Long-Tailed Duck hunting

The long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), formerly known as the oldsquaw, is one of the most striking and vocal sea ducks in the world. Easily recognizable by its elegant, elongated tail feathers, bold black-and-white plumage (in drakes), and constant whistling calls, this species is a prized target for waterfowl hunters seeking a true sea duck challenge. Long-tailed ducks breed in the high Arctic tundra and coastal wetlands, migrating south to winter along coastal bays, estuaries, and large freshwater lakes in the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. The best hunting opportunities are found along the Great Lakes, particularly in New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as in coastal New England, the Canadian Maritimes, and Alaska. In Europe, top destinations include the Baltic Sea, Iceland, and Norway, where large wintering flocks provide excellent hunting opportunities.

Long-tailed ducks are among the most challenging waterfowl to hunt. They prefer deep, open water, often diving to impressive depths to feed on shellfish and aquatic vegetation. Perhaps the most efficient way to hunt them is from layout boats, anchored near reefs. Oldsquaws usually stick together in large flocks, and are very vocal - in fact, they got this name allegedly because their behavior reminded Native American hunters of large groups of females. For a modern hunter, whether PC conscious or not, that means that large decoy spreads and active, aggressive calling are essential. Once you can lure a flock of long-tails into range, connecting with them is quite a challenge. These ducks are known for their high-speed, low-altitude, and erratic flights. Due to their incredible diving ability, long-tailed ducks can be difficult to retrieve, making skilled shooting and quick retrieval essential.