Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.
Summary
The white-winged scoter is the largest of the scoter species, easily identified by the prominent white wing patch visible in flight. These powerful sea ducks inhabit large lakes and coastal waters, diving deep for mussels and clams. Hunting white-winged scoters often involves setting decoys in open water and pass shooting birds crossing to feeding grounds. Their impressive size and tough build make them a sought-after trophy in sea duck hunting circles.
White‐winged Scoter hunts along the Atlantic Flyway generally run from November through January, with peak migration periods that vary each year by region and weather. Guided outings are kept small—typically three participants per trip—and take place from boats or shallow‐water settings where decoy spreads draw in scoters alongside surf and common varieties, and often the occasional eider. Hunt dates are tailored to local migration patterns to maximize shooting opportunities in open ocean, estuary, or tidal marsh environments. With experienced guides providing gear, decoys, and field expertise, these sea‐duck hunts deliver dynamic, boat‐based wing‐shooting experiences well suited to both seasoned shooters and newcomers.
White-winged Scoter hunts are offered as full-day excursions with no overnight lodging. Hunters meet at a coastal launch point or marina each morning and travel by boat or work from shore-based blinds. There are no on-site sleeping arrangements or accommodations, and meals are not provided, so participants should bring their own food, water, and personal gear. Heating and cooling facilities are minimal to none, so weather-appropriate clothing and layered attire are essential for comfort throughout the day. Guides supply boats (often open or partially enclosed), field-ready shotguns, decoys, and local expertise to ensure access to prime scoter feeding grounds and flight corridors.
We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.
Guided Sea Duck Hunt in Georgia
The Georgia Coast offers a unique and exciting waterfowling experience in chasing our open water seaducks that arrive in December. Common Scoters, Surf Scoters, White Wing and even Eiders are the species you can expect to see. Amazing numbers of ducks arrive and love to decoy in big water. Its a duck hunting experience unlike any other! These days book fast, join us for guided sea duck hunts!
Georgia
Duck
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Common Eider
500
Flatwater Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
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.
Sea Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in November 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.
If you’re interested in harvesting a specific species, see the table below for a consensus of the Atlantic Flyway migration through southern New England for sea & diver ducks. Contact Justin on when to book your hunt and details for the best opportunity given this year’s conditions.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Common Eider
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Long-Tailed Duck
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.
Guided Marsh Duck Hunt in Georgia
The fall and winter high tides bring with them the incredibly fun and unique opportunity to wing shoot on the water! Plentiful birds and opportunity make this a blast for everyone. From the most experienced wing shooter to a brand-new novice these hunts will put a smile on your face! Flatwater Outfitters your Georgia hunting guide.
Georgia
Duck
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Common Eider
500
Flatwater Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
Includes Dogs
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.
White-Winged Scoter FAQs
What you need to know before you book:
How challenging is it to hunt White-winged Scoter?
Hunting White-winged Scoter is moderately challenging. You’ll spend full days on a boat or from a shallow-water blind, often in choppy seas or tidal marshes. Handling a shotgun from a moving platform, repeatedly calling birds in with decoys, and managing gear in cold, wet conditions requires stamina and coordination. However, guided trips keep group sizes small, and experienced guides handle navigation and setup, so both fit, active newcomers and seasoned shooters can enjoy the hunt.
What time of year is best for hunting White-winged Scoter?
The prime season runs from early November through January. Exact windows shift by region and annual migration patterns—New England may peak in November, Mid-Atlantic in December, and southern endpoints in January. Outfitters monitor local flyway counts and adjust hunt dates to coincide with the heaviest movements for maximum shooting opportunities.
How does weather affect hunting White-winged Scoter?
Weather has a big impact on sea-duck hunts. Onshore winds and incoming tides can push scoters closer to shore, improving shooting chances. Conversely, high seas, fog, or gale-force winds may force cancellations for safety. Cold temperatures and wind chill demand layered, waterproof clothing. Guides constantly check marine forecasts to pick the calmest windows and adjust launch times or locations accordingly.
Explore Our White-Winged Scoter 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.
The fall and winter high tides bring with them the incredibly fun and unique opportunity to wing shoot on the water! Plentiful birds and opportunity make this a blast for everyone. From the most experienced wing shooter to a brand-new novice these hunts will put a smile on your face! Flatwater Outfitters your Georgia hunting guide.
Georgia
Duck
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Common Eider
500
Flatwater Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
Includes Dogs
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.
Guided Sea Duck Hunt in Georgia
The Georgia Coast offers a unique and exciting waterfowling experience in chasing our open water seaducks that arrive in December. Common Scoters, Surf Scoters, White Wing and even Eiders are the species you can expect to see. Amazing numbers of ducks arrive and love to decoy in big water. Its a duck hunting experience unlike any other! These days book fast, join us for guided sea duck hunts!
Georgia
Duck
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Common Eider
500
Flatwater Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
None - Day Hunt
No
N/A
N/A
Meals Not Provided
Unspecified
500
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.
Sea Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Half Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in November 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.
If you’re interested in harvesting a specific species, see the table below for a consensus of the Atlantic Flyway migration through southern New England for sea & diver ducks. Contact Justin on when to book your hunt and details for the best opportunity given this year’s conditions.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Common Eider
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Long-Tailed Duck
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.
Sea Duck Hunting in CT With Expert Guide - Full Day
The opportunity to harvest these birds starts in November 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.
If you’re interested in harvesting a specific species, see the table below for a consensus of the Atlantic Flyway migration through southern New England for sea & diver ducks. Contact Justin on when to book your hunt and details for the best opportunity given this year’s conditions.
Maximum of 3 persons per guided trip.
Connecticut
Common Eider
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
White-Winged Scoter
Long-Tailed Duck
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.