Ready to bag some ducks in one of Texas' prime waterfowl hotspots? Join Capt. Scott for a day of fast-paced action in the rich coastal waters of Port O'Connor. This isn't your average puddle jump – we're talking about a full-on bay duck hunt where the birds are plentiful and the shooting opportunities come fast and furious. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, you're in for a real treat. We'll put you right where the ducks want to be, giving you the best shot at filling your strap with a mixed bag of coastal favorites.
Picture this: You're settled into a cozy blind as the sun starts to peek over the horizon, painting the bay in golden hues. The sound of wings cutting through the crisp morning air gets your heart racing. That's when Capt. Scott gives the signal – it's time to take aim. We're hunting over decoys in some of the most productive waters in the area, where blue-wings, gadwalls, and redheads love to feed and rest. The action can be non-stop, so keep that gun loaded and your eyes on the sky. We'll stay out as long as you want or until you hit your limit, whichever comes first. It's the kind of hunt that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and planning your next trip before you even head back to the dock.
Our hunting grounds are a mix of shallow bays, marshy edges, and open water – prime real estate for ducks looking to rest and refuel. We'll set up where the birds naturally want to be, using a combination of layout boats and pop-up blinds depending on the conditions. Capt. Scott's years of experience mean he knows exactly where to place the decoys to bring the birds in close. You'll need to be quick on the draw and ready for some fast shooting. We recommend bringing steel shot in sizes 2 and 4 – that'll give you the versatility to take down everything from teal to bigger ducks like pintails. Don't forget your waders and dress in layers; the coastal weather can be unpredictable, but that's part of the excitement.
Blue-winged Teal: These speedy little ducks are often the first to arrive in the fall. They're known for their fast, erratic flight patterns that'll keep you on your toes. Blue-wings love shallow water and are suckers for a well-placed decoy spread. They're a blast to hunt and make for some mighty fine eating too.
Gadwall Duck: Don't let their plain looks fool you – gadwalls are crafty birds that'll test your shooting skills. They're often called "gray ducks" and tend to fly in pairs or small groups. Gadwalls are especially fond of aquatic vegetation, so we'll set up near their favorite feeding spots. Their meat is top-notch, with a mild flavor that's hard to beat.
Redhead: These diving ducks are a prized catch in the coastal bays. With their distinctive rusty-red heads and blue-gray bills, redheads are a beautiful addition to any hunter's bag. They often fly in large flocks and can provide some exciting pass-shooting opportunities. Redheads are known for their speedy flight and tendency to circle back, giving persistent hunters multiple chances.
Green-winged Teal: The smallest duck in North America, green-wings make up for their size with their lightning-fast speed and agility. These little rockets will zip past your decoys in the blink of an eye, so stay sharp! They're often found in mixed flocks with their blue-winged cousins and provide some of the most challenging and rewarding shooting of the season.
American Wigeon: Also known as "baldpates" for their distinctive white crown, wigeons are a favorite among coastal hunters. They're wary birds with a reputation for being difficult to decoy, which makes bagging one all the sweeter. Wigeons have a unique whistle-like call that's music to a duck hunter's ears. Their meat is considered some of the best-tasting of all ducks.
Port O'Connor isn't just another duck hunting spot – it's a waterfowler's paradise. The sheer variety of ducks you can encounter in a single day is enough to keep even the most experienced hunters coming back for more. From the adrenaline rush of a flock of teal buzzing the decoys to the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary pintail, every hunt here is an adventure. And let's not forget the stunning coastal scenery – there's something special about watching the sun rise over the bay as you wait for that first flight of ducks to appear. Whether you're looking to introduce a newcomer to the sport or you're a seasoned pro chasing your limit, Capt. Scott's trips offer something for everyone.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best duck hunting Texas has to offer, now's the time to lock in your spot. Remember, we're limited to just two hunters per trip, so you're guaranteed a personalized experience. Bring your own shotgun, make sure you've got all the required licenses and tags, and get ready for a hunt you won't soon forget. The ducks are calling, and Capt. Scott's ready to put you on 'em. Don't miss out on your chance to be part of this top-rated Port O'Connor duck hunting adventure. Book now, and let's bag some birds!
American Wigeons, also known as "baldpates," are medium-sized ducks that winter here in Port O'Connor. They're about 20 inches long and weigh around 1.5 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive white forehead patch and green stripe behind the eye. Wigeons prefer shallow waters and often hang out in mixed flocks with other ducks. They're grazing ducks, so look for them in areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation. The best time to hunt wigeons is from November through January. These birds are known for their unique whistling call, which can be a dead giveaway of their presence. Hunters love pursuing wigeons for their sporty flight and excellent table fare. They can be a bit skittish, so patience is key. Here's a local tip: wigeons are often attracted to other ducks, so mixing in some pintail or gadwall decoys can be effective. And if you're calling, don't forget to throw in some wigeon whistles along with your mallard calls.
Blue-winged Teal are small, speedy ducks that frequent our shallow bays and marshes. They're early migrants, showing up in Port O'Connor as soon as September. These ducks weigh about a pound and have distinctive blue patches on their wings. You'll often spot them in large flocks, skimming low over the water. They love to feed in mudflats and shallow wetlands, so that's where we'll set up. Early morning hunts are best, as these birds are most active at dawn. Hunters enjoy the challenge of their quick, erratic flight patterns. They're also considered mighty tasty on the dinner table. If you want to bag a few, listen for their high-pitched peeps and focus on areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation. A tip from me: use smaller decoys spread out in a loose pattern to mimic their natural grouping. These little ducks can be tricky, but they're a blast to hunt.
Gadwall ducks, often called "gray ducks," are medium-sized birds that blend in well with their surroundings. They're about 20 inches long and weigh around 2 pounds. You'll find them hanging out in shallow marshes and flooded fields around Port O'Connor. These ducks are late migrants, so your best shot at them is from November through January. Gadwalls are known for their subtle beauty – the males have intricate gray, brown, and black patterns. They're not as flashy as some other ducks, which makes them a bit more challenging to spot. That's part of the fun for many hunters. These birds are excellent divers and can be quite wary, so patience is key. They respond well to calls, so don't be shy about using your duck call. Here's a local trick: set up your decoys in small groups rather than one big spread. Gadwalls prefer to hang out in smaller bunches, so this setup looks more natural to them.
Green-winged Teal are the smallest ducks we hunt here in Port O'Connor, weighing in at just about 12 ounces. Don't let their size fool you though – these little speedsters are a favorite among hunters for their lightning-fast flight and sporty challenge. They start showing up in September, but the best hunting is usually in November and December. You'll find them in shallow, marshy areas and along the edges of the bay. Green-wings are early risers, so we'll want to be in our blinds well before dawn to catch their morning flight. These ducks are known for their acrobatic flying, often twisting and turning in tight formations. It's a real thrill to watch, and an even bigger thrill to shoot. They're also considered some of the best-tasting ducks out there. A local tip: these birds love flooded timber, so if we've had some rain, that's where we'll focus. And don't forget your smallest shot shells – you'll need them for these pint-sized targets.
Redheads are diving ducks that make Port O'Connor their winter home. These medium-sized ducks, weighing about 2.5 pounds, are easily recognized by their bright red heads and blue bills. You'll find them in large rafts out in the open bays, often mixed in with other diving ducks. They're strong flyers but not as agile as some of the smaller ducks, which can make for some exciting shooting. Redheads start showing up in October, but the peak season is December through January. These birds are prized by hunters for their tasty meat and the challenge they present. They're wary and can be tough to decoy, especially late in the season. One trick I've learned over the years: use a lot of decoys, I'm talking 50 or more. Redheads are social birds and like to see big groups. Also, don't forget to throw in a few pintail or wigeon decoys to add realism. If you're lucky enough to bag a limit of redheads, you're in for a real treat at the dinner table.