World-Class Duck Hunting - Finger Lakes, NY

Weekend Duck Hunting – Finger Lakes NY

There's something special about being in the blind before sunrise, watching the mist roll off the water as you wait for that first flight of ducks to work your decoy spread. Our weekend duck hunting trips in New York's Finger Lakes region put you right in the heart of some of the best waterfowl hunting the state has to offer. With over 7 hours of hunting time starting at 5:30 AM, you'll experience both field and water hunting opportunities that make this region a customer favorite among serious duck hunters. Whether you're new to waterfowl hunting or you've been chasing ducks for decades, our experienced guides will make sure you're in the right spots at the right times.

Inside the Hunt

Your hunt kicks off well before dawn, which is exactly when you want to be setting up for waterfowl. We'll have you positioned in prime locations where ducks naturally want to be – whether that's along the shorelines of one of the Finger Lakes or in productive field setups where birds come to feed. The beauty of hunting this region is the variety. One morning you might be tucked into cattails waiting for divers to work your open water spread, and the next you could be in a cornfield watching mallards pour in to feed. Our guides know these waters and fields like the back of their hands, and they'll read the weather, wind, and bird behavior to put you where the action is. The 7-hour timeframe gives us flexibility to move if birds aren't working, or to stay put when they're flying exactly where we want them. We wrap up by noon, which is perfect timing since most of your best shooting happens in those first few hours anyway.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

The Finger Lakes region offers some diverse hunting terrain that keeps things interesting. We hunt both field setups and water locations, depending on what the birds are doing and where they want to be on any given day. For water hunting, we use layout blinds positioned strategically along the shorelines and points where ducks naturally funnel through. The decoy spreads vary based on species and conditions – sometimes we're running a simple mallard setup, other times we'll mix in divers and puddlers to match what's moving. Field hunting here means getting into the grain fields where ducks come to feed, especially later in the season when ice starts pushing birds around. We provide all the essential gear you'll need, but make sure you bring your hunting license and any required permits. Weather in the Finger Lakes can change quickly, especially from September through January when our season runs, so dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. The wind off these lakes can cut right through you, but it also helps move birds around and keeps them active.

Target Game Breakdown

Redheads are some of the most exciting ducks to hunt in the Finger Lakes, and these divers put on a show when they're working your spread. They typically show up in good numbers during the late October and November timeframe, often mixed with other diving ducks. Redheads are fast fliers and they'll circle your decoys multiple times before committing, which gives you plenty of chances to call them in close. What makes them special here is how they use the deeper sections of the lakes – you'll often see big rafts of them sitting way out in open water before they move to feeding areas. When they do decide to work your decoys, they come in low and fast, making for some challenging but rewarding shooting.

American Wigeon are one of those ducks that really respond well to calling, and the Finger Lakes region sees solid populations throughout the season. These birds are often called "baldpate" because of the white crown on the males, and they're known for their distinctive whistling call. Wigeon love to feed in shallow areas and along the edges where aquatic vegetation grows, which makes them perfect for the marshy areas around several of the lakes. They're also notorious for stealing food from diving ducks – you'll often see them waiting on the surface for redheads or canvasback to bring up vegetation from the bottom. They tend to fly in smaller groups than mallards, but they're curious birds that will work decoys well if you're patient with them.

Wood ducks are probably the most beautiful waterfowl species you'll encounter, and the Finger Lakes region has excellent wood duck hunting, especially early in the season. These birds love the wooded swamps and beaver ponds that connect to the larger lakes, and they're most active during the first hour of shooting light. Wood ducks are also one of the few duck species that nest in tree cavities, so you'll find them wherever there are mature trees near water. They fly differently than other ducks – more erratic and through the timber rather than in open air. The drakes have incredible plumage that makes them a favorite for taxidermy, but they're also excellent on the table. September and early October are your best bets for woodies before they start moving south.

Mallards are the bread and butter of duck hunting anywhere, and the Finger Lakes mallards are no exception. These birds are here from opening day through ice-up, and they adapt to hunting pressure better than most species. Early season mallards are often local birds that know the area well, while late season brings in northern birds that are bigger and often less wary. Mallards are vocal birds that respond well to calling, and they're the species most hunters learn on because they're forgiving and predictable. In the Finger Lakes, you'll find them in everything from shallow bays to grain fields, and they're especially active during weather fronts when the barometric pressure drops. A good mallard spread with proper calling can turn a slow morning into a memorable hunt.

Blue-winged teal are speed demons that provide some of the most challenging shooting you'll find in waterfowl hunting. These small ducks are typically here during the early part of our season, with September being prime time before they continue their migration south. Teal fly in tight flocks and they're incredibly fast – they'll buzz your decoy spread at speeds that will test your shooting skills. What makes them exciting