Duck hunters: how to deal with an on-shore wind?

[Grouse Man]

Is there anything I can try when dealing with an on-shore wind? Generally the wind creates choppy waves near the shore and I think the birds won't want to decoy into such bouncy waves.

Any thoughts? Or do I have to find a different spot that's sheltered?

 

[buoff]

If there are enough decoys (>50) they will land in rough water (but not so rough that there are white caps). But you will have a better chance in calmer spots so find a different spot. (observation from 25 years of hunting)

 

[Grouse Man]

Yeah, I've been hunting ducks a long time and it's NOT my preferred setup. I have had some success with it, but so much as to not make me want to question if I can improve things. We do have lots, and a roboduck. Thanks.

 

[JamesM]

Finding a shelterred bay would be you're best bet. Unless you're gunning for whistlers and buffies, then just find a point that offers a slight wind break and go to town, be preparred to be humbled by them though.

 

[Grouse Man]

Not a chance; 30 km/hr wind putting whitecaps right into the shore. No protection on my side, and then the snow started coming.

 

[the spank]

Any time I have been in the same situation I have had to pull the dekes a little tighter to shore and hope to get some decent range pass shooting on the edge of the decoy spread. Yes shelter or a wind break point is best but sometimes it just wont work out and you have to do what you can.

 

[beretta boy]

My preference, after the past 40 years of waterfowling ... MOVE your set-up !

 

[M12shooter]

When hunting divers and you have no other option but to deal with an on shore wind then try breaking your deeks up into two groups about 80 or so yards appart. Bear in mind that divers wont often fly over land or any cover that may conseal a preditor such as a duck hunter. Set your blind up directly between these groups and you will get arching and crossing shots as they turn away from shore into the wind to check out the deeks. Difficult shooting to say the least! Bring lots of ammo.

Better yet if you can find a point or shallow bit of cover that juts out into the marsh a bit for a blind. Again put your blocks in two groups both sides of the blind.

If hunting puddlers then they are capable of all kinds of fancy turns but will not often rest out in rough open water if cattail sloughs and the like are available. Divers too will choose the lee side of the marsh to rest under high wind conditions and most often only sit out in the rough water if thats where their feeding beds are.