Ring-Necked Duck

The ring-necked duck is a diving duck that’s often mistaken for a scaup but sports a subtle chestnut ring around its neck and a prominent white ring on its bill. Found on small lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, it dives for submerged vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. Ringnecks decoy readily and can show up in both diver and puddle duck setups. Their quick, darting flight makes them a lively addition to the bag.

Ring-necked duck hunts typically center on diving-duck techniques in freshwater lakes, ponds, flooded timber, and reservoir backwaters. Hunters often work from layout boats or pit blinds, deploying mixed decoy spreads—floaters, stick-ups, and jerk rigs—to mimic natural feeding flocks, while using soft hen calls and drake rattles to attract passing birds. With daily bag limits set by waterfowl regulations, each opportunity carries weight, so well-placed blinds and coordinated calling are key to success. These hunts appeal to both seasoned waterfowlers seeking fast, tail-race action and newcomers looking to learn boat handling, calling finesse, and field-dressing skills, often under the guidance of experienced outfitters who provide scouting, decoy setups, and processing of harvested birds.

Ring-necked duck hunts are typically hosted from waterfront camps, rustic lodges or floating blinds situated on productive marshes and shallow lakes. Accommodations can range from cozy cabins or lodge rooms with basic climate control to heated tents or insulated waterfowl blinds. Sleeping arrangements generally include bunks, cots or simple beds, and most camps provide bedding to keep hunters warm during early-morning departures. Heating is usually provided by propane heaters, wood-burning stoves or small modern climate-control units, depending on the outfitter. Camps are equipped with layout boats or skiffs for blind runs, and gear storage and cleaning facilities are standard. All hunts include guided waterfowl dog handling, field dressing of birds and cleanup of shooting blinds, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for both newcomers and veteran duck hunters.