A Guide to Cache River Duck Hunting (By Local Duck Hunters)
Though small (in proportion to other large rivers in the United States) - measuring just 213 miles in length, the River Cache is one of the most popular destinations for river duck hunting in North America.
And it’s easy to see why. River Cache stretches from the southern part of Illinois to about halfway down Arkansas - making it the perfect migration route for waterfowl. When waterfowl do start to migrate south, there is a real abundance of them, making the river a lucrative destination for waterfowl hunters.
This article will act as a general guide to hunting waterfowl on the River Cache. First, it’ll go into more detail about the different species of waterfowl that hunters will likely come across, before exploring the invaluable tips and tricks that local duck hunters were nice enough to share.
An Overview of the Waterfowl Species on the Cache River
According to local wildlife research agencies, the river Cache supports over 200 bird species, a few dozen of which are classified as waterfowl. Depending on location along the River Cache, the most common type of waterfowl species that hunters typically come across include:
● Ducks
● Geese
● Mallards
● Swans
Click this link to find out the full list of waterfowl and bird species that inhabit the River Cache.
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Tips & Tricks For Hunting Ducks on the Cache River
Local duck hunters believe that hunting on the River Cache is unlike hunting on any other river in the country. Here are some of the tips and tricks local waterfowl hunters have shared, which will be invaluable to hunters who are yet to hit the ground running in this part of the country.
Be Prepared to Face a Variety of Waterfowl
Unlike most duck-hunting rivers, the River Cache is home to dozens of ducks, geese, and other species of waterfowl. Official reports state that the river can house hundreds of thousands of waterfowl during the winter season.
As a result of that, local hunters recommend new hunters in the area to come prepared and be ready to face a variety of waterfowl species, each of which has their own unique patterns and behaviors.
Scout the Area & Learn the Terrain
Experienced duck hunters on the River Cache recommend fellow hunters who are yet to hunt on the river to scout the area and learn the terrain. This will give them an advantage when choosing a good place to set up their camp and their decoys.
Not All Parts of the River Cache Are the Same
The 200+ mile-long stretch that the River Cache occupies varies greatly. Some of the river’s wetlands are wider while others are much thinner. Some parts of the river are also full of vegetation, long bushes and trees, while others have little to no cover above the water level.
That’s why local hunters recommend that new hunters in the area should carry out the necessary research, and settle on an area that they’re comfortable hunting in.
Bonus Tip: Read Up on the Local Laws & Regulations
Each state has its own waterfowl hunting laws and regulations, and the states that the River Cache goes through are no exception. The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR) permits the hunting of waterfowl along the River Cache throughout the waterfowl season every day until noon.
Please keep in mind that every waterfowl hunter needs to sign and carry their own General Hunting Permit. You can find out more about hunting on the River Cache on the official FWS dot gov website.
Conclusion
The River Cache presents hunters with the unique opportunity to hunt a large variety of local and migrating waterfowl, including ducks and geese. Hopefully, after reading this article, any waterfowl hunter considering the River Cache as a possible hunting destination now has a better idea of what to expect and the steps they need to take to make the most out of their hunting session.
