Private Duck Hunt on Premium Texas Ponds
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Private pond duck hunting on exclusive Texas landAll equipment included except shotgun and shellsHunt dates November 8December and December 20January 26
Looking for a duck hunting experience that cuts through the crowded public lands and gets you straight to the action? This private pond hunt near Forney puts you right where the waterfowl want to be. Working exclusively on private land means no competition from other hunters, no early morning rushes to claim your spot, and way better bird movement throughout the day. Your guide brings years of successful waterfowl hunting to the table, with proven strategies that consistently put ducks in the bag across multiple species. This isn't your average public marsh scramble – it's a focused, one-on-one hunting experience designed to maximize your time in the field and teach you techniques that'll make you a better duck hunter for life.
This hunt runs during prime migration windows when ducks are moving heavy through East Texas. The November 8th through December season catches the early push, while the December 20th through January 26th stretch hits peak winter concentrations. You're hunting established private ponds that hold birds consistently, not chasing them around public areas where pressure pushes them off daily. The setup includes professional blinds positioned for optimal shooting lanes, realistic decoy spreads that pull birds in close, and comfortable chairs so you can stay alert during slower periods. Your guide handles all the scouting, pattern reading, and calling – you focus on making clean shots when birds commit to the spread. Since this is private land, you can adjust tactics throughout the morning based on what the ducks are telling you, something impossible on crowded public waters.
These East Texas ponds sit in prime Central Flyway habitat where multiple duck species stage and feed regularly. Your guide reads weather patterns, wind direction, and seasonal food sources to predict where birds will want to be each morning. The private pond setup allows for strategic blind placement that takes advantage of natural flight paths ducks use moving between roosting and feeding areas. You'll learn how to identify productive water based on depth, vegetation, and surrounding cover – skills that translate directly to scouting your own future hunts. The terrain around Forney offers mixed agricultural fields and timber that create ideal duck habitat, especially when weather systems push birds down from northern breeding grounds. Bring your own shotgun and 1-2 boxes of shells – your guide recommends steel shot in sizes appropriate for the species you're targeting. The "shoot to pay" policy means you only invest in the full hunt cost when you connect on birds, with rescheduling available if the ducks don't cooperate.
Wood ducks are the jewel of these East Texas waters, with drakes showing off their spectacular breeding plumage through early winter. These birds prefer wooded ponds and creek systems, making them perfect for the private land setup here. Woodies are notorious for their fast, twisting flight patterns through timber, offering challenging shots that separate seasoned hunters from weekend warriors. They're most active during the first hour of legal shooting light and again in late afternoon, though private pond hunting often produces steady action throughout the morning when birds feel secure.
Ring-necked ducks show up in good numbers once cold fronts start pushing through in late November and December. Despite their name, the white ring around the bill is much more visible than any neck marking. These diving ducks love deeper pond sections and respond well to realistic decoy spreads when set up correctly. Ring-necks often travel in mixed flocks with other species, so when you locate them, you're usually looking at diverse shooting opportunities. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when weather conditions align with their migration patterns.
Gadwalls might not have the flashy colors of mallards or the speed of teal, but they're becoming increasingly popular among serious waterfowlers. These "gray ducks" are incredibly intelligent and provide some of the most challenging hunting as they become more educated later in the season. Gadwall drakes show subtle but beautiful plumage details up close, with intricate feather patterns that make them a favorite among hunters who appreciate understated elegance. They respond to different calling techniques than mallards, something your guide will demonstrate based on daily conditions.
Harlequin ducks represent the wild card in this mixed bag hunt, showing up irregularly but providing memorable encounters when they do appear. These compact, colorful birds prefer moving water but occasionally use private ponds during migration or severe weather events. Spotting harlequins adds an element of surprise to any hunt and gives you bragging rights among fellow waterfowlers. When present, they often mix with other species, creating opportunities for limit variety that makes each hunt unique.
Ready to skip the public land circus and experience what private pond duck hunting offers? This hunt delivers everything serious waterfowlers want: exclusive access, expert guidance, and consistent bird action without the crowds. Your guide's years of successful hunting translates into better positioning, smarter setups, and insider knowledge about what makes ducks commit to decoys. The private land advantage means adapting tactics as conditions change, not being locked into whatever spot you claimed in the dark. Between the prime timing during peak migration windows and the proven track record of these private ponds, you're looking at duck hunting the way it should be done. Contact Lead Slingers Outdoor Fishing Guide to secure your dates and verify your Texas hunting license and migratory bird stamp requirements. The December 20th season reopening is coming fast, and these private land slots fill up with hunters who know the difference between hoping for ducks and actually finding them.
Gadwall are underrated birds that show up consistently on our private ponds throughout hunting season. These medium-sized ducks might not have the flashy colors of mallards, but they're smart, wary, and make excellent table fare. You'll find them in shallow to medium depth water, usually feeding on aquatic vegetation and seeds. They prefer open water with some emergent cover nearby. Peak hunting runs November through December, with good numbers again after the season reopens in late December. What I like about gadwall is they're methodical - they'll work your decoys carefully but once committed, they finish strong. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find, mild and tender. Pro tip: gadwall respond well to feeding chatter and soft quacks, but don't overcall them. Set decoys in small groups with plenty of open water between, and position yourself downwind of where you expect them to land.
Harlequin ducks are extremely rare visitors to Texas waters, making any sighting special around our Forney area ponds. These small, compact sea ducks typically prefer rocky coastlines and fast-moving mountain streams out west. If one shows up on our private ponds, it's likely a lost bird during migration - maybe once every few years at best. The males have striking white markings on dark blue plumage that's unmistakable. They're strong fliers and excellent divers, feeding on small fish and aquatic insects. While beautiful birds, they're not really a huntable species in our area since they're so uncommon inland. Your best bet for seeing waterfowl consistently on our hunts would be the more common species like mallards, teal, and gadwall that use our ponds regularly during hunting season.
Ring-necked ducks are solid performers on our Texas ponds during winter months. These diving ducks are smaller than mallards but pack plenty of meat for their size. You'll find them in deeper sections of the pond, usually 6-10 feet of water where they can dive for aquatic plants and small invertebrates. They show up strong from November through January when the cold fronts push them down from up north. What hunters love about ringnecks is their tendency to decoy well and fly in tight groups. They're also excellent table fare with a mild flavor that even non-duck eaters enjoy. The trick with these birds is patience - they'll circle your spread multiple times before committing. Keep your calling minimal and let them work. Set your decoys in the deeper water away from shore and they'll usually finish right where you want them.
Wood ducks are some of the prettiest birds you'll see on our private ponds around Forney. These medium-sized ducks love shallow water with lots of cover - think cypress trees, fallen logs, and thick vegetation along the banks. The drakes have that distinctive colorful plumage that makes them a real trophy bird. They're cavity nesters, so they're drawn to wooded areas near water. Peak season here runs November through December, then again after the break in late December through January. What makes wood ducks special is their wariness - they spook easy but taste fantastic on the table. Best hunting tip I can share: set up near the timber edge where shallow water meets cover. They like to drop in quiet and feed in the protected areas. Keep your movements slow and steady when they're working the decoys.
Lake Ray Hubbard