Every season, over 2 million hunters suit up and arm themselves to duck hunt. One of the most popular bird hunting sports in the country, duck hunting reigns from coast to coast. But where are the best places to duck hunt?
Seattle, Washington. The Puget Sound provides a sprawling mountain range that is home to thousands, if not millions, of duck and waterfowl. Light and dark geese, sea ducks as well as puddle ducks all exist near Seattle. For hunters that like to travel and are looking for a trophy, the harlequin duck and Pacific brant are rare but can be found in Padilla Bay, Seattle. This bay is also home to the largest winter population of these ducks anywhere north of Mexico.
From tundra swans to blue-winged teal, hunters should consider Salt Lake City, Utah in their season travels. 30 duck clubs exist on the lake and offer more than 22,000 acres of land. For hunters that want to utilize public land, there is more than 100,000 acres available. The most popular hunting areas include the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area.
Heading south, Charleston, South Carolina offers a rich wetland that is undeveloped and full of pintails, gadwalls and green-winged teals. Right along the coast is public areas where hunting is permitted. Bear Island and the Santee coastal reserve are the two most popular sites for duck hunters that venture to South Carolina.
Another suggestion for traveling duck hungers is Detroit, Michigan. This might not seem like an obvious choice, but Detroit is actually right in the middle of a major migration path taken by waterfowl. This gives hunters the opportunity to see and shoot both ducks and geese that are diverse. The St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area and the Pointe Mouille State Game Area are both public and can be taken advantage of by visitors.
There are hot spots all over the United States. But no matter where you decide to track your duck, make sure you follow your safety hunting safety tips you learned in your course and always wear the right kind of ear protection. There are advanced hearing protection features that now allow you to even hear distant fowl while protecting your hearing from close gunfire.