Epic Lake Erie Duck Hunt on 28' Duckwater Ocean

Epic Duck Hunting on Sandusky Bay

Get ready for some serious waterfowl action on the legendary waters of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. Captain Ken's Wild Wings is offering a duck hunting experience that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. This isn't your average day in a blind – we're talking about hunting from a 28' Duckwater Ocean boat that's proven itself as an absolute beast on the water. With over 1,000 birds bagged in the 2024 season alone, you're in for a hunt that'll keep your shotgun warm and your game bag full.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're cruising out on a custom-built 28-footer, designed specifically for open water duck hunting. Whether we're setting up near the islands or hugging the Lake Erie shoreline, this boat puts you right where the action is. And let me tell you, when the birds start flying, you'll be glad you've got room for up to six shooters. No more cramped quarters or fighting for shooting space – this setup gives everyone a clear shot at incoming birds. Plus, with full heat on board, you'll stay toasty even on those frigid mornings when the ducks are really moving. Oh, and did I mention we start each day with a hot breakfast? Nothing beats hot coffee and a full stomach before a day of gunning.

Inside the Hunt

Let's talk strategy. On this trip, we're all about mobility and adaptability. The Duckwater Ocean isn't just big – it's quick and nimble too. That means we can easily motor to wherever the birds are working. One day we might be set up in the shelter of Sandusky Bay, the next we could be running the Lake Erie shoreline chasing divers. We use a mix of traditional decoy spreads and more advanced setups, depending on conditions and what the birds are doing. And here's a pro tip: bring your calls, but be ready to let the natural movement of the boat and decoys do a lot of the work for you. It's amazing how effective a gently rocking spread can be in bringing in the ducks.

Hunter Highlights

The beauty of hunting from this boat is the versatility it offers. Early season, we might focus on puddle ducks like mallards and teal in the shallower areas. As the weather turns and more migrants push in, we'll shift gears to target divers like bluebills, redheads, and canvasbacks. The late season can be absolutely epic, with huge rafts of birds working the open water. That's when this boat really shines – we can get out to where other hunters simply can't go, putting you right in the flight path of hungry ducks looking to feed.

Target Game Breakdown

Mallards: The bread and butter of duck hunting, these big, beautiful birds are a constant presence in Sandusky Bay. They're wary and smart, which makes for exciting hunting. Nothing beats watching a flock of greenheads circle your spread before committing. Peak numbers usually hit in late October through November.

Bluebills (Scaup): These fast-flying divers are a favorite among Lake Erie hunters. They often travel in large flocks and decoy well, especially to long lines of decoys. The action can be fast and furious when a big raft decides to work your spread. Look for them in good numbers from mid-November through December.

Redheads: Another diving duck that calls Lake Erie home during migration. They're known for their distinctive rusty-red heads and gray bodies. Redheads often mix with other divers and can provide some of the most exciting shooting of the season. They typically peak in late October and early November.

Canvasbacks: Often called the "King of Ducks," canvasbacks are prized for their size, speed, and table quality. They're less common than some other species, which makes bagging one even more special. Lake Erie is one of the best places in the country to target these magnificent birds, especially in late November and December.

Teal: Both blue-winged and green-winged teal pass through the area, especially early in the season. These small, fast ducks are a blast to hunt and make for great eating. September and early October are prime time for teal.

What to Expect on the Water

A typical day starts early – real early. We'll meet up before dawn, load our gear onto the Duckwater Ocean, and head out while it's still dark. This boat moves, so even if we're heading to a far spot, we'll be there with plenty of time to set up before legal shooting light. Once we're in position, it's all about staying quiet and keeping your eyes peeled. When birds start working, Captain Ken will give the signal, and it's time to make it rain ducks. Between flights, we'll swap stories, enjoy some hot coffee, and soak in the beauty of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. Depending on how the birds are flying, we might pick up and move to a new spot during the day. The hunt wraps up mid-afternoon, giving you plenty of time to clean your birds and relive the day's action over a cold one.

Book Your Next Tag

Listen, if you're serious about duck hunting, this is a trip you don't want to miss. The combination of prime location, top-notch equipment, and experienced guiding makes for a waterfowl experience that's hard to beat anywhere in the country. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to try something new or a newcomer wanting to learn from the best, Captain Ken's Wild Wings has got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak migration, so don't wait to lock in your dates. Give them a call, pack your waders and your favorite shotgun, and get ready for some of the best duck hunting you'll ever experience. Trust me, once you've hunted from the Duckwater Ocean, you'll be itching to come back year after year. Book now and let's get after those ducks!