Yellow-Billed Duck hunting

The term “yellow-billed duck” can refer to one of the two species: the yellow-billed mallard (Anas undulata) and the yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica), both known for their striking yellow bills. The yellow-billed duck is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is most commonly hunted in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. These ducks thrive in wetlands, rivers, and dams and are often part of mixed bag hunts alongside other African waterfowl species such as Egyptian geese and spur-winged geese. The yellow-billed pintail, on the other hand, is found in South America, particularly in Argentina, where it inhabits wetlands, lagoons, and flooded fields. Argentina is a premier destination for waterfowl hunting, and the yellow-billed pintail is often hunted alongside rosy-billed pochards, white-faced whistling ducks, and other South American waterfowl.

Hunting yellow-billed ducks usually doesn’t differ much from generic “duck hunts”. Decoying from a blind is the most common method, while pass shooting can also be efficient. Yellow-billed pintails often fly in pairs or small flocks, while yellow-billed ducks can be found in larger groups, requiring quick reflexes and precision shooting. In African wetlands, hunters may pursue yellow-billed ducks by walking along riverbanks or dams and flushing birds into flight. This active approach is both challenging and rewarding.