Epic Lake Erie Duck Hunt on 28' Duckwater Ocean

28' Duckwater Ocean Duck Hunt - Sandusky Bay

When you're looking for a serious duck hunting operation on Lake Erie, Captain Ken's Wild Wings delivers exactly what waterfowlers dream about. Our 28' Duckwater Ocean isn't just another hunting boat – it's a purpose-built duck killing machine that put over 1,000 birds in the bag during the 2024 season alone. Operating out of Sandusky Bay and the Lake Erie shoreline, we take hunting parties of up to six shooters into some of the most productive waterfowl habitat in the Great Lakes region. You'll wake up to a hot breakfast before heading out, and the boat's full heating system keeps you comfortable during those cold November mornings when the birds are flying their best.

Inside the Hunt

This isn't your typical marsh boat setup – we're talking about open water hunting around the Lake Erie islands where big flocks of divers and puddle ducks stage during migration. The 28' Duckwater Ocean gives us the range and stability to reach prime hunting spots that smaller boats can't access safely. We'll position you in productive areas along the Sandusky Bay shoreline or venture out to the islands where massive rafts of birds gather. The boat's design allows all six shooters to have clear shooting lanes, so nobody's crowded or blocked when birds start working the spread. Captain Eli runs a tight operation, reading wind and weather patterns to put you where the birds want to be, not just where it's convenient to set up.

Tactics & Open Water Setup

Open water duck hunting requires a completely different approach than marsh hunting, and our crew has it dialed in. We run large spreads of decoys – sometimes 200+ blocks – to pull birds from long distances across the open water. The key is positioning: we're constantly adjusting based on wind direction, current, and bird movement patterns. Divers like bluebills, canvasback, and redheads respond to different setups than mallards and other puddle ducks, so we adapt our spread accordingly. The heated cabin gives you a warm place to reload and grab coffee between volleys, while the boat's low profile keeps us hidden from incoming birds. Weather plays a huge role out here – northwest winds pushing birds off the main lake often create the best shooting opportunities along the protected bays and island shorelines.

Hunter Highlights

"First Class team. Captain Eli was fantastic, as expected!! Head and shoulders better than other experiences we've had out of the same area. These guys care!" - brant

"First Class team. Captain Eli was fantastic, as expected!! Head and shoulders better than other experiences we've had out of the same area. These guys care and are true pros!" - brant

"First Class team. Captain Eli was fantastic, as expected!! Head and shoulders better than other experiences we've had out of the same area. These guys care and are true pros!" - brant

Target Ducks You'll Encounter

Mallards are the bread and butter of Great Lakes waterfowling, and Lake Erie's marshes and bays produce some of the finest greenheads you'll see anywhere. These birds are smart – they've seen plenty of decoy spreads by the time they reach our waters during peak migration in late October and November. Local mallards that summer here know every trick in the book, but the northern birds pushing down from Canada during cold snaps provide fast action. Watch for them to circle wide before committing, and don't be surprised when they flare at the last second if something doesn't look right. The drakes are absolutely gorgeous this time of year with full breeding plumage.

Canvasback are the crown jewel of diving duck hunting, and Sandusky Bay sees good numbers during peak migration. These big, fast-flying ducks are incredibly challenging – they come in hot and low, often before you even see them coming. Cans typically show up in October and November when the weather turns nasty, preferring rough water and windy conditions that make shooting difficult. They're picky about decoy placement and will flare off a spread that doesn't look perfect. When you do connect on a canvasback, you'll understand why old-time market hunters called them the "aristocrat of ducks."

Redheads make up a huge portion of the bag on productive days, especially during late October when massive rafts stage in the deeper waters around the islands. These medium-sized divers are more forgiving than canvasback but still require precise shooting as they buzz the decoys at high speed. They respond well to calling and motion in the decoy spread. Redheads often travel with other diving duck species, so when you find them, expect mixed bags with bluebills and ringnecks. The drakes are stunning birds with their bright red heads and distinctive profile.

Lesser and greater bluebills (scaup) provide consistent action throughout the season, often showing up in large flocks that create spectacular shooting opportunities. These hardy diving ducks aren't as picky as canvasback but can still be challenging when they're educated. Bluebills decoy well to large spreads and respond to aggressive calling. They're excellent eating birds and make up the backbone of many successful hunts. During peak migration, it's not unusual to see rafts of thousands of bluebills stretching across the horizon – a sight that gets every waterfowler's heart pumping.

Book Your Next Hunt

With over 1,000 birds taken during the 2024 season, the 28' Duckwater Ocean has proven itself as one of the most productive duck hunting platforms on Lake Erie. Captain Eli's expertise combined with our prime hunting locations and top-tier equipment creates the kind of experience that keeps hunters coming back year after year. Whether you're a seasoned waterfowler looking for that next great hunt or introducing someone new to the sport, this operation delivers results. The heated cabin, hot breakfast, and professional guide service make this a world-class hunting