Premier Finger Lakes Duck Hunting Adventure

Weekday Duck Hunting Guided Trip – Finger Lakes NY

Nothing beats the rush of dawn breaking over the Finger Lakes as ducks start moving, and you're sitting in the perfect spot with decoys spread just right. This top-rated 7-hour guided duck hunt puts you right in the heart of New York's premier waterfowl corridor, where experienced guides know exactly where the birds want to be. Starting at 5:30 AM sharp, you'll be hunting some of the most productive waters and fields in the region until noon, giving you prime time when ducks are most active. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to step up your game or a seasoned hunter wanting to explore new territory, our guides will put you on birds while keeping things safe and fun for everyone involved.

Inside the Hunt

This hunt runs the full waterfowl season from September through January, covering both early teal season and the main migration push when mallards and other dabblers flood into the Finger Lakes region. You'll experience both field and water setups depending on where the birds are working that day – maybe it's a flooded corn stubble in the morning or a cattail-lined pothole where wood ducks like to drop in. Our guides read weather patterns, wind direction, and bird behavior to put you in the right spot every time. The 3-person limit keeps groups small so everyone gets plenty of shooting opportunities and personalized instruction. All your essential gear is provided, from decoys and calls to layout blinds and waders, so you just need to bring your gun, shells, and the right clothes for the conditions. New hunters get hands-on coaching with calling techniques and shot placement, while experienced hunters appreciate the local knowledge that comes from years of hunting these waters.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

The Finger Lakes region offers world-class duck hunting because of its diverse habitat – deep glacial lakes, shallow marshes, agricultural fields, and protected wetlands all within a few miles of each other. We set up in proven locations where ducks naturally want to be, using realistic decoy spreads that match what birds are seeing in the area. Field hunts typically involve layout blinds in harvested crop fields where ducks come to feed, while water hunts put you in natural cover along shorelines or in boat blinds positioned in flight paths. Wind direction plays a huge role in where we hunt each day, and our guides constantly adjust tactics based on weather conditions and bird movement patterns. You'll learn to read duck behavior – how mallards circle wide before committing, how teal drop in fast and low, and why wood ducks prefer certain types of cover. Calling is kept realistic and conservative, matching the rhythm and intensity to what ducks expect to hear in this heavily pressured region. Shot opportunities come fast, so guides coach on proper lead and timing to help hunters make clean, ethical shots.

Target Game Breakdown

Mallards are the bread and butter of Finger Lakes duck hunting, with good numbers arriving during the October migration and staying through freeze-up. These classic dabblers respond well to calling and decoys, offering exciting action as they circle the spread and commit to landing. Drakes in full plumage are stunning birds, and hen mallards are smart, wary targets that challenge even experienced hunters. Peak mallard hunting runs from mid-October through December when cold fronts push birds south.

Wood ducks are early season favorites, with local birds joined by migrants throughout September and October. These beautiful ducks prefer wooded swamps and quiet backwaters, often dropping into decoy spreads without much calling. Wood duck hunting requires patience and stealth since they spook easily, but the reward is pursuing one of North America's most striking waterfowl species. Their acrobatic flight through timber makes for challenging shooting.

Blue-winged teal arrive first during the early September season, offering fast-paced action before most other ducks show up. These small, speedy ducks travel in tight flocks and provide excellent wing shooting practice. Teal hunting is all about timing – they're here one day and gone the next as they continue their migration to wintering grounds. The bright blue wing patches on drakes make them easy to identify in flight.

American wigeon, known as "baldpate" to old-timers, are mid-season arrivals that love agricultural areas near water. These grayish ducks with distinctive white crowns on males are notorious for stealing food from diving ducks, but they also respond well to decoy spreads in the right conditions. Wigeon hunting peaks during November when migration is in full swing, and their unique whistling call adds character to any hunt.

Redheads represent the diving duck action available in deeper Finger Lakes waters. These stocky, fast-flying ducks prefer open water and require different tactics than puddle ducks. Redhead hunting often means rough water and challenging conditions, but drakes with their distinctive rusty heads and black chests are prized by hunters. Late season action can be fantastic when weather drives birds to the few remaining open water areas.

Book Your Next Tag

This customer favorite weekday hunt gives you access to some of the best duck hunting New York has to offer, with professional guides who know how to put you on birds and help you improve your skills. The 7-hour timeframe covers prime hunting hours when ducks are most active, and the variety of setups means every hunt feels different. Small group sizes ensure personal attention and plenty of shooting opportunities for everyone. All gear is included, guides provide expert instruction, and you'll hunt proven locations that consistently produce birds throughout the season. Don't miss out on this renowned Finger Lakes hunting experience – call the captain directly to secure your spot for this world-class waterfowl adventure. Whether you're looking to fill your limit or just enjoy a morning in some of New York's best duck habitat, this guided trip delivers the goods every time.