Waterfowl Hunting Tips - Time It Right

Time It Right – One of the most important aspects of successful waterfowl hunting is knowing when to hunt, not just where.

Here's how to make timing work in your favor:

1. Be Set Up Before First Light

• Arrive early to avoid spooking birds.
• Ducks often start flying just before or right at legal shooting time.
• Early setup also gives you time to make last-minute decoy or blind adjustments.

2. Watch for Weather-Driven Flight Times

• Cold fronts: Push new birds into your area; morning flights are often heavy.
• Warm weather: Ducks may loaf longer and fly later in the morning.
• Windy days: Birds may move more throughout the day, especially late morning.

3. Midday Can Be a Hidden Gem

• Especially true on public land or pressured spots.
• Birds return from feeding to rest or loaf around 10 AM – 1 PM.
• Less hunter pressure = more relaxed birds.

4. Hunt the X at the Right Hour

• If you've scouted a feed field or a roost, time it:
  • Feeding fields: Hunt mornings or just before sunset.
  • Water loafing areas: Better mid-morning to early afternoon.
  • Roosts: Avoid hunting unless it's a last resort – roosts keep birds coming back.

5. Watch the Moon

• Full moons = birds feed at night and may fly later in the morning.
• New moons = more activity near first light and last light.

6. Don't Rush to Leave

• Some of the best opportunities happen after most hunters head home.
• Ducks often cycle back to familiar spots once they feel the area is quiet.

Knowing when to hunt can make the difference between a slow sit and a full strap.