through in decent numbers. What makes them special is their speed - they'll buzz the decoys faster than most ducks, giving you those quick, challenging shots that separate the good shooters from the great ones. The meat's fantastic too, some of the best table fare you'll find. Pro tip: keep your teal decoys separate from the mallards and closer to shore in skinny water - that's where they want to be.
Mallards are the bread and butter of duck hunting here on Lake Erie. Big, sturdy birds running 2-3 pounds with that classic quack everyone recognizes. They'll work open water, cattail marshes, and flooded fields equally well, adapting to whatever conditions we're dealing with. Peak season runs October through December when northern birds start pushing south with cold fronts. Hunters love mallards because they decoy well, give you time to pick your shots, and fill the bag with substantial birds that feed the whole family. Plus, they're predictable - morning flights to feeding areas, evening returns to roost. Best trick I know: use a mix of feeding and resting decoys with plenty of movement, and don't be afraid to get on that call when they're working.
Wood ducks are hands down the most beautiful waterfowl we hunt around Port Clinton. Drakes sport that distinctive crested head and colorful plumage that makes them a prize for any hunter. They're drawn to wooded swamps, creek mouths, and timber-lined ponds where they can perch and nest in tree cavities. Early season is your best shot at them, especially September mornings when they're moving between roosting and feeding areas. These birds are spooky as hell and will flare at the slightest movement, but that wariness makes bagging one feel like a real accomplishment. They eat clean too - mostly acorns and seeds. My advice: hunt them tight to timber with just a few decoys, and for heaven's sake, stay absolutely still.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great day of hunting with Captain Nate! Our group of 3 fairly large guys (plus Capt. Nate) fit comfortably in the boat. Made...
Port Clinton, OH