Bag A Black-Bellied Whistling Duck
From Texas to Florida, the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck stands out with it's jet-black belly and bright pink bill. To bag this unique bird, target marshes, pastures near lakes, and flooded areas where they wade for food. Master their distinct whistle to call them in and bring plenty of shells—these ducks tend to circle once jumped, allowing you to get multiple shots off. With its tree-perching habits and unmistakable call, landing a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck is a thrilling challenge for any dedicated hunter.
Grit and Glory: Hunting the Harlequin
Ready to put your hunting skills to the test? With its vibrant slate blue, chestnut, and white feathers, this bird thrives in the fast-flowing streams and rocky coasts of the Northwest and Northeast. Focus on rocky points and shallow waters where they congregate and set up with custom-painted Harlequin decoys. Stay concealed and be patient—these fast flyers often pass by close, offering only a split-second to take your shot. Keep bag limits in mind: this duck is protected in many areas. Nailing a Harlequin is tough, but the trophy and tale are worth it.
Claim the Crown: Quest for the King Eider
The King Eider is the crown jewel of sea duck hunting, but bagging one is no walk in the park. Found along Alaska's rugged coastlines, these colorful birds test your endurance and skill in the harshest conditions. Gear up with waterproof layers—heavy neoprene waders and gloves. Use binoculars to spot them from a distance and position yourself upwind in a layout boat or on the shoreline. These birds can pop up between waves and vanish in a heartbeat, making for a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled hunt. The challenge is fierce, but that's what makes bagging a King Eider a true badge of honor.
Tracking The Cinnamon Teal
With vivid red plumage and electric blue wing patches, the Cinnamon Teal is a prize for any duck hunter. They breed across the western U.S., from the Great Salt Lake to the Cariboo-Chilcotin parklands, favoring small, shallow wetlands surrounded by low cover. Hunt early mornings or late evenings when they're most active and keep your decoy spreads tight and realistic. Be ready for their unpredictable flight patterns—nail your timing, and you might just bag one of the most colorful and coveted ducks out there.
The Elusive Barrow's Goldeneye
With its striking blue head and bright yellow eyes, the Barrow's Goldeneye is a bucket-list bird for any hunter aiming to complete a sea-duck collection—or just nail the three-bird genus that includes the green-headed Common Goldeneye and the Bufflehead. This elusive bird is no easy target. Their limited range and relatively short migration make them extremely tough to come by. Stay sharp—these birds are quick to spook, and when they come in, they come in hot. Be ready for lightning-fast shots. Get it right, and you’ll have a feathered trophy worth bragging about.
