Duck Hunting in the Snow: Is It Even Worth It?

Duck hunting is a sport that's filled with passion, anticipation and a lot of fun, and even sometimes has a cultural aspect. However, you might be wondering if hunting in the snow is possible and if ducks even fly during this weather. This post will cover some of the most commonly asked questions about it and, hopefully, give you some insight into what to expect.

Do Ducks Fly In The Snow?

A favorable weather condition is essential for duck hunting to succeed.

A good duck hunting combination is light rain and wind, which surprises many novice hunters, and the fact that rain and wind do not prevent ducks from flying. In reality, rain, wind, and even snow can be part of a successful duck hunt, despite what some people believe. 

Advantages Of Hunting In The Snow

While duck hunting in the spring is excellent, you might find that many of the ducks you are attempting to hunt move away from the water and into fields and woods. This makes finding them harder, and this can have an impact on your duck hunting season. That is why you should consider hunting when it has been snowing. But what are the advantages?

They Bunch Up More

Perhaps the main advantage to snow hunting is that the fowl tend to bunch up together for warmth. This makes it far easier to hunt and capture several at a time.

More Birds To Hunt

If you plan the timing right, you could begin hunting as they start to migrate. You will be able to hunt more efficiently and go home with plenty of meat.

Masks Scent

Snow can have the effect of masking your scent, making it easier to hide. The wind direction of a bad day might keep you from hunting a specific area that you might otherwise have avoided due to fear of being detected, but with low winds, you can make use of it to your advantage. Furthermore, the duck hunters over at http://decoypro.com/duck-hunting-rain-ducks-fly-rain/ advise on setting up upwind of large areas of water to reduce your scent further. This should ensure a more successful hunt and lessen the chances of it being a washout. Using the snow to your advantage, you might discover that hunting in this weather is more enjoyable than on a dry day!

It Is An Accomplishment

Apart from the previously mentioned advantages, it is pretty hardcore to hunt in the snow, and not many of your peers would venture out in such conditions. By getting out and shooting when nobody else is around, you might increase the chances of a successful hunt and capture the bragging rights that come with it.

Safety in the Snow

Wet conditions make hunting very difficult, as you know. You must have all the correct gear to keep yourself warm and dry. You will also need to remember to wear high-visibility clothing because it will be more difficult for other hunters to see you.

What to Wear

Wet weather hunting requires some essential items, and most of you probably already own some of them:

• Tall rubber boots: You can hunt in the snow with these boots because they keep your whole foot dry and warm. The comfort and scent control aspects of rubber hunting boots make them an essential hunting accessory on dry days. As a result, the feet will stay dryer, and foot care is critical for wet weather.
• Dry towel: This is more to keep the seat of your truck dry on the way home than to dry you out. You will be so wet that a towel for drying will be useless. However, protecting your seat will save you from having to clean it after a long day hunting.
• Winter clothing: You will need a thick winter jacket and lots of layers to remove and add as needed. Thermal-lined, waterproof winter trousers are also a must.
• Dry bag: This type of bag is fully water-resistant and seals up to create a watertight solution to keeping your gear safe. It is wise to go out with your wallet and communication device in case of emergency, and having a good quality dry bag will ensure they remain dry at all times.

Same as skiing in wet snow, duck hunting is a great sport to be active in, and you shouldn't let the weather dictate when you go out. Moreover, you could find that hunting in the snow results in a more successful hunt than you thought.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Djurdjevic          

Senior Content Creator

Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering snowboarding, skiing and trends in outdoor winter activities. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the mountains, getting out in the snow on her board, season after season, seeking wild snow adventures across the globe helps her continue to be a top expert at CSG.