North Carolina Duck Hunts with Gunny B Outdoors
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Target sea ducks and divers in North Carolina lowlandsAll equipment provided except gun and ammunitionSmall group experience with maximum two guests
There's something special about watching the sun break over North Carolina's lowlands while you're tucked into a blind, waiting for that first flight of ducks to work the decoys. At Gunny B Outdoors, we've been guiding hunters through these prime waterfowl grounds for years, and every morning still gets the blood pumping. Our duck hunting trips put you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive waters, where sea ducks and divers follow ancient migration routes through our coastal marshes and inland impoundments. Just bring your shotgun and shells – we handle everything else, from decoy spreads to morning coffee.
Your hunt starts well before sunrise, meeting us at the launch point while stars are still visible overhead. We'll load gear into the boat and make our way to carefully scouted locations where ducks have been working consistently. Our blinds are positioned in proven flyways, often along creek channels or near feeding areas where birds feel comfortable dropping in. The setup varies depending on conditions – some days we're hunting open water for divers, other mornings we're tucked tight against marsh grass waiting for sea ducks to swing by. Group size stays small at just two hunters, which means more shots for everyone and better communication when birds are working. Breakfast is served right in the blind, keeping you fueled for those peak morning flights when multiple species might show up within minutes of each other.
North Carolina's diverse waterfowl habitat means we adjust tactics based on what we're seeing and where birds want to be. Sea ducks like scoters prefer deeper, open water and often fly in tight formations just above the surface – patience is key since they can be particular about decoy placement and calling. Divers such as bluebills and canvasback work differently, often circling high before committing to a landing zone. We use a mix of decoy types depending on target species, from large sea duck blocks to smaller diver spreads with realistic motion. Wind direction plays a huge role in blind selection, and we're constantly reading weather patterns to put you where birds want to finish. The terrain ranges from protected creek mouths to larger open-water situations, and we match our approach to what's producing. Camouflage discipline matters here – these birds have seen pressure and won't tolerate movement or poor concealment.
Lesser Scaup, commonly called bluebills by waterfowlers, are fantastic birds to hunt in North Carolina waters. These medium-sized divers typically weigh around two pounds and sport distinctive white backs that flash as they bank over decoys. Peak hunting happens during late fall and winter months when northern birds push south ahead of freezing conditions. Bluebills often travel in large rafts and provide fast-paced shooting when they decide to work your spread. They're drawn to deeper water areas with good underwater vegetation, and their acrobatic flight patterns keep hunters on their toes.
Surf Scoter hunting represents some of the most challenging and rewarding waterfowl action on the coast. These sea ducks are built for rough water, with males displaying bold white and black plumage patterns that make them unmistakable in flight. Weighing up to three pounds, surf scoters are strong fliers that often require precise lead and follow-through. They're most active during winter months, following baitfish movements along the coastal zone. What makes them special is their tendency to fly in long lines just above the waves – when a group commits to your decoys, the action happens fast and requires quick decision-making.
Bufflehead might be smaller than other diver species, but they make up for size with personality and challenge. These compact ducks are incredibly fast in flight, often surprising hunters with sudden direction changes and tight turning radius. Males show striking black and white plumage during hunting season, while their small size means precise shooting is essential. Bufflehead typically arrive in North Carolina during late October and stick around through winter, preferring protected waters with good visibility. They're often mixed with other diver flocks, creating opportunities for variety bags when multiple species work the same area.
Black Scoter hunting pushes your skills as a waterfowler, since these birds are among the wariest sea ducks in our area. Adult drakes are almost entirely black except for bright yellow bill knobs, making them easy to identify but challenging to decoy effectively. These hefty sea ducks can exceed three pounds and fly with powerful, steady wingbeats that cover serious distance. Black scoters typically show up during peak winter months, often in small groups that require perfect timing and setup. Their deep-water preference means longer shots are common, and their tough construction demands quality ammunition and shot placement.
Duck hunting in North Carolina's lowlands offers some of the most diverse waterfowl action you'll find anywhere along the Atlantic flyway. Between sea ducks hugging the coastline and divers working inland waters, every hunt brings new challenges and opportunities. Our small group approach means personalized attention, better shooting opportunities, and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what birds are doing. With all gear provided and breakfast included, you can focus on what matters most – making clean shots and enjoying the sunrise experience that keeps hunters coming back season after season. Species availability changes with migration timing and regulations, but the quality of hunting stays consistently high throughout our season. Book your spot now and see why North Carolina duck hunting has earned its reputation among serious waterfowlers.
The all-black sea duck with the bright orange knob on his bill is a true saltwater specialist. These hefty birds push three pounds and are built for rough water. Hens are dark brown with lighter cheeks. You'll find them in deeper coastal waters, usually 10 to 40 feet, diving for mollusks and marine worms. Prime time is late December into February when weather drives them into our sounds and inlets. Black scoters are prized for their size and the challenge they present - they're smart, strong fliers that don't decoy easily. The meat's definitely different from your typical mallard, but many hunters develop a real taste for it. Best bet is hunting during weather fronts when they move closer to shore seeking shelter.
These little speedsters are the smallest diving ducks we hunt, with drakes barely hitting a pound. Males are striking with bright white sides and that big white head patch, while females are gray-brown with a small white cheek spot. They prefer protected waters like coves and creek mouths, usually diving in 4 to 12 feet. Best action comes mid-December through late January when they're moving through our area. Buffleheads are fun to hunt because they're lightning fast and incredibly agile - like trying to hit a feathered rocket. Small but surprisingly good eating with mild, tender meat. Here's the trick: use small decoys and keep your spread tight. They're social but spook easily, so minimal movement in the blind is key.
The "skunk-head coot" is a chunky sea duck that weighs around two pounds and sports a colorful bill that's hard to miss. Drakes have that white head patch that gives them their nickname. These birds stick to saltwater and brackish areas, diving in 6 to 30 feet for blue mussels and crabs. Best hunting happens December through February during cold snaps when they raft up in protected coves. Surf scoters are tough, hardy birds that provide a real challenge - they're wary and fly strong. The meat's rich and dark, definitely an acquired taste but worth trying. Key tip: hunt the back sides of points during incoming tides when they move between feeding and resting areas.
These medium-sized diving ducks are what most folks call "bluebills" around here. Drakes run about a pound and a half with that distinctive black head and white back, while hens are brown overall. They love deeper water - usually 8 to 20 feet - especially around submerged grass beds and drop-offs. Peak season runs late November through January when big rafts push down from up north. Lesser scaup are fast, strong fliers that'll test your shooting skills. They dive deep for aquatic plants and invertebrates, making them pretty tasty on the table. Pro tip: set your decoys in a J-hook pattern near structure - they like to land at the bend where they can see an escape route to open water.
Swansboro, NC