Guided Duck Hunting Trip – Corpus Christi Private Waterfowl Hunt
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Private 3hour morning duck hunt in Corpus Christi marshesAll skill levels welcome with experienced Captain Dominic SanchezTarget multiple duck species in prime South Texas waterways
If you've been looking for a solid duck hunting experience in South Texas, Captain Dominic Sanchez and Saltwater Therapy Guide Services have you covered. This 3-hour private waterfowl hunt takes you into some of Corpus Christi's most productive marshes and waterways, where ducks are consistently moving through during the right conditions. It's a morning hunt that keeps things straightforward – no fancy gimmicks, just good hunting in prime habitat with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're new to waterfowl hunting or you've been chasing ducks for years, this setup gives you a real shot at some quality birds while learning the ins and outs of South Texas duck hunting.
This hunt kicks off early in the morning when ducks are most active and moving between roosting and feeding areas. Captain Dominic will get you positioned in the local marshes and waterways where waterfowl naturally funnel through. The beauty of hunting around Corpus Christi is the diversity of habitat – you've got everything from shallow flats to deeper channels, plus plenty of natural cover that ducks love. The hunt is designed for up to 2 hunters, which means you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for shooting lanes with a crowd. Dominic keeps things safe and ethical while making sure you're in the right spots when birds start moving. The pace varies depending on what the ducks are doing that day, but that's part of what makes waterfowl hunting so addictive – you never know when a flock might drop in and turn a quiet morning into pure excitement.
You'll need to come prepared with your own gear for this hunt. Bring a reliable shotgun – 12 or 20 gauge both work great for ducks – along with steel shot ammunition since you'll be hunting waterfowl. Don't forget your Texas hunting license with the federal migratory bird stamp, because game wardens do check and you don't want your hunt cut short over paperwork. Waders are essential since you'll be working in and around water, and good camouflage clothing helps you blend into the marsh environment. The terrain around Corpus Christi varies from soft mud flats to firmer ground near the water's edge, so be ready to move quietly and stay low when birds are working. Captain Dominic will position you based on wind direction, sun angle, and where he's seeing duck activity, then guide you through calling techniques and when to take your shots. Steel shot is mandatory for waterfowl, so make sure you're loaded up with the right ammunition – 2¾ or 3-inch shells in sizes BB through 4 shot typically work well for the ducks you'll encounter here.
Ruddy Ducks are one of the primary targets on this hunt, and they're fascinating little birds that many hunters don't get to encounter regularly. These compact ducks prefer deeper water areas and are known for their diving behavior – they'll disappear underwater when spooked rather than flying off like other species. Ruddies are most active during fall and winter months when they're migrating through Texas coastal areas. What makes them exciting to hunt is their unpredictable flight patterns and the challenge of getting close enough for a clean shot before they dive and pop up somewhere completely different.
Mallards are the classic duck that most hunters dream about, and the ones around Corpus Christi can get surprisingly large and wary. These birds are incredibly smart and will test your calling skills and patience. Fall migration brings fresh birds through the area, but you'll also encounter resident mallards that have adapted to local conditions. They respond well to realistic calling but will flare off quickly if something seems wrong. When a group of mallards commits to your spread and cups their wings to land, it's one of the most satisfying sights in all of waterfowl hunting. They're excellent table fare too, which makes filling your limit even more rewarding.
Mottled Ducks are the local specialty that many visiting hunters have never encountered before. These birds are year-round residents of the Texas coast and are perfectly adapted to saltwater marsh environments. They look similar to female mallards but are generally more cautious and harder to decoy. Mottleds know every inch of their territory and will often circle multiple times before committing to a landing. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon, and their intimate knowledge of local escape routes makes them a challenging and respected target. Getting a limit of mottled ducks means you've really figured out how these smart birds operate in their home turf.
This private duck hunting experience offers exactly what serious waterfowl hunters are looking for – access to productive hunting areas, knowledgeable guidance, and the chance to target multiple duck species in their natural habitat. Captain Dominic's expertise with local water conditions and duck behavior gives you a real advantage, whether you're trying to fill your first duck tag or add some South Texas birds to your hunting resume. The 3-hour timeframe keeps things focused during prime hunting hours without dragging on when bird activity slows down. At just 2 hunters maximum, you'll get the personalized attention and shooting opportunities that larger group hunts simply can't provide. Ready to experience some top-rated waterfowl hunting in one of Texas's most productive coastal areas? Contact Saltwater Therapy Guide Services and get your spot locked in for this world-class duck hunting adventure.
Get ready to hunt waterfowl in style aboard this 22-foot Coastal Custom boat powered by a serious 300HP Mercury engine. Built in 2021, this hunting rig cuts through Corpus Christi's marshes and waterways at speeds up to 40 knots, getting you to prime duck habitat fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when positioning for shots, while GPS navigation ensures you hit the hottest spots where birds are working. Captain Dominic knows these waters inside and out, using this versatile platform to access shallow marshes and deeper channels where ducks feed and roost. With room for up to 4 hunters, though your trip accommodates 2 for a more personalized hunt, this boat handles everything from open water runs to tight creek navigation. The modern design and reliable power mean more time focusing on incoming flights and less time worrying about equipment.
Mallards are the classic duck most hunters recognize - drakes with their bright green heads and hens with mottled brown feathers, both around 24 inches long. These adaptable birds work shallow marshes, flooded rice fields, and brackish ponds throughout our area. They're dabblers, tipping forward to feed on seeds and vegetation rather than diving. Best hunting happens during cold fronts from November through January when fresh birds push down from the north. Mallards are prized for their excellent table fare and challenging approach patterns. They're smart birds that flare easily from decoy spreads. The key is calling sparingly - too much chatter spooks them fast. Position your decoys in small family groups with plenty of open water between them for the most natural look.
Mottled Ducks are Texas coast natives that look similar to female mallards but with darker bodies and bright blue wing patches. These year-round residents average 22 inches and prefer shallow coastal marshes, rice fields, and brackish ponds where they can tip-feed on grasses and seeds. Unlike most ducks, mottleds don't migrate, so they're available September through January during regular duck season. They're highly regarded for their wariness and excellent eating quality - many consider them the best-tasting duck on the coast. Mottleds are suspicious of decoy spreads and often circle multiple times before committing. Keep your calling minimal with soft feeding chuckles. The secret is hunting areas with mixed fresh and salt water where they feel comfortable.
Ruddy Ducks are compact little divers about 15 inches long with a distinctive chunky build and stiff tail they hold upright. These birds prefer deeper ponds and protected bays around Corpus Christi, especially areas with plenty of submerged vegetation. They're excellent divers, going underwater to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Peak season runs December through February when northern birds join our year-round residents. What makes them special is their unique diving behavior - they'll completely disappear underwater for 10-20 seconds at a time. Many hunters appreciate their rich, flavorful meat. The trick with ruddies is patience and good calling. They respond well to soft quacks and chuckles, but you need to stay still since they're naturally wary birds.
Corpus Christi