Waterfowl

When the frosty chill of autumn starts creeping in and birds begin heading south for their annual migration, hunters everywhere excitedly begin preparing for an epic waterfowl season.

Anyone who has been on a duck hunt knows that these excursions take a mental and physical toll: often it takes days of scouting and glassing before you find the right spot.

But just as these hunters will tell you about their struggles, they’ll also tell you how intensely rewarding the experience can be, they’ll also tell you

how intensely rewarding the experience can be, with many bringing home big numbers to share with friends and family. Our mission is to help celebrate the tried-and-true tradition of waterfowl hunting and make it easier for newcomers to be initiated into this storied pastime. Enjoy helpful tips from the pros, instructional guides, and strategic advice to help you learn the ropes and master the season.

WATERFOWL HUNT CHECKLIST

Preparations

  • Hunting License
  • Boating License
  • Scout Land and Meet and Landowners
  • Dog Training & Testing (if using a retriever dog)
  • Clay Target Practice (you’re shooting at a moving target)
  • Gun Test & Cleaning

After The Hunt

  • Processing Equipment
  • Shears
  • Plastic Bags (for storage)
  • Gutting Gloves

Equipment

  • Shotshell Ammo (lead free!)
  • Shotgun
  • Gun Case (floating gun case if you are hunting over water)
  • Blind
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Calls/Whistles
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Bird/Wing Identification Book
  • Gun Cleaning Kit

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  • Waterproof Waterfowl Camo Clothing including Hat and Gloves
  • Binoculars
  • Bug Spray (for early season hunts)
  • Decoys
  • PFD (for water hunt)
  • GPS device
  • Waders (for water hunt)
  • Waterproof Boots
  • Facepaint
  • Hearing and Eye Protection

Public Land and Waterfowl Hunting Etiquette

A waterfowl hunting enthusiast knows that public lands offer ample opportunities, and it is a good idea to keep them on their radar. But let's keep in mind that you're not the only one eyeing these lands. When you're out there, let's show our fellow hunters some respect and courtesy so that we can all have a successful and enjoyable hunt.

Here are eight important things to keep in mind while you are on public lands:

1. Know Your Range – Avoid Skybusting

A cardinal rule of duck hunting: Shoot only when the bird is within range. Shooting outside the optimal range is known as skybusting, and it can ruin the entire group's experience.

Avoid shooting at a bird that is already near another hunter’s decoys or interrupting someone else’s hunt. Instead, take time to learn about your shotgun, gauge, range, and ethics of your shot. It's important to exercise patience.

2. Limit Your Calling

Who doesn’t like a good duck call?

When hunting, it's easy to get carried away with new calls and whistles. Limit your calling to avoid disrupting the group’s hunting experience. Unless you're the designated caller, avoid being the only one calling and share the opportunity to call with others. Use discretion when deciding when to call.

3. Avoid Overspreading

Decoy spreads can make or break your success. Overspreading decoys is a common mistake that can lead to birds flying by without coming within range. More than the quantity, the positioning of the decoy plays a major role. Research ahead of time to determine the best spreads for the environment where you'll be hunting.

4. Be Punctual

B punctual, or you risk getting left behind. Don’t show up after the shooting time and enter the hunting area while the ducks are working. Doing so shows a lack of consideration for other hunters. To avoid being late, pack your gear the night before and wake up with your first alarm.

5. Flaring Birds

Ducks are always on high alert and will immediately change course if they detect any form of danger. Even the slightest movement like turning one's head towards the flock can signal danger to the ducks, prompting them to take flight. To avoid this, keep your head down, avoid any unnecessary movements, and be quiet. With patience and careful attention to detail, the flock will eventually come within range, making it easier to achieve the shot.

6. Leave no trace!

When you are out on the hunting ground, don’t leave any litter. Pick up the blind materials, empty shells, and leaky decoys. As a hunter and conservationist, it is your responsibility to leave no trace behind and if you discover another hunter’s mess, consider picking that up, too. Leave the land as pristine as you found it.

7. Know The Rules

Several public areas have special regulations. It is each hunter’s legal and ethical responsibility to know and abide by them. These rules will help everyone enjoy their hunting experience, protect hunter’s rights, and improve the success of your game.

8. Don’t Set Up Too Close to Another Party

If you see another party beating you to a spot, find another one. If not, wait until they are finished and claim it when they leave. Note that a hunter should in no way crowd the other party while they are hunting or complete with the same ducks. In most of the areas, a minimum distance is specified and make sure to follow these rules for a safe and fun hunting experience.

WATERFOWL APPAREL & FOOTWEAR

Apparel by Season

Stay focused with the right waterfowl apparel for your ultimate comfort, mobility, and success.
Early Season Apparel
  • Promotes ease of movement and mobility
  • They are breathable, waterproof, and lightweight

Tip: Add base layers on cold days.

Shop Early Season Apparel
Mid-Season Apparel
  • Provides insulation without restricting your movement
  • Versatile for changing weather conditions: waterproof and windproof

Shop Mid-Season Apparel
Late Season Apparel
  • Highly insulated for freezing weather conditions
  • Compatible with effective layering for the ultimate warmth
  • Waterproof, windproof, and perfect for winter landscapes

Shop Late-Season Apparel

LICENSES & SEASONS BY PROVINCE

Migratory birds are regulated by the Government of Canada. Season date ranges within a province will vary by zone, and by sub-species.

Please refer to the linked resources for detailed information on hunting in your area.

To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must possess:

a valid Migratory Game Bird hunting permit and A Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp affixed to or printed on the permit.

These documents, as issued by the federal government, are valid in all provinces and territories.

The information presented above is meant as a quick reference and does not represent all areas of residence, species and other regulatory requirements. Dates are subject to change based on management zone, animal class and hunter specifications. Please refer to the dates posted on each province’s/territory’s website, available by clicking on the province/territory.