Expert Redhead & Teal Hunting with Captain Mark Ueding
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Morning duck hunts targeting redhead and teal speciesAirboat access to remote coastal marshes and flatsExperttrained dogs and decoys provided for groups
If you're looking for a world-class duck hunting experience along the Texas coast, Captain Mark Ueding knows exactly where to put you on birds. His guided hunts out of Port O'Connor target prime redhead and blue-winged teal in some of the most productive coastal marshes and flats you'll find anywhere. Running from early November through the end of January, these morning hunts start before dawn and typically wrap by 9 a.m. – perfect timing to catch ducks moving at first light. Captain Mark's got the local knowledge, top-rated equipment, and trained retrievers to make your hunt memorable, whether you're a seasoned waterfowler or new to the blind.
Your hunt kicks off at 4 a.m. sharp from the meeting point at 1301 Water Street in Port O'Connor. Captain Mark runs an 18-foot Air Ranger airboat that'll get your group of up to four hunters into remote spots where other boats can't reach. The shallow-draft capability means access to those back-country marshes where ducks feel safe – until you set up shop. The captain provides a full spread of decoys and brings along expert-trained retrievers that know these waters like the back of their paws. You'll be hunting from well-concealed blinds in prime flyways where redheads and teal move naturally. The early start time isn't just for show – it gets you positioned and ready when shooting light arrives and birds are most active. Most hunts wrap up by 9 a.m., giving you plenty of time to clean birds and enjoy the rest of your day.
Port O'Connor's coastal flats and marsh systems create perfect habitat for diving ducks and puddle ducks alike. The brackish water and abundant food sources draw birds from across the Central Flyway. Captain Mark sets up in strategic locations based on wind direction, weather patterns, and recent scouting reports. The airboat's quiet operation and shallow-water access mean you can hunt spots that see minimal pressure. You'll need to bring your own shotgun and shells – most hunters prefer 12-gauge with steel shot for the longer shots common in open marsh hunting. A valid Texas hunting license is required and can be picked up online through the state wildlife department. The captain handles all the decoy work and dog handling, so you can focus on reading the birds and making clean shots. Weather can change quickly on the coast, so layered clothing and waterproof gear are smart choices even when conditions look calm at launch.
Redheads are the crown jewel of Port O'Connor duck hunting, and these diving ducks know how to test your shooting skills. These medium-sized ducks typically weigh 2-3 pounds and are built for speed, often decoying in fast, low approaches that'll get your heart pumping. Peak redhead hunting runs from mid-November through December when birds are moving south along the coast. They're drawn to the area's shallow bays and grass beds where they feed on aquatic vegetation. What makes redhead hunting so exciting here is their tendency to work decoys aggressively – when they commit, they really commit. The drakes show off beautiful chestnut-red heads and gray bodies that make for stunning table fare and trophy photos.
Blue-winged teal bring a different kind of action to your Port O'Connor hunt. These smaller, agile ducks are masters of aerial acrobatics and can change direction on a dime. Early season teal hunting in November offers some of the fastest shooting you'll find, with flocks often numbering in the dozens. Blue-wings typically weigh just over a pound but make up for their size with incredible speed and unpredictable flight patterns. They prefer shallow marsh areas with plenty of cover, exactly what Captain Mark's airboat can access. Teal are also excellent on the table – their smaller size makes them perfect for individual servings, and their diet of seeds and aquatic plants gives them a mild, delicious flavor that even non-hunters appreciate.
Captain Mark's duck hunting trips consistently deliver the kind of action that keeps hunters coming back season after season. The combination of his local expertise, quality equipment, and prime hunting locations makes this a customer favorite for both locals and visiting hunters. With the season running from November through January, there's plenty of opportunity to experience different phases of the migration. The early morning schedule maximizes your chances while still giving you most of the day free. At a group rate covering up to four hunters, it's also a great value for a guided coastal hunt with all decoys, dogs, and transportation included. Don't wait too long to book – the best hunting dates during peak migration fill up fast, and Captain Mark's reputation for putting clients on birds means his calendar stays busy throughout the season.
Our 18-foot Air Ranger airboat is built specifically for accessing the remote coastal flats and shallow marshes around Port O'Connor where bigger boats can't venture. This shallow-draft hunting machine cuts through cattails and navigates backwater sloughs with ease, getting you to those prime redhead and teal spots that see minimal hunting pressure. The stable platform provides a solid shooting foundation, while the elevated seating gives you clear sightlines across the marsh. With room for 4 hunters plus gear, decoys, and trained retrievers, it's designed for serious waterfowl hunting in Texas coastal waters. The open layout allows quick movement for pass shooting opportunities, and the rugged construction handles the demands of early morning launches through dense vegetation and muddy shallows.
Blue-winged teal are small, fast ducks that prefer shallow water with plenty of cover. They're early migrants, so your best shot at them is opening weekend through mid-November before they head south to Mexico. These little rockets fly in tight flocks and can turn on a dime, making them a real challenge for hunters. Look for them in skinny water around marsh edges where they feed on seeds and aquatic plants. The meat is outstanding - some say the best duck on the table. They're not big birds, maybe a pound each, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and taste. Key to success is using small teal decoys in shallow spots with good cover. When they commit, they come fast and low, so be ready.
Redheads are chunky diving ducks that love the deeper waters around our coastal bays and marshes. The drakes have that signature rust-colored head and gray body, while hens sport a brownish look. They're strong fliers but tend to work decoys in smaller groups than other divers. Best hunting happens December through January when northern birds push down here with cold fronts. These ducks dive for submerged vegetation and small crabs, giving their meat a clean, mild taste that's hard to beat. They're not as spooky as some ducks, but they circle wide before committing. Set your decoys in 3-4 feet of water near grass beds, and when you see them coming, stay still until they're locked up - they'll flare quick if they catch movement.
Port O'Connor