Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.
Summary
The American black duck is a prized species of puddle duck known for its dark, chocolate-brown body and contrasting lighter head. Often mistaken for a female mallard, it prefers coastal marshes, brackish wetlands, and tidal estuaries along the Atlantic Flyway. Black ducks are cautious and wary, making them a challenging target for hunters. Their strong, fast flight and tendency to decoy cautiously demand skillful calling and concealment.
American Black Duck hunts typically run from October through January, with peak opportunities shifting annually based on migration timing and weather patterns. Guided trips are usually limited to small groups—often three hunters maximum—and feature experienced boat or shore guides who provide decoy spreads, calling instruction, and access to prime coastal marshes, bays, and river estuaries. Most packages include use of boats or layout blinds, safety gear, and field dressing, while hunters furnish licenses and ammunition. The moderate pace and clear guidance make these hunts accessible to newcomers, yet still rewarding for seasoned waterfowlers seeking dependable bag limits against a backdrop of New England’s scenic wetlands.
Black Duck hunts are offered strictly as day outings, with no on-site housing or sleeping facilities provided. Hunters operate from field blinds or boats in prime waterfowl habitat and return to nearby lodges or camps each evening. There are no heating or cooling amenities in the field, so participants should arrange their own off-site accommodations and plan for weather-appropriate gear.
We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.
Puddle Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in October and goes through to January, however, their migrations through New England differ significantly and vary annually depending on climate and weather. This, ultimately, results in optimal time intervals to hunt each species.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Duck
Mallard
Black Duck
Wood Duck
Green-Winged Teal
475
Justin Leonhardt Outdoors
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
475
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
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This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
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When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Puddle Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in October and goes through to January, however, their migrations through New England differ significantly and vary annually depending on climate and weather. This, ultimately, results in optimal time intervals to hunt each species.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Duck
Mallard
Black Duck
Wood Duck
Green-Winged Teal
350
Justin Leonhardt Outdoors
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
350
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Black Duck FAQs
What you need to know before you book:
Are hunts for black duck typically more physical or accessible?
Black duck hunts tend to be accessible rather than grueling. Trips run at a moderate pace, with guides handling decoy setups, calls, and boat operation. Hunters should be prepared for some wading or moving into layout blinds, but the small-group format and guided support keep the overall physical demands manageable, even for newcomers.
What time of year is best for hunting black duck?
The black duck season in New England runs from October through January. Peak opportunities usually occur in November and early December, when migrating flocks concentrate in coastal marshes, bays, and estuaries. Exact timing can shift year to year depending on migration patterns and local weather.
Are hunts for black duck more on public or private land?
Most guided black duck outings secure access to private marsh leases or tidewater properties to ensure reliable hunting pressure and exclusive shooting lanes. That said, some packages include hunts in state-managed waterfowl areas or wildlife refuges. Always confirm with your outfitter which type of access is included.
Explore Our Black Duck Hunts
Filter, sort, and find the perfect hunt tailored to your style.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Puddle Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in October and goes through to January, however, their migrations through New England differ significantly and vary annually depending on climate and weather. This, ultimately, results in optimal time intervals to hunt each species.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Duck
Mallard
Black Duck
Wood Duck
Green-Winged Teal
475
Justin Leonhardt Outdoors
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
475
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Puddle Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in October and goes through to January, however, their migrations through New England differ significantly and vary annually depending on climate and weather. This, ultimately, results in optimal time intervals to hunt each species.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Duck
Mallard
Black Duck
Wood Duck
Green-Winged Teal
350
Justin Leonhardt Outdoors
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
Unspecified
Unspecified
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
350
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.