Wood Duck

Top States to Hunt Wood Duck

Looking for your next hunt? These are the most popular states for this species.

Arkansas

Hunts Available

Connecticut

Georgia

About Our Wood Duck Hunts

Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary

The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a strikingly beautiful waterfowl native to North America, distinguished by its iridescent plumage, elongated neck, and unique crest. Males display vibrant colors, with a mix of green, blue, and chestnut, complemented by white throat markings and red eyes, while females exhibit more subdued hues with a characteristic white eye ring. Found near wooded swamps and ponds, Wood Ducks often prefer habitats with abundant vegetation for cover and nesting. When hunting this species, it’s crucial to understand their behavior; they are known for their impressive flying skills and tendency to roost in trees. This requires hunters to utilize well-concealed blinds and to approach with stealth, as Wood Ducks are easily spooked. Additionally, their relatively low population density may warrant a focus on ethical hunting practices to ensure sustainable levels and the preservation of their vibrant habitats.

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Hunt Features

Wood Duck hunts typically run through the fall and winter migration window, offering guided morning outings in small groups from purpose-built blinds—whether pit blinds, skid blinds, boats or marsh blinds—placed in flooded crop fields, timber holes or private wetlands. Packages usually include all necessary permits, transportation to and from the blind, decoy spreads, and trained retriever dogs for quick bird recovery. Lodging options range from basic hunting camps to full-service lodges with meals, equipment storage, and game cleaning or processing services. Experienced, safety-focused guides manage shot calls, field dressing, and tag compliance, making the hunt accessible to newcomers while still delivering a rewarding challenge for seasoned waterfowlers. Many outfitters also offer combo hunts (e.g. quail and duck) and flexible trip lengths to suit different goals and group sizes.

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Amenities

Wood Duck hunts are offered both as full-service lodge experiences and as standalone day hunts. Lodge packages include comfortable beds in modern, climate-controlled rooms, with all meals provided on site. In contrast, day-hunt options do not include overnight accommodations, sleeping arrangements, meals, or dedicated heating and cooling facilities, requiring hunters to plan logistics and meals independently.

States Offered:

Featured Wood Duck Hunts

We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.

Guided Afternoon Duck Hunt in the back water of the Arkansas River and/or oxbow lake Hunt

These hunts take place on publicly access property managed by the COE. Our knowledge and experience in these areas, matched with hard work and quality scouting reports make these hunts a great option at a lower cost with a high success rate.

250

Duck Down Guide Service

Fair Chase

Public

None - Day Hunt

N/A

Meals Not Provided

Good Cell Service

250

Includes Dogs

2 Day Combo Duck & Goose Hunting & Lodging Package

5 star lodging accommodations, maid service, fresh linens, private bathrooms, meals prepared by on-site chef, multiple big screen tv's, pool table, fire pits, transportation to and from blind, bird retrieval, decoys, bird processing and packaging, experienced hunting guide and prime hunting locations When hunting with Duck Down Guide Service, you should expect a quality hunting experience with a professional hardworking guide. Upon meeting your guide at the agreed location, you and your crew will load your gear in a crew cab side by side or boat and your guide will drive you to the blind or hunting location. All firearms should remain unloaded until seated in the blind and your guide is ready to hunt. For your safety and the benefit of the hunt, nobody shoots until your guide calls the shot. We want everyone to enjoy their experience, so we ask that everyone listen and take the advice given to you by your hunting guide. Safety is a major concern. If anyone in your blind is being careless with their firearm, we ask that you notify your guide and he will address the issue. Morning hunts last until 10am. At this time your guide will start to gather the gear and prepare for the ride out. If you have questions about how or where to have your birds processed or how to properly tag them, your guide will be happy to assist you. Duck Down Guide Service is Arkansas’s premier waterfowl hunting outfitter. When you book with Duck Down you are booking more than just a hunt. You are purchasing the ultimate waterfowl hunting experience. As waterfowl hunting specialist we know that having options and access is key to our success. That’s why we have exclusive access to thousands of acres of the most productive waterfowl hunting properties in the state as well as key holes in the river near our lodge. Lodging options is also an attractive aspect to our business. We offer multiple lodging options. All of which are full service lodges that serve you with the finest cuisine in the south. You will not go hungry around here. Our lodges have all the amenities you are used to at home to assure you are comfortable from the time you arrive until you depart. Multiple large screen televisions, pool table, fishing opportunities, sporting clays and more.

1800

Duck Down Guide Service

Fair Chase

Private

Lodge

Yes

Modern Climate Control

Bed

Meals Provided

Good Cell Service

1800

Combo Hunt

Includes Dogs

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.