Scenic Duck Hunting Guided Trip – Finger Lakes NY
Private Trip
Bird hunting
7hour guided duck hunting across Finger Lakes water and fieldsAll skill levels welcome with local expert guidance includedComplete gear provided, runs September through January seasonally
Want to experience some of the best duck hunting New York has to offer? This 7-hour guided waterfowl hunt in the Finger Lakes puts you right where the action is. Starting before dawn at 5:30 AM, you'll be targeting prime feeding and flight times when ducks are most active. The season runs September through January, giving you plenty of opportunities to get out there when conditions are perfect. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned hunter looking for productive new water, this trip delivers both variety and results in one of the state's most scenic hunting regions.
This hunt adapts to what the birds are doing and where they want to be. Some days that means setting up in flooded timber or cattail marshes, other days you'll be positioned along shorelines or in layout blinds on open water. The guides know these waters like the back of their hand and read conditions daily to put you in the best spots. You'll be hunting both field and water setups depending on weather, wind direction, and bird movement patterns. The small group size – just three hunters max – means personalized attention and better shooting opportunities for everyone. These aren't crowded public spots where you're competing with other parties. You get quality time on productive water with guides who've been working these flyways for years.
The Finger Lakes create natural funnels for migrating waterfowl, and the varied terrain gives you multiple hunting scenarios in one trip. Early season means working wood ducks in timber and creek mouths, while late season brings divers and cold-weather species to deeper, open water. All your essential gear is provided – decoys, calls, blinds, and retrieval equipment. The guides handle decoy setup and calling, but they'll teach you techniques if you want to learn. Bring your hunting license, federal duck stamp, and HIP certification – these are required. Weather changes fast on the water, so layer up with waterproof outer gear and insulated boots. The guides know how to read bird behavior and will coach you on shot selection, leading targets, and safety protocols throughout the hunt.
Mallards are the bread and butter of Finger Lakes duck hunting. These adaptable birds use everything from shallow cattail flats to open water roosting areas. Peak mallard activity hits in November and December when northern birds push through during cold snaps. They respond well to calling and decoy spreads, making them perfect for newer hunters to learn on. Mallards also provide excellent table fare and are the most recognizable trophy for your first duck hunt.
Wood ducks are early season stars, with prime hunting from September through October before they head south. These gorgeous birds love wooded creek mouths, beaver ponds, and areas with overhead cover. Wood ducks are fast, acrobatic fliers that make for challenging but rewarding shots. They're often the first species hunters encounter each season and their stunning plumage makes them a favorite for taxidermy. The Finger Lakes' mix of timber and water creates ideal wood duck habitat.
Blue-winged teal arrive early and leave early, making September your best bet for these speed demons. They travel in tight flocks and provide some of the most exciting action when they commit to your decoy spread. Teal are smaller targets that test your shooting skills, but their aggressive feeding behavior means they often give you multiple opportunities. When a flock of bluewings locks up and drops into your decoys, you'll understand why hunters get addicted to this sport.
American wigeon are underrated birds that show up consistently through October and November. These "baldpates" are grazers that love shallow areas with aquatic vegetation. They're vocal birds with distinctive whistling calls, and they often decoy well when mixed with mallard spreads. Wigeon provide steady action when other species are pressured or weather conditions make hunting tough. They're also excellent eating, with a mild flavor that converts non-hunters.
Redheads represent the diving duck opportunities the Finger Lakes are known for. These birds prefer deeper, open water and are typically hunted from layout blinds or shoreline setups. Redheads dive for food rather than dabbling on the surface, so they require different hunting techniques and locations. They're strong fliers that provide challenging shots, and their deep red heads make drakes easily identifiable. Late season redhead hunting can be phenomenal when weather pushes birds south from the Great Lakes.
The Finger Lakes offer some of New York's most consistent duck hunting, and this guided trip puts decades of local knowledge to work for you. You're not just getting a hunt – you're getting an education in waterfowl behavior, calling techniques, and reading water conditions. The season is short and prime dates fill up fast, especially during migration peaks in October and November. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Call the captain directly to book your trip and discuss current conditions, recent bird activity, and what to expect for your hunting dates. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to the sport or add a productive new area to your rotation, this hunt delivers the kind of morning that keeps you coming back season after season.
This 16' G3 hunting boat gets you where the ducks are across the Finger Lakes with its reliable 25HP Yamaha engine. Built for serious waterfowl hunting, it moves quietly through marshes and shallow waters while carrying up to three hunters comfortably. The spacious layout gives you room to set decoys, handle gear, and position for clean shots whether you're working cattail edges or open water. Perfect for accessing those hard-to-reach spots where ducks feel safe, this boat handles both dawn patrol runs and midday relocations when birds shift feeding areas. The stable platform keeps you steady during those crucial moments when mallards commit to your spread.
American wigeon are medium-sized ducks with a unique feeding style that makes them fun to hunt. These birds love shallow bays and marshy areas of our lakes where they can tip-feed on vegetation, but they also graze in nearby fields like geese. Best hunting comes during October and November migration when flocks move through consistently. Wigeon are notorious for their wariness and tendency to circle your spread multiple times before committing. The drakes have a distinctive white crown stripe and make a sharp whistling call that's easy to pick out. They're excellent table fare with a mild, clean taste. One trick I've learned: set up near areas where wild celery or other aquatic plants grow. Wigeon will follow diving ducks to steal food from them, so mixed decoy spreads work well.
Blue-winged teal are small, fast-flying ducks that provide some of the most action-packed hunting you'll find on our waters. These speedy birds prefer shallow, marshy areas with emergent vegetation where they can feed on seeds and small invertebrates. Your best shot at teal is during early season - September into early October - before they migrate south ahead of other species. What makes teal hunting exciting is their incredible speed and tendency to fly in tight flocks that can test even experienced shooters. They're small but make up for size with numbers and challenge. The meat is dark but flavorful when prepared right. Key to success with teal: use smaller decoys, keep your spread tight, and be ready for fast shooting. They often buzz the decoys multiple times, so stay alert and pick your shots carefully on these zippy little ducks.
Mallards are the classic duck that most hunters cut their teeth on, and for good reason. These large, adaptable birds use every type of water we have - from shallow marsh edges to open lake areas and farm ponds. They're present throughout our entire season, with local birds joined by northern migrants from October onward. Mallards are opportunistic feeders that work fields for corn and grain, then rest on open water during midday. What guests love about mallards is their responsive nature to calling and their willingness to work decoy spreads when conditions are right. Plus, they're excellent eating and provide good-sized meals. The greenhead drakes are iconic with their emerald heads and white collars. Best tip for consistent mallard success: scout their feeding patterns and set up along their flight routes between roost and feed areas.
Redheads are solid medium-sized diving ducks that show up regularly on our deeper Finger Lakes during fall migration and early winter. These stocky birds prefer open water 8-15 feet deep where they can dive for aquatic vegetation and small mollusks. Peak season runs October through December when northern birds push through our area. What makes redheads special is their wariness - they're smart ducks that test your calling and decoy spread. The drakes have that distinctive rusty-red head that's hard to miss. They taste great on the table too, cleaner than most divers since they eat more plants than fish. My tip: use a mixed spread with some diving duck decoys set deeper than your puddlers. Redheads like to land with canvasback and ring-necked duck decoys.
Wood ducks are gorgeous medium-sized birds that prefer the wooded creeks, beaver ponds, and marshy backwaters around our lakes. These ducks love shallow water with plenty of cover - fallen trees, cattails, and overhanging branches where they feel secure. Early season in September and October is prime time before they head south. Woodies are known for their spectacular plumage, especially the drakes with their iridescent green crests and striking patterns. They're also one of the best eating ducks you'll find. What makes them challenging is their skittish nature and preference for tight, brushy spots that test your shooting skills. The key to success with wood ducks is finding their flight paths between roosting and feeding areas. Set up along creek channels or pond edges where they travel, and keep your decoy spread small and natural looking.
Finger Lakes