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            Ask the most hardcore of waterfowlers what hunt he or she remembers most last season and they will undoubtedly say it was a late season hunt. Regardless of how many ducks fog into a spread, the inclement conditions that come along with a late November or December hunt just make the day. Old time duck gunners say that “You get out of a hunt, what you put into it!”

When the cold hard slap of a November wind rakes across the freezing marshes of upstate New York, ducks and geese head for open water. The Late Season is what hardcore duck gunners consider the best time to hunt the big lake. As the marshes freeze, ducks begin to stage in large numbers for their trip south. One of the prime areas for congregating waterfowl is the east end of Lake Ontario. The freeze-out of marshes occurs each season and veteran waterfowlers pay close attention to weather reports trying to pin down the exact time when waterfowl will head to the lake shore. Open expanses on the lake remain clear of ice, long after inland waters are locked up tight. Those that are waiting in blinds when this mass migration occurs, experience gunning that fulfills them long after the season has closed and shotguns have been cased. Sometimes however, the weather is not your friend!

It was 6 am sometime shortly after Thanksgiving and we had just spent the last 20 minutes easing the 20ft. floating blind through 400 yards of pack ice which had accumulated overnight. My hunting partners had a look on their faces that questioned my sanity. “What on earth were we doing afloat in Lake Ontario under these conditions!” I gave them a reassuring nod that everything would be alright and opened the throttle as the ice gave way to blue water. I had a sheltered basin in mind that could be partially frozen by the night’s sub zero temperatures. Upon arrival, we flooded the basin with artificial light from halogen lamps and determined exactly where the imposing ice mass met the shoreline. With brisk winds and the pink sky of the east at our backs, things were shaping up nicely. All we needed were some well placed decoys and the arrival of several hundred dabblers and divers.

A waterman’s dream is to find a secluded area where ice meets the shoreline during the late season. With this pin-pointed, we grounded out the float rig and draped it with the white camo netting that would help it blend in with the snow covered landscape. Birds that have been pushed out of frozen marshes have not seen the lakeshore all season. Since the inland areas had just started to freeze, we were quite sure that the ducks we would see would be new arrivals. A combo rig was the order of the day. A small gang of oversized Whistler (Goldeneye) decoys were strung along the ice edge, heading out to open water. Inside this string were two drakes and a lone hen Goldeneye offset from the string and floating a mere 15 yards from the boat. On the opposite side of the rig we quickly ganged a mix of Black Duck and Mallard decoys leaving a nice pocket for puddlers to land in - just right of center stage. With a couple feeding decoys sprinkled in and a hen Mallard decoy swimming near the boat we were ready for action.

Five minutes before legal shooting, a pair of Blacks locked to the rig and floated out of the gray to hover over our blocks. With necks craned towards the surface, they pitched the hole we had left them and lightly touched down swimming in unison among the dekes. “Well, thats how they’re going to work it” someone whispered from down the line. “At legal, lets let them come in all the way--nothing past 20 yards.” My watch showed legal shooting hours had arrived when someone noticed a small flock of Mallards 200 yards out and trading right to left. With the wind blowing, I stood on the variable tone “Red Leg” duck call and watched as the lead bird twisted from formation. The big barreled double reed call by Haydel’s had the volume we would need on a day like this. The highball was followed up with the fast chopping of exited ducks and one by one the little gang lined out as it approached our setup. Under the low light conditions of this cloudy day the group of ten set their wings and started their decent from 100 yards out. As the wind blew them off course we lightly called to the flock, repositioning them like an air traffic controller might guide in an airplane. With flaps down and landing gear extended, someone whispered “Just Drakes”. The words “Take em!” were spoken and four guns stood to collect. At the report, the remaining birds climbed for the sky leaving our retriever Juno to collect the five Greenheads lying amongst the decoys. After watching the excitement of her hurried retrieves we re-enacted the moment in our minds and smiled as we awaited the next flock.

As the sky continued to grow lighter, the visibility of our black and white Whistler blocks began to increase. Hard core late season gunners know the importance of adding a touch of white to their rig. Hunting with Goldeneye decoys will increase the total take of ducks regardless of species. Through discussions with late season veteran hunters, it seems that almost everyone agrees that all types of duck will commit to Goldeneye decoys. While theories vary, it was evident that this day’s passing flocks were homing in on the white of our Goldeneye dekes. The calling and additional decoys simply sealed the deal.

Soon a tight knot of fast flying birds were marked low to the water at 2 o’clock. Our group trilled the short Burrrrrr, Burrrrrr of divers into their Mallard calls and watched as the group moved on-line. Three whistler drakes and two hens began a rolling pitch that would bring them in on the furthest Drake Whistler decoy. As the group worked the rig, we realized that the first pass would be a fly-by. Holding our fire, the group swung the rig at 30 yards and lined up for a second pass. “They’re gonna work this time”, someone said as the group of five hit the deck and started working up the ice edge. The birds followed our string until they reached the Goldeneye decoys that were offset and sitting in our pocket. With wings flared, orange paddles stretched for the surface and our group picked the drakes from the flock just before the group touched down. While clean harvesting shots were made, Whistlers are known for their durability. It has been our experience that they are just as happy to dive to avoid danger as they are to fly out of the rig. If Whistlers are not floating after the guns volley-reload and be ready. Chances are you have a swimmer on your hands and the first time he breaks the surface is your best opportunity to clean up the cripple. This is not an uncommon scenario when gunning the lakeshore of eastern Lake Ontario. Our group finished it’s limit of 16 Mallards and took 5 drake Whistlers by 7:30 am. that morning. While gunning will not be that fast everyday, it is amazingly consistent and freeze out temperatures will jump start the ducks.

In closing, lets say that “late season waterfowling is not for the feint of heart!” Weather conditions can be harsh and attention to safety is a must. Water temperatures are in the low to mid forties and gunners who go in the drink, won’t last more than a few minutes. First aid kits, lifejackets, maps, heaters, extra clothes, navigational equipment and cell phones are all part of the program. Those not properly prepared could easily face a life threatening situation. Don’t let this dissuade you from hunting the late season -- just be prepared! It could be the duck hunt of a lifetime.


Duck Calls - “Red Leg” & variable tone “Red Leg” calls by Haydel Game Calls.
Haydel’s Game Calls
318-746-3586
www.Haydels.com

Decoys - G&H Super Magnum Mallard and Black duck decoys.
G&H Decoys
Henrietta, Oklahoma
918-652-3314

Decoys - Goldeneye Decoys (Herter’s Burlap Wrapped)
www.Herters.com
1-800-654-3825