Early Season Duck Hunting with Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson
11/01/2022
October is here, and that means it is time to get out and chase some waterfowl. Temperatures are starting to drop, and the birds have begun to move into the region in good numbers. We have been seeing great numbers of mallards along the rivers and lakes along with several small groups of geese starting to make themselves at home along the Central and Pacific flyways. To get you ready for the season we teamed up with Infinite Outdoors team member and avid waterfowl hunter Mark Johnson, to bring you some tips on how to be successful during your early season hunts. We cover what to bring, what to expect, how to set up and some other useful tips that should help you bring in those early season birds.
Where do you typically find ducks this time of year? And what brings them there vs other places?
Unlike later in the year when warm-water sloughs become your best friend, early season ducks can be found just about anywhere. Any small pocket of water can become a daily destination for dabblers looking to preen and loaf for the day. Look for something with some edge cover to give them the shade and security from sun and predators. That same cover will double as your hide, just be sure to be settled in well before shooting light to catch those first early risers on their way in.
What set ups do you like on a river? Lake?
I personally prefer pond and lake hunting early in the season and migrate toward the river as things cool down and lock up with ice. For ducks you don't need a massive spread, take it easy on the calling and call to wingtips and tail feathers. If they want to be there, just sit back and watch ‘em come. They might drop right into the hole, or they may give you a few passes, either way, sky-busting doesn't do anyone any good, so be sure they are committed or within range on passing shots.
Infinite Outdoors duck pond property located near Yoder, WY.
How many decoys and are there any decoys you like to mix in?
My go to setup consists of 6-8 feeding floater mallards, and a remote-controlled spinning wing decoy or splasher to catch their attention. I typically use a few more drakes vs hens just because they stand out a bit more. I've mixed in teal, pintails, widgeon and other species but honestly don't think it makes a world of difference.
Do you typically see birds fly all day or just during the mornings and evenings? Does it change if you are hunting a river vs lake?
Birds can fly anytime but obviously early mornings tend to be best as they are just coming off the roost and looking for some food and a place to loaf. Get out early and get set up and settled in before shooting light. You can always use that mid-day lull to catch up on the sleep you missed that morning, I can't tell you how many times I've woken up to birds swimming around in the decoys.
What do you typically bring on your hunt?
License, HIP number, headlamp, STEEL shot, check your gun has a plug, (3 shots total allowed to be in the gun, including the one in the chamber), calls, water/coffee, snacks, dog or retrieval pole, decoys, spinner/splasher with good batteries, waders.
Anything else you want to cover?
Don't hail call every bird you see. Take it easy with the calling, it works. Don't sky-bust, no one likes a sky-buster, it educates and wounds way more birds, although a blind squirrel might find a nut occasionally, it's just not worth it. It's way more fun to get birds to commit. When those feet go down, safeties come off, that’s what its all about. It's just a lot more fun, effective, and sportsmanlike that way. Have fun! That's why we are out there, although we all want limits every time we head out, it's the experience that matters. Life's too short and hunting is just too fun to let a slow day deter you. Any day in the field is better than a day at work!
Infinite Outdoors has numerous Waterfowl Hunting Private Properties for you and your hunting buddies to spend the day or weekend away from crowds and congested areas. Booking one of our properties, whether it's on a river or at a pond, will grant you access to private property where there is no fighting for spots or blinds, and the only gunshots you will hear is those of your group. Check out one of Infinite Outdoors Waterfowl hunting properties in Colorado, Wyoming and more to book your hunt!
Duck and Coot Hunting Seasons:
Colorado Central Flyway:
- Northeast Zone: 10/8/22 - 11/27/22; 12/18/22 - 1/31/23
- Southeast Zone: 10/28/22 - 1/31/23
- Mountain/Foothills Zone: 10/1/22 - 11/27/22; 12/25/22 - 1/31/23
Colorado Pacific Flyway:
- Western Zone: 10/1/22 - 10/18/22; 11/6/22 - 1/31/23
- Eastern Zone: 10/1/22 - 1/13/23
Wyoming
- Pacific Flyway: 9/24/22 - 01/06/23
- Central Flyway Zone C1: 10/1/22 - 10/16/22; 11/5/22 - 1/24/23
- Central Flyway Zone C1A: 10/1/22 - 10/16/22; 11/5/22 - 1/24/23
- Central Flyway Zone C2: 9/24/22 - 12/4/22; 12/17/22 - 1/10/23
Thanks again to Mark Johnson for taking the time to sit down and let us pick his brain on how to be successful in those early season hunts. Don’t forget to check out all the Infinite Outdoors properties, new and old, that will help give you the upper hand this coming season! Good luck out there!!