Long-Tailed Duck hunting
View 5 hunts View all hunts5 hunting trips from 3 outfitters starting from $1,400
Where to hunt Long-Tailed Duck
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.
Price distribution
Long-tailed duck hunts are typically included in guided sea duck hunting packages, with day rates ranging from $250 to $600 per hunter. Multi-day packages, which often include hunting for other species like common eiders, scoters, and buffleheads, cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on location and outfitter services. In more remote destinations like Alaska, Newfoundland, and Iceland, specialized hunts can range from $4,000 to $7,000, particularly when combined with additional Arctic game species or other sea duck hunts.
When to hunt Long-Tailed Duck?
The best time to hunt long-tailed ducks is during the winter migration, from October to February, when they gather in large flocks in their coastal wintering grounds. In the Great Lakes region, prime hunting occurs from late October through December, while in coastal New England and the Canadian Maritimes, peak hunting extends into January and February as birds concentrate in sheltered bays and harbors. In Europe, long-tailed ducks winter in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, with prime hunting occurring from November through March in countries like Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
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