Like with most outdoor activities, wind patterns and weather play a considerable role in the outcome of a duck hunt. The best hunters know that some of the most miserable weather can be the perfect time for hunting waterfowl. Cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and even a bit of light rain can create the ideal setting for a productive hunt.
But what about wind? Ducks are birds of flight, so it’s an important aspect to consider before heading out to the blind. Surely wind is detrimental to a hunter’s rate of success, right? Actually, it’s a bit more nuanced than you might imagine. These patterns can have various effects, positive and negative, on your hunt. Let’s dig a bit deeper on the subject so you can make an informed decision before your next excursion.
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- Blind Setup. Assuming you don’t have a permanent blind, the wind pattern on any given day will determine where you set up shop. You don’t want to shoot with the wind in your face, but you also want to avoid a strong crosswind. Ducks tend to fly into the wind and land the same way. Find a nice spot with the wind at your back, and you’ll be primed for some clear shots.
- Duck Behavior. Waterfowl don’t mind flying in a little wind, but high winds tend to keep them grounded. Rather than flying over large bodies of water and landing on the surface, ducks will seek shelter from the gusts in smaller, more enclosed areas. This may further inform your blind location, so be sure to find out where the ducks are going before settling down.
- Flight Speed. An airborne duck can fly anywhere from 40–60 miles per hour. As you can imagine, wind is a major factor in this equation. A bird flying into a headwind will travel at a slower rate. Similarly, a bird flying with a tailwind can travel much faster. If these breezes are in your favor and the ducks are flying against the current, then hunters will have a much easier time with a slower target.
- Camouflage & Cover. Camouflage is essential to the success of any hunt. Otherwise, the ducks will easily spot you from the skies. But high winds pose a threat to any natural materials that you may have used to cover the exterior. Be sure to secure anything loose that may fly away. On the other hand, it provides a sound barrier, disguising any rustling or whispers that may otherwise scare your prey away.
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