NJ Waterfowl Hunting with Kettle Creek Outfitters
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Morning hunts start before dawn, afternoon sessions until sunsetPricing ranges from $300400 per hunter based on group sizeNorthern Zone waterfowl hunting with experienced local guides
New Jersey's marshlands and waterways offer some of the East Coast's best waterfowl hunting, and Kettle Creek Outfitters knows exactly where to put you in the action. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for your next limit or someone wanting to experience the rush of calling in birds for the first time, our guided hunts deliver the real deal. We've been working these waters for years, and we know what it takes to get you on birds when they're flying. From the crack of dawn shoots to afternoon flights, we'll put you in position to make the most of New Jersey's waterfowl seasons.
Our hunts kick off well before shooting light - we're talking 4:30 or 5 AM meet times to get you in the blind and ready when legal shooting starts. The morning sessions run from first light until 11 AM or until you hit your limit, whichever comes first. If you're more of an afternoon person or want to double up on your chances, we also run PM hunts starting at 1 PM and going until the end of legal shooting time. The thing about waterfowl hunting is timing everything right - the weather, the flyways, the calling - and that's where our experience really pays off. We're constantly reading the conditions and adjusting our setup to give you the best shot at success. Safety comes first though, always. If we've got heavy winds or dangerous water conditions, we'll reschedule rather than risk it. The birds will be there another day, but we want to make sure you are too.
New Jersey's coastal marshes and inland waterways create perfect staging areas for migrating waterfowl, and we hunt a mix of environments depending on what's working best. Some days we're set up in traditional marsh blinds surrounded by decoy spreads that'll make your jaw drop. Other times we're tucked into tree lines along creek beds where the woodies like to work. The key is reading the birds and understanding their patterns - where they're roosting, where they're feeding, and which flyways they're using between the two. We handle all the scouting work ahead of time, so when you show up, we already know where the action's been happening. Our decoy spreads are top-notch, and we've got the calling experience to work birds that might otherwise fly right past. The terrain varies from knee-deep marsh water to dry creek banks, so we'll let you know what to expect and what kind of waders or boots to bring. Most importantly, we position you where the shooting opportunities are best - sometimes that's a traditional blind, sometimes it's a layout boat, and sometimes we're brushed up along a bank.
Mallards are the bread and butter of New Jersey waterfowl hunting, and for good reason. These birds are smart, vocal, and provide some of the best hunting action you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. Mallards typically weigh between 2-3 pounds, with the drakes showing off those famous green heads that make for great photos and even better eating. They respond well to calling when done right, but they'll educate you real quick if you're overcalling or hitting the wrong notes. Peak mallard hunting in New Jersey runs from late October through December, with some of the best flights happening during cold fronts when northern birds are pushed down our way. What hunters love most about mallards is their unpredictability - one minute they're committing to your spread, the next they're flaring at 40 yards because something didn't look right. They keep you honest and make every successful hunt feel earned.
Wood ducks bring a completely different element to New Jersey waterfowl hunting. These smaller birds, usually around 1-2 pounds, are absolute speed demons with some of the most beautiful plumage you'll see on any game bird. The drakes sport iridescent greens and purples that look almost painted on, while the hens have their own subtle beauty. Woodies love the timber and creek systems, often flying in fast and low through the trees before dropping into small pockets of water. Early season hunting in September and October is prime time for wood ducks, especially in the morning when they're moving between roost and feed. What makes wood duck hunting so exciting is the close-quarters action - they're often working within 20-30 yards in tight spaces, giving you quick shots that test your reflexes. They're also incredibly wary birds with eyesight that'll pick up the smallest movement, so staying still and well-concealed is crucial for success.
Kettle Creek Outfitters has been putting hunters on birds for years because we do the work that matters - scouting, setting up proper spreads, and reading conditions to put you where the action is. Our pricing reflects the real value of a guided hunt: $400 for solo hunters who want the full attention, $350 per hunter for pairs, and $300 each when you bring a full group of four. If you're hunting our Northern Zone spots, add $50 to cover the extra travel and access costs - trust us, these spots are worth every penny when the birds are using them. We can't control Mother Nature or guarantee the birds will cooperate, but we can promise you'll be in the right place with experienced guides who know how to make the most of whatever conditions we're dealt. New Jersey's waterfowl hunting is world-class when you know where to go and how to hunt it properly. Book your hunt with us and experience why hunters keep coming back season after season for the kind of waterfowl action that makes those early mornings and cold days completely worth it.
Mallards are the bread and butter of New Jersey waterfowl hunting - these 2-3 pound ducks are everywhere from shallow ponds to deeper marshes. You'll find them in cattail edges, open water, and flooded timber throughout our state. They're most active during cold fronts and overcast days, especially October through December when northern birds migrate through. What makes mallards special is their wariness - they're smart and will test your calling skills. The drakes are gorgeous with their green heads, and both sexes make excellent table fare. The key with mallards here in Jersey is patience and realistic calling. Too much chatter and they'll flare off. Start with simple quacks and feeding chuckles, then go quiet when they're working. These birds have seen it all, so keep your movements minimal and let them commit.
Wood ducks are hands down the most beautiful waterfowl you'll see on New Jersey waters. These medium-sized ducks prefer wooded swamps, beaver ponds, and creek backwaters where they feel secure under cover. Early season is prime time - September and early October before they get pressured. Woodies are jumpy by nature and will flush at the slightest movement, but that's what makes them challenging. The males are stunning with their colorful plumage, and they're fantastic eating. Unlike mallards, wood ducks respond better to visual decoys than calling - use a spinning wing decoy sparingly and focus on realistic positioning. The trick with woodies is setting up in tight cover where they naturally want to be. Find those hidden pockets in flooded timber or backwater sloughs. They come in fast and low, so be ready for quick shots through the trees.
New Jersey