Get ready for some serious wingshooting action in the heart of Texas waterfowl country. Our Port Lavaca duck hunting trip puts you right where the birds want to be – smack in the middle of prime coastal wetlands. You'll be up before the sun, sipping coffee and watching the sky light up as flights of ducks pour into the decoys. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the blind, this hunt delivers the kind of morning that keeps waterfowlers coming back year after year.
We'll meet up in Port O'Connor, TX, where the coffee's hot and the conversation's easy. From there, it's a quick boat ride out to our honey holes – hidden pockets of marsh and shallow bays that ducks can't resist. You'll be set up in a comfortable blind before first light, with a spread of decoys that's been fine-tuned over years of experience. As the sun peeks over the horizon, get ready for fast action. Blue-wings whistle by on the deck, while pintails circle high overhead. It's the kind of morning that makes you glad you got out of bed early.
Success on this hunt comes down to reading the birds and knowing the land. We'll be working primarily in shallow, marshy areas where ducks love to feed and rest. Expect to see a mix of puddle ducks and divers, depending on the day. You'll want to bring your own shotgun (we recommend a 12-gauge), along with steel shot in sizes 2 and 4. Don't forget those waders – you might need to do a bit of walking to retrieve birds or adjust decoys. The weather can be unpredictable, so layering up with good rain gear is key. And trust me, you'll want that face mask when the north wind kicks up.
Blue-winged Teal: These speed demons are often the first ducks to show up in the fall. They're small, fast, and tricky to hit, making them a favorite challenge for many hunters. Look for them zipping low over the water, often in large groups. They respond well to spinning-wing decoys and love shallow, vegetation-rich areas.
Gadwall: Don't let their plain looks fool you – gadwalls are smart, wary birds that'll test your hunting skills. They're mid-sized ducks with a distinctive white speculum that flashes as they fly. Gadwalls are often found in mixed flocks with other puddle ducks and tend to prefer slightly deeper water than teal.
Redhead: These diving ducks are a prized catch in coastal areas. With their distinctive rusty-red heads and gray bodies, they're easy to spot but challenging to bring down. Redheads often fly in large, fast-moving flocks and prefer open water. They're strong flyers, so be ready for some long shots.
Green-winged Teal: The smallest duck in North America, green-wings are lightning-fast and incredibly agile. They're often found in shallow, marshy areas and respond well to calling. Despite their size, they're surprisingly hardy and can handle colder weather than their blue-winged cousins.
American Wigeon: Also known as "baldpates" for their distinctive white forehead, wigeons are crafty birds that often hang back and let other ducks check out decoys first. They're vocal ducks with a unique whistling call. Wigeons prefer to feed on aquatic vegetation in shallow water, making our hunting grounds perfect for targeting them.
Alright, let's talk gear. First things first – your hunting license and duck stamp. Don't leave home without 'em. For your shotgun, bring plenty of steel shot in sizes 2 and 4. Waders are a must – you'll be in and out of the water all morning. Pack good rain gear (jacket and pants) because the weather can turn on a dime out here. Gloves will keep your hands warm and help with grip. A camo hat and face mask will help you blend in and stay comfortable. And don't forget the sunscreen – that Texas sun can be brutal, even in winter. Oh, and bring a good attitude. Duck hunting's as much about the experience as it is about filling your limit.
There's something special about duck hunting in Port Lavaca. Maybe it's the way the marsh comes alive at dawn, or the sight of thousands of birds lifting off the water. Could be the camaraderie in the blind, or the satisfaction of a well-placed shot. Whatever it is, this place gets in your blood. Our hunters tell us they dream about these mornings all year long. The mix of species keeps things interesting – one minute you're calling to a flock of gadwalls, the next you're swinging on a pair of redheads screaming past the decoys. It's the kind of action that makes you forget about the early wake-up call and the cold toes.
Look, I could go on all day about why this Port Lavaca duck hunt is something special. But at the end of the day, you've got to experience it for yourself. We've only got room for two hunters per trip, so spots fill up fast. If you're itching to get out on the water and see what all the fuss is about, give us a call. Just remember, that deposit is non-refundable – but trust me, once you're out there watching the sun rise over the marsh, you won't be thinking about anything else. So what do you say? Ready to load up and chase some ducks?
American Wigeons, often called "Baldpates" for the white crown on the males, are a treat to hunt in Port O'Connor. These medium-sized ducks (around 20 inches) prefer shallow wetlands and coastal estuaries, often mixing with other puddle ducks. They're most abundant here from November through January. Wigeons are known for their distinctive whistling call and their habit of stealing food from diving ducks - pretty crafty! They're strong flyers and can be challenging to bring down, especially in windy conditions. Hunters prize them for their plump bodies and delicious meat. When targeting Wigeons, look for areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation where they like to feed. A local tip: using a flag or motion decoy can be particularly effective in attracting these curious birds to your spread.
Blue-winged Teal are small, agile ducks that pack a punch for their size. These early migrants start showing up in Port O'Connor around September, often in good numbers. You'll find them in shallow wetlands and flooded fields, where they feed on aquatic plants and insects. They're quick on the wing and known for their speedy, erratic flight patterns, making them a real challenge for hunters. Despite their small size (about 16 inches long), Blue-wings are prized for their tender, flavorful meat. To improve your odds, focus on areas with plenty of emergent vegetation where these ducks like to hide. Pro tip: Use a jerk-string decoy spread to mimic their active feeding behavior - it can really bring them in close.
Gadwalls might not be the flashiest ducks out there, but they're a staple of our hunts here in Port O'Connor. These medium-sized ducks (about 20 inches long) are often found in shallow marshes and ponds, mixed in with other species. They're late migrants, so you'll see more of them as the season progresses. Gadwalls are known for their subtle beauty - males have intricate gray, black, and white patterns. They're strong flyers and can be challenging to bring down, especially in windy conditions. Hunters appreciate their good-sized bodies and tasty meat. If you're after Gadwalls, look for areas with submerged vegetation where they like to feed. A local trick: mimicking their soft, raspy call can be surprisingly effective in drawing them in closer to your blind.
Green-winged Teal are the smallest ducks you'll hunt in Port O'Connor, but don't let their size fool you. These little speedsters (about 14 inches long) are a blast to hunt. They prefer shallow marshes and flooded timber, often hanging out with other teal species. Green-wings are late-season migrants, so you'll see more of them as the weather gets colder. They're known for their lightning-fast flight and their habit of twisting and turning in the air, making them a real challenge for even experienced hunters. Despite their small size, they're excellent eating. To up your chances with Green-wings, focus on areas with plenty of cover and calm water. Here's a local secret: these ducks respond well to soft, peeping calls, especially when used sparingly.
Redheads are a favorite among duck hunters here in Port O'Connor, and for good reason. These medium to large ducks (about 20 inches long) are striking, with the males sporting a bright red head and black chest. You'll find them in larger, open waters, often in big rafts. They're fast flyers and tend to come in high, making for some exciting pass shooting. Redheads typically arrive in our area later in the season, with peak numbers in December and January. They're prized for their size and excellent table fare. When hunting Redheads, don't be afraid to use a large spread of decoys - these social birds are attracted to big groups. One tip from the locals: on calm days, try using a spinning-wing decoy to catch their attention from a distance.