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Top-Rated Duck Hunting in Finger Lakes NY
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Finger Lakes
- Updated Date: January 19, 2026
Summary
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Duck Hunt Action Shots
Scenic Duck Hunting Guided Trip – Finger Lakes NY
Picture this: the sun's barely peeking over the horizon, morning mist is rolling off the water, and you're settled into a blind with some of the best duck hunting guides in New York. That's what you get with Finger Lakes Outfitters' top-rated duck hunting experience. Running from September through January, this 7-hour guided adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waterfowl hunting in the Northeast. Whether you've never held a shotgun or you're a seasoned hunter looking for new territory, our local guides know exactly how to make your morning count. We're talking serious duck action in one of New York's most beautiful settings.
Inside the Hunt
Your day starts early – we're talking 5:30 AM early – but trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed. The Finger Lakes region is a major flyway for migrating waterfowl, and dawn is when the magic happens. You'll spend 7 hours in the field with guides who've been hunting these waters for decades. They know every cove, every feeding area, and every trick to get birds decoying in close. We keep groups small at just 3 hunters max, so you're getting personalized attention and plenty of shooting opportunities. The hunt wraps up by noon, giving you the rest of your day to explore the region or grab lunch at one of the local spots our guides will happily recommend. This customer favorite runs seasonally when the birds are moving through, so timing your trip right is key to world-class action.
Tracking Tips & Terrain
What makes this hunt special is the variety of setups we can offer depending on conditions and bird behavior. Some days we're setting up field blinds in agricultural areas where ducks come to feed on waste grain. Other days, we're positioning boat blinds on the water where birds are rafting up or using protected coves for shelter. Our guides read the weather, wind, and waterfowl movement patterns to put you in the best possible position. All your essential gear is provided – we're talking decoys, blinds, calls, and safety equipment. You just need to bring your hunting license, federal duck stamp, HIP certification, and dress for the weather. Late season hunts can get cold, so layers are your friend. The terrain varies from shallow marsh areas to deeper lake setups, but our guides handle all the logistics. They'll have you positioned and ready before shooting light, with decoy spreads that'll make passing birds want to drop in for a closer look.
Target Game Breakdown
The Finger Lakes region attracts some fantastic waterfowl species, and knowing what you're hunting makes the experience even better. Mallards are the bread and butter of our hunts – these green-headed beauties are aggressive decoyers and provide consistent action throughout the season. Early season birds are local breeders, while late season brings in northern migrants that are bigger and more challenging. They love our agricultural setups and will work decoys like they own the place.
Wood ducks are absolute gems and a hunter favorite for good reason. These colorful, fast-flying ducks prefer wooded swamps and creek areas, making them a specialty target in certain parts of the lakes. They're early risers and often provide the first shooting of the morning. Their distinctive whistling call and acrobatic flying make them one of the most exciting ducks to hunt.
American wigeon, or "baldpate" as old-timers call them, are grazers that love shallow areas with vegetation. They're social birds that often travel in good-sized flocks, especially during migration periods. When they decide to work your decoys, they come in with a purpose, making for some fast-paced shooting.
Blue-winged teal are the speed demons of the duck world. These small, fast-flying birds are typically early migrants, so your best shot at them is September and early October. They travel in tight flocks and can provide some of the most challenging wing shooting you'll find. When conditions are right and teal are moving, you're in for some serious action.
Redheads are the prize birds that make any hunter's day. These diving ducks prefer deeper water and are less common than puddle ducks, making them a special target. They're strong flyers with a distinctive profile, and bagging one is always a highlight. Late season often brings the best redhead opportunities when northern birds are moving through the region.
Book Your Next Tag
This renowned duck hunting experience combines the best of New York waterfowling with expert local knowledge and prime hunting locations. From the early morning anticipation to the satisfaction of a successful hunt, every aspect is designed to give you an authentic Finger Lakes hunting adventure. Our guides' expertise, combined with the region's excellent waterfowl populations, creates consistently productive hunts that keep guests coming back season after season. The variety of species, hunting scenarios, and beautiful surroundings make this more than just a hunt – it's a complete outdoor experience. Ready to get on the water? Give the captain a call to book your spot. Peak migration periods fill up fast, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Whether you're planning a solo adventure or bringing along hunting buddies, this trending waterfowl experience delivers the kind of memories that last long after the season closes.
Learn more about the animals
American Wigeon
Wigeon are medium-sized puddle ducks, around 1.5-2 pounds, known for their distinctive whistling call and the drake's white crown stripe. They love shallow bays and marshy areas with plenty of aquatic grass, often grazing like little lawnmowers in flooded fields. September through November gives you the best shot at them during their southern migration. What hunters enjoy most is their unique behavior - they'll steal food from diving ducks and are incredibly vocal, making for lively action. Wigeon make decent eating with a mild flavor compared to other dabblers. The key with these birds is using a good wigeon whistle call - they're suckers for it and will often circle multiple times before committing to your decoys.
Blue-winged Teal
Blue-winged teal are small, fast ducks weighing just over a pound, but don't let their size fool you - they're some of the most challenging birds to hit. These speed demons prefer shallow, muddy areas with emergent vegetation and are among the first to migrate south. Early September is your best window before they're gone for the year. What makes teal hunting special is the pure adrenaline - they fly in tight flocks at incredible speeds, twisting and turning like fighter jets. The meat is surprisingly good for such small birds, dark and rich. The trick with teal is to lead them way more than you think and shoot the instant they commit. Use small decoy spreads and keep your shots quick - hesitate and they're gone.
Mallard
Mallards are the classic duck everyone knows - big, hardy birds running 2-3 pounds with the drake's green head being instantly recognizable. They adapt to just about any water from shallow marshes to open lake edges, and they'll hit grain fields hard when available. October through December brings steady flights, especially when weather turns nasty up north. Hunters love mallards because they respond well to calling, decoy reliably, and provide excellent eating. These birds are also perfect for beginners since they're forgiving and less skittish than other species. The secret with mallards is aggressive calling when they're distant, then shutting up completely once they start working your spread. They'll flare fast if you overcall when they're committed.
Redhead
Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks, about 2-3 pounds with distinctive rusty-red heads on the drakes. These birds prefer the deeper waters of our larger Finger Lakes where they dive for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. Peak hunting happens during November and December when northern flocks push through during migration. They're challenging targets because they sit far from shore in open water and are wary of decoy spreads. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - some say the best-eating duck around here. These divers respond well to large decoy spreads with motion, and the trick is setting up near drop-offs where they naturally feed. When they commit to your spread, they come in fast and low.
Wood Duck
Wood ducks are stunning medium-sized birds, about 1.5 pounds, with the drake's colorful plumage making them a prized trophy. These ducks stick to wooded swamps, beaver ponds, and creek backwaters throughout the Finger Lakes region. Early season in September and October is prime time before they head south. What makes woodies special isn't just their beauty - they're fast, agile fliers that provide challenging shots through timber. The meat is top-notch too, mild and tender. These birds are spooky and smart, so stealth is everything. Best tip I can give is to hunt the flight paths between roosting and feeding areas right at dawn. Set up in heavy cover near wood lines, and keep your calling soft - a few quiet quacks is all you need.
About the G3 Hunting Boat
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 5
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 25
