Duck Hunting Dry Fields: Strategies and Setups

Scouting

Decoys for field duck hunting

Spinning wing decoys

Setups for field duck hunting

Concealment

When to field duck hunt

Scouting

Effective scouting is key to having a successful duck hunt in a dry field. The best hunts come from being in the exact location the birds want to be in. That said, positioning yourself in the flight path the ducks are taking to get to their desired location can be effective as well. Either way, it is important to find where the ducks are roosting, their flight path to where they are feeding, and the exact location they are wanting to feed.

Decoys for field duck hunting

Proper equipment is also critical to field duck hunting. There are several types of decoys that work, but making your spread noticeable is most important in a field. Listed below are decoys that have proven effective when field hunting for ducks.

• Silhouette decoys (duck or goose):

• Full body decoys (duck or goose)

• Flag decoys (duck or goose)

Many hunters include goose decoys in their spread when field hunting for ducks because it makes the setup more noticeable and realistic from the air. Also, there is always a chance that geese are feeding alongside ducks in a dry field.

Spinning wing decoys

The most effective type of decoy to use when field hunting for ducks is a spinning wing decoy. If you have ever witnessed ducks feeding, they are constantly moving around trying to find more food. Spinning wing decoys closely imitate birds that are getting up and sitting down, which is why they are so useful. Based off personal experience, using 6 to 10 spinning wing decoys in a field is enough to imitate ducks as well as get their attention from a long distance.

Spinning wing decoys: Do hunters still use them?

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Setups for field duck hunting

Hunting on the X

Since ducks feed in dense groups, placing your decoys close together creates realism when hunting on the X in a field. If you have done your scouting and know exactly where the birds want to be, this can be a highly effective tactic. Oftentimes, the ducks will try to land right in the group of concentrated decoys.

Hunting traffic ducks

If you are hunting in the general area that ducks are using as opposed to right on the X, setting up a traffic spread works best. The traffic spread displayed above is spread out, which is noticeable from a further distance away. Once you get the ducks’ attention, they will typically land in and amongst the groups of decoys.

Field hunting with silhouettes

When using silhouettes for field duck hunting, be sure to angle the decoys in all directions. This will ensure that when birds are circling, decoys will be visible to them at all times. Silhouettes have become popular among hunters in the past 3 to 4 years, especially when it comes to field hunting ducks.

Concealment

Remaining concealed while duck hunting in a dry field is another key to a successful hunt. Many hunters believe hiding from ducks is easier than hiding from geese, which allows them to be more flexible when choosing which type of blind they hunt from. Listed below are common types of blinds hunters use when hunting ducks in a dry field.

• A-frame blind
• Layout blinds
• Natural vegetation blinds (crop stubble)
• Hiding along a tree line

When to field duck hunt

Weather, accessible fields, and duck behavior are all factors to consider when duck hunting in a dry field. A cold front, especially one that includes snow, will oftentimes push birds into looking for a field to feed in. If most areas have frozen up but there are still ducks around, they are feeding in a field somewhere nearby. When you anticipate a cold front and you have permission in a dry field, don’t miss your chance. The results can be phenomenal.

Find the Ducks!

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