Long-Tailed Duck hunting
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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.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (8)
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.
Why hunt Long-Tailed Duck?
If you get the hang of sea duck hunting, you don’t need an answer to the question “why hunt long-tailed ducks?”. Long rides in motor boats over rough, unforgiving waters, hours of waiting in near-freezing temperatures, an ever present element of risk - for some pure hell, for others a description of heaven. With their feeding on mussels and fish, oldsquaws are not highly esteemed for their culinary value, but if you use the old Scandinavian trick of dipping the birds for half a minute in boiling water, they turn out in a decent meal, especially slow-cooked. And a fully-plumed drake long-tailed duck, with its sweeping tail feathers, intricate black-and-white markings, and distinctive pink-tipped bill, makes for one of the most stunning waterfowl trophies. For those seeking a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled hunt in extreme conditions, the long-tailed duck is a must-pursue species.
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