Pro Duck Hunting in the Finger Lakes
Private Trip
Bird hunting
7hour guided duck hunting across Finger Lakes regionProfessional guides provide gear and field expertiseSeptember through January availability for all skill levels
The Finger Lakes region of New York offers some of the best waterfowl hunting on the East Coast, and this 7-hour guided duck hunt puts you right in the heart of the action. Starting at 5:30 AM sharp, you'll spend your morning chasing mallards, teal, and wigeon across prime hunting grounds that local birds have been using for generations. Our experienced guides know every backwater, cattail marsh, and field edge where ducks like to work, giving you the best shot at filling your limit. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to explore new territory or someone new to waterfowling, this trip delivers the kind of hunting that keeps guys coming back season after season.
You'll meet your guide before dawn, and after a quick safety briefing and gear check, you're heading out to the blind. This hunt runs both field setups and water-based hunts depending on where the birds are moving that day. Your guide reads the weather, wind direction, and recent bird activity to put you in the right spot at the right time. The season runs September through January, which covers everything from early teal migration through the peak mallard flights of late November and December. All your essential gear is provided – decoys, calls, blinds, and everything else you need for a successful hunt. You just need to bring your hunting license, federal duck stamp, proper camo or earth-tone clothing, and a good attitude. The hunt wraps up around noon, giving you plenty of time to get your birds cleaned and still have an afternoon to explore the Finger Lakes area.
The Finger Lakes region gives you the best of both worlds for duck hunting – deep water lakes that attract divers like redheads and canvasback, plus shallow marshes and flooded timber perfect for puddlers. Your guide switches between different setups based on daily conditions and bird movement patterns. On calm mornings, you might find yourself in a layout blind in a picked cornfield where mallards come to feed. When the wind picks up, water hunting becomes the play, setting up along shoreline points where ducks ride the waves looking for shelter. The guides use a mix of spinning wing decoys, jerk strings, and aggressive calling to work birds within range. They'll teach you when to call and when to stay quiet – reading duck body language is key to closing the deal. The terrain varies from cattail marshes to open water to agricultural fields, so every hunt feels different. Local knowledge makes all the difference here, and these guides have been working these waters long enough to know where ducks want to be before the ducks do.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Finger Lakes duck hunting, and for good reason. These big greenheads start showing up in numbers by mid-October and stick around through the entire season. Mallards in this area average 2-3 pounds and aren't shy about coming to calls when worked right. They love the shallow bays and marshy areas where they can tip up and feed on aquatic vegetation. What makes mallard hunting so addictive is their willingness to work decoys – watching a flock circle twice before committing gets your heart racing every time.
Wood ducks are early season favorites that nest locally and know every creek, pond, and backwater in the region. These colorful birds prefer wooded swamps and quieter water, making them a different kind of challenge than field mallards. Woodies are fast fliers that like to drop in quickly without much calling, so you need to stay alert and ready. They're not huge birds – usually around a pound – but they're beautiful and excellent on the table. September and early October are prime time for wood ducks before they head south.
Blue-winged teal are speed demons that migrate early, making September the best month to target them. These small ducks travel in tight flocks and can turn on a dime, making them tough shots but rewarding when you connect. Teal love shallow water where they can dabble for seeds and invertebrates. They respond well to fast-paced calling and plenty of movement in your decoy spread. At half a pound each, you need several to make a meal, but their acrobatic flying makes every bird earned.
American wigeon, or baldpate as old-timers call them, are grazers that love areas with abundant vegetation. These medium-sized ducks are late-season birds that really pick up in November and December. Wigeon are known for their distinctive whistling call and their habit of stealing food from diving ducks. They're curious birds that respond well to calling but can be spooky if they've been pressured. Their white crown patch makes drake wigeon easy to identify in the air.
Redheads are the diving duck prize of the Finger Lakes, using the deeper water to hunt for aquatic plants and small fish. These robust ducks are larger than most puddle ducks and require different hunting tactics. Redheads often travel in large rafts on open water, so you need patience and the right setup to intercept them. Late season is best for redheads when northern birds join the local population. Their distinctive profile and rusty-red head make them a favorite trophy for serious waterfowlers.
This guided duck hunt represents everything that makes waterfowling in the Finger Lakes special – diverse habitat, multiple species, and guides who live and breathe duck hunting. With only three spots per trip, you get personal attention and the kind of small-group experience that leads to better hunting and more birds in the bag. The 7-hour timeframe gives you a full morning of prime hunting time without feeling rushed. All the essential gear is handled, so you can focus on shooting straight and enjoying the experience. From September teal to January mallards, each month brings different opportunities and challenges. The guides' local knowledge and professional approach mean you're learning something new while pursuing birds in prime habitat. Give the captain a call to book your spot – the best hunting dates fill up fast, an
The 16-foot G3 hunting boat serves as your mobile blind for pursuing ducks across the Finger Lakes waters. Powered by a reliable 25HP Yamaha engine, this sturdy watercraft gets you into position quietly and efficiently, whether you're setting up along marshy shorelines or navigating between hunting spots. The spacious layout comfortably holds three hunters plus gear, with plenty of room for decoy bags, shells, and harvested birds. Built tough for early morning launches and changing weather conditions, this boat handles the demands of serious waterfowl hunting. Your guide will position you strategically using the boat's maneuverability to access prime duck habitat throughout the seven-hour hunt. The shallow draft design lets you reach cattail-lined coves and backwater areas where ducks typically feed and rest during migration season.
American wigeon are medium-sized puddle ducks known for their unique feeding habits and distinctive whistling call. These 1-2 pound birds prefer shallow bays and marshy areas of the Finger Lakes, often found in water less than 3 feet deep. September and October offer the best hunting as migration peaks bring good numbers through our region. Wigeon are grazers that love to steal food from diving ducks, earning them the nickname "baldpate bandits." Hunters enjoy their sporty flight patterns and excellent eating quality. These birds respond well to calling, especially their signature whistle. Pro tip: set up near areas where coots and redheads are feeding - wigeon will move in to steal their food, giving you perfect shooting opportunities in the shallows.
Blue-winged teal are small, fast ducks that provide some of the most exciting shooting you'll find on the Finger Lakes. These half-pound speedsters prefer shallow, muddy areas rich in aquatic plants and invertebrates. Early September is prime time since they're among the first to migrate south when temperatures drop. Teal fly in tight flocks and can change direction instantly, making them a real test of shooting skills. Despite their small size, they're fantastic eating - many consider them the best-tasting duck. The key to success is hunting calm mornings in protected bays with lots of emergent vegetation. Use small decoy spreads and get ready for lightning-fast shooting. Once a flock commits, they'll often circle back multiple times, giving you several chances if you stay still.
Mallards are the classic duck that most hunters picture when they think waterfowl - big, hardy birds that can weigh 2-4 pounds. These adaptable ducks use everything from shallow marsh edges to open water areas across the Finger Lakes. November and December typically produce the best hunting as northern birds push down during cold fronts. Mallards are aggressive and respond well to calling, making them a favorite for hunters who like to work birds. They're excellent on the table and their size makes them a satisfying target. These birds are smart though - they've seen every trick in the book. The secret is hunting weather fronts when new birds are moving. Set up in cattail edges where they feel secure feeding, and don't be afraid to call aggressively to grab their attention.
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks that love the deeper waters of our bigger Finger Lakes. These stocky birds weigh around 2-3 pounds and are built for diving, spending most of their time in 8-15 feet of water hunting for aquatic plants and invertebrates. Peak season runs October through December when migration numbers are strongest. What makes redheads special is their predictable behavior - they stick to the same feeding areas day after day. Hunters appreciate their excellent table fare and the challenge of decoying diving ducks. The key is setting up over deeper drop-offs near weed beds where they naturally feed. Use a good spread of diver decoys in a fish-hook pattern and be patient - redheads circle wide before committing to the spread.
Wood ducks are arguably the most beautiful waterfowl in North America and a real treat to hunt in the Finger Lakes region. These smaller ducks, weighing 1-2 pounds, prefer wooded swamps, creek mouths, and protected coves with overhanging trees. Early season in September offers the best action before they migrate south. Woodies are known for their acrobatic flight through timber and their habit of perching in trees. Hunters love the challenge they present - they're spooky, fast, and require quick reflexes. The meat is top-notch too. Wood ducks respond well to calling, especially their distinctive "woo-eek" whistle. My advice: hunt the first hour of daylight near creek inlets with plenty of tree cover. Set your decoys tight to shore and be ready for fast, low shots through the branches.
Finger Lakes