Common Eider hunting
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Where to hunt Common Eider
The common eider (Somateria mollissima) is the largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the most iconic sea ducks in the world. The best hunting opportunities for common eiders are found in Alaska, and along the North Atlantic coast. Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are top U.S. destinations, with prime hunting along rocky shorelines, offshore islands, and tidal estuaries. In Canada, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick host significant wintering populations, offering spectacular gunning opportunities. Beyond North America, common eiders are also hunted in Iceland, Greenland, and Northern Europe, particularly in Norway and Denmark, where traditional sea duck hunting methods have been practiced for centuries. These hunts often take place in frigid, open-water conditions, making them some of the most challenging waterfowl pursuits in the world.
Countries
Price distribution
Common eider hunts are typically offered as guided coastal or boat-based hunts, with day rates ranging from $300 to $700 per hunter. Multi-day package hunts, which often include accommodations, meals, and additional species like scoters and long-tailed ducks, range between $1,500 and $4,000. Hunts in remote locations like Newfoundland, Iceland, or Greenland tend to be more expensive due to travel logistics, often costing $4,000 to $7,000 for premium multi-day excursions.
When to hunt Common Eider?
The best time to hunt common eiders is during the late fall and winter months, when these birds migrate to their coastal wintering grounds. The season in Alaska starts in late September. Near wintering stations prime hunting occurs from November through January, with peak concentrations along the New England and Canadian Maritimes coastlines.
Hunting methods
As for most sea ducks, the most effective method to harvest common eider is decoying from layout boats, strategically positioned near rocky islands or ledges. Unlike inland waterfowl hunts, where ducks typically follow sunrise flight patterns, eiders move throughout the day, allowing for extended shooting opportunities. Large decoy spreads, consisting of dedicated eider decoys, are used to lure birds into range as they travel between feeding and resting areas. Unlike puddle ducks, eiders commit low and fast to decoy spreads, requiring quick shooting. Bring the heaviest gun that you own, a 10-gauge if you have it, or at least a 12-gauge Magnum with a plastic stock, and heavy loads of (steel) #2 or BBs to bring down these tough birds. And don’t forget about the right kind of clothing that will help you survive long hours in near-freezing-point weather conditions.
Why hunt Common Eider?
Let’s get that straight. Eider down has been used in extreme Arctic conditions for centuries, and is perhaps the best natural insulant ever. But it’s not why we hunt the common eider. Only the down that the duck plucks from its breast to build the nest has these magical properties anyway. The culinary question is also only a part of the story. Eider meat is not as favored as that of puddle ducks, although it is more than edible in stews or slow-cooked dishes. It is really about the challenge. The common eider represents the pinnacle of sea duck hunting, offering an unmatched combination of adventure, and tradition. Hunting eiders is not just about harvesting a bird—it’s about braving the elements, navigating rough seas, and experiencing some of the most dramatic and beautiful hunting landscapes on Earth. A mature drake common eider is a stunning trophy, with its bold contrast of white, black, and green plumage. For those who seek a waterfowl hunting experience unlike any other, pursuing common eiders in the icy waters of the North Atlantic is a must-do adventure.
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