Red-Breasted Merganser

The red-breasted merganser is a slender sea duck with a shaggy crest and thin, serrated bill designed for catching fish. These speedy birds frequent coastal bays, estuaries, and large inland lakes during migration and winter. Known for their unpredictable, fast flight, red-breasted mergansers can be challenging targets. Hunters pursue them from boats or shorelines, often in mixed bags with scoters and eiders.

Guided Red-Breasted Merganser hunts along the New England Atlantic Flyway run from mid-November through January, with exact timing tailored each year to regional migration patterns and weather conditions. Trips are kept small—typically no more than three hunters per guide—and take place from boats or concealed shoreline blinds over bays, estuaries, and coastal flats. Hunters use specialized sea-duck decoy spreads and calling techniques to entice these fast-flying divers within shotgun range. Packages generally include an experienced guide, boat or blind setup, decoys, and assistance with all required federal and state waterfowl licenses and permits. After the hunt, guides handle field dressing and proper game care, leaving participants free to enjoy the rugged winter coastline and the thrill of sea-duck shooting.

Red-breasted merganser hunts are offered as guided day trips with no overnight lodging or designated sleeping arrangements provided. Hunters should arrange their own accommodations and meals, as meals are not included in the hunt package. Since these are daytime waterfowl hunts from boats or portable blinds, there are no built-in heating or cooling amenities.