Expert-Guided Duck Hunting in Finger Lakes, NY

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Finger Lakes
$600 price range

Summary

Get ready for an early morning duck hunt in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. Our half-day trips run from September to January, starting at 5:30 AM and wrapping up by noon. Whether you're after waterfowl or field hunts, our guides know the best spots and techniques to help you bag your limit. We keep groups small, with just three hunters per trip, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and shots. The Finger Lakes area is known for its excellent waterfowl habitat, with plenty of ponds, marshes, and fields to set up blinds. You'll use top-notch gear and decoys to bring in the ducks. Even if you're new to duck hunting, our guides will show you the ropes and help you improve your skills. It's a great way to spend a morning outdoors, enjoying the crisp air and watching the sun rise over the lakes. Don't forget your hunting license and warm layers – early mornings can be chilly! Book your spot now and get ready for some great wing shooting action.

Expert-Guided Duck Hunting in Finger Lakes, NY

Ducks in the Crosshairs

Expertly Guided Hunting Adventures

Captain Brian Neal's Expertise

Snow Goose Hunts

New York Duck Hunts

Duck Hunting in the Finger Lakes: Early Birds Get the Birds

Ready to swap your alarm clock for a duck call? Our half-day hunt in the Finger Lakes is calling your name. We kick things off at the crack of dawn, when the ducks are most active and the coffee's still hot. From September through January, we're out here chasing waterfowl and making memories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a greenhorn, our guides know these waters like the back of their hand. So grab your waders and let's get after some ducks!

Hunt Rundown

Picture this: You're settled into a blind as the sun peeks over the horizon, mist rising off the water. That's how we start every hunt at 5:30 AM sharp. We'll be out until noon, giving you plenty of time to bag your limit. Our seasoned guides will set you up for success, whether we're working the marshes for puddle ducks or hitting the big water for divers. We keep our groups small - just three hunters max - so you'll get plenty of shooting opportunities. Fair warning: once you experience a Finger Lakes sunrise from a duck blind, your standard alarm clock might start collecting dust.

Decoys, Dogs, and Duck Calls

We run a tight ship when it comes to our setups. Expect to see a spread of high-quality decoys that'll fool even the wariest birds. Our retrievers are top-notch - they'll have those ducks back before you can say "fetch." As for calling, our guides can sweet-talk a mallard from a mile away, but they're also happy to let you work the call if you're feeling confident. We use layout blinds in the fields and boat blinds on the water, keeping you hidden and comfortable no matter where the birds are flying. Don't worry if you're new to waterfowling - we'll walk you through everything from gun safety to proper shooting form.

Target Birds Breakdown

The Finger Lakes region is a waterfowler's paradise, with a mix of puddle ducks and divers that'll keep your hunting skills sharp. Here's what you might find at the end of your barrel:

Redheads: These diving ducks are a favorite around here. They're fast flyers and make for challenging shots, especially when they come screaming into the decoys. Redheads typically show up in good numbers from October through December. Their distinctively colored heads make for great wall-hangers.

American Wigeon: Also known as "baldpates" for their white crown, wigeons are grass-eaters that frequent our shallower waters. They're smaller than mallards but just as tasty. Listen for their distinctive whistling call - it's music to a duck hunter's ears. Peak season is usually mid-October to early December.

Wood Ducks: If there's a beauty pageant in the duck world, woodies take the crown every time. These colorful ducks prefer wooded areas near water, and we've got plenty of those. They're early migrants, so September and early October are prime time. Wood ducks are fast and agile, making for exciting pass shooting.

Mallards: The bread and butter of duck hunting, greenheads are plentiful in the Finger Lakes. They respond well to calls and decoys, making for classic puddle duck hunting action. You'll find mallards throughout the season, but numbers peak in November and December when the northern birds push down.

Blue-winged Teal: These speed demons are usually the first to arrive in September. They're small, fast, and zigzag through the air like feathered fighter jets. Hitting a blue-wing on the wing is a badge of honor for any waterfowler. Early season is your best bet for these birds before they head further south.

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back

Let's be real - duck hunting isn't just about filling tags. It's about those moments when the sky turns pink, a V of geese honks overhead, and your retriever's ears perk up at distant quacks. Our Finger Lakes hunts deliver those moments in spades. You might come for the ducks, but you'll come back for the camaraderie in the blind, the thrill of working birds into range, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot. Plus, there's something special about hunting waters that have drawn waterfowl for centuries. You're not just on a hunt; you're part of a tradition.

Book Your Blind

If you're itching to get out on the water and into some ducks, now's the time to lock in your hunt. Our calendar fills up fast, especially for prime dates in November and December. Remember, we're only taking three hunters per trip, so you won't be fighting for elbow room in the blind. Whether you're looking to introduce a newcomer to the sport or you're a seasoned waterfowler chasing trophy birds, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your shotgun, pull on those waders, and let's make some duck hunting magic in the Finger Lakes. The birds are calling - time to answer!

Learn more about the animals

American Wigeon

American Wigeons, or "baldpates" as old-timers call 'em, are crafty little ducks. They're about the size of a mallard, but slimmer, with a distinctive white forehead patch on the drakes. You'll find these guys in shallow marshes and along the edges of lakes, often grazing on aquatic vegetation. They're early migrants, so October's usually prime time to target them here in the Finger Lakes. Wigeons are known for their whistling calls and their habit of stealing food from diving ducks - pretty entertaining to watch. Hunters love 'em for their sporty flight and tasty meat. These ducks are wary, so good camouflage is a must. Here's a tip: set up near areas with lots of wild celery or other aquatic plants. Wigeons can't resist 'em. And don't forget to bring a whistle - mimicking their calls can be really effective in drawing them in close.

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal are small, speedy ducks that offer some of the earliest action of the season here in the Finger Lakes. These pint-sized birds, weighing only about a pound, are usually the first to migrate south. September's your best shot at them before they head further south. Look for blue-wings in shallow marshes, flooded fields, and along the edges of lakes. They're often found in good-sized flocks, skimming low over the water. Hunters love 'em for their fast, erratic flight that really tests your shooting skills. Their meat is top-notch too - tender and mild. Here's a local tip: focus on areas with lots of smartweed or other seed-producing plants. Blue-wings can't resist 'em. And don't forget to bring some small-bodied decoys - these little ducks are more likely to commit to a spread that matches their size.

Mallard

Mallards are the bread and butter of duck hunting in the Finger Lakes. These large, green-headed drakes and mottled-brown hens are adaptable birds, found in just about any wetland habitat. They're here throughout the season, but numbers really pick up in November when the northern birds push down. Mallards are popular for good reason - they respond well to calls and decoys, provide challenging shooting, and taste great on the table. You'll often find them in shallow marshes, flooded timber, or agricultural fields. One thing I always tell hunters: don't overlook small, out-of-the-way potholes. Mallards love these hidden spots, especially during periods of heavy hunting pressure. If you can master the mallard call, you're in for some exciting action. There's nothing quite like watching a flock of greenheads circle your spread, feet down, ready to land.

Redhead

Redheads are striking ducks with their rusty-red heads and blue bills. These medium-sized divers prefer deeper, open water in the Finger Lakes, often hanging out with other diving ducks. They're fast flyers, making for challenging and exciting shooting. Best hunted in late fall when they migrate through in good numbers. Redheads are prized for their tender, mild-flavored meat, which some folks say rivals canvasbacks. They're wary birds, so patience is key. I always tell hunters to set up where open water meets vegetation - redheads like to feed on aquatic plants near the edges of lakes. If you're lucky, you might bag a limit of these beauties. Just remember, they often mix in with other species, so be sure of your target. When the conditions are right and redheads are moving, there's nothing quite like watching a flock cup their wings and drop into the decoys.

Wood Duck

Wood Ducks are the real showstoppers of the duck world. These colorful, medium-sized ducks are a favorite among hunters in the Finger Lakes. You'll find 'em in wooded swamps, beaver ponds, and slow-moving streams. They're early migrants, so focusing on them in September and early October is your best bet. Woodies are known for their acrobatic flying - they can zip through thick forest canopies like nobody's business. That makes for some exciting, fast-paced shooting when they're coming into your decoys. Their meat is top-notch too, with a mild, sweet flavor. One trick I always share: scout for acorn-dropping oak trees near water. Wood ducks go nuts for acorns, and you can often find them feeding there at dawn and dusk. Just be ready for some quick shooting - these birds don't hang around long once they spot danger.

About the G3 Hunting Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 5

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 25

Ready for an early morning duck hunt in the beautiful Finger Lakes? We'll pick you up at 5:30 AM sharp and head out to prime hunting spots, wrapping up by noon. Our seasoned guides know all the best locations for waterfowl and field hunts from September through January. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or trying it for the first time, we'll make sure you have a great time pursuing your quarry. We've got room for up to three hunters in our group, so bring along a couple of buddies if you like. Don't forget your hunting license and gear - we'll take care of the rest. This half-day adventure is perfect for those looking to squeeze in some quality hunting time without taking up the whole day. Book your spot now and get ready for an exciting morning in the great outdoors of upstate New York!

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