Mississippi River Duck Hunting Guide
Waterfowl Migration on the Mississippi Flyway in Goose Island State Park, Wisconsin.
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the United States and is one of the most popular destinations for waterfowl hunters in North America. It stretches over 2,300 miles and flows from the northern part of Minnesota all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.
This guide will be particularly useful for people who are planning on duck hunting on the Mississippi River and want to greatly increase their chances of success. This read will go into more detail on the different waterfowl species that inhabit the river, and some of the best tips and tricks (from local hunters) that every new hunter in the area needs to know about.
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An Overview of the Waterfowl Species on the Mississippi River
The species of waterfowl that hunters will come across on the Mississippi River vary depending on location and the time of year. Generally speaking though, some of the most common species of waterfowl that hunters come across include:
Mallards
Teals (Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal)
Northern Pintails
Wood Ducks
Diving Ducks (Canvasback, Redhead)
White-fronted Geese
Tundra Swans
The Red River
The Red River is one of the major tributaries of the Atchafalaya River, which is connected to the Mississippi River system. It stretches for over 1,360 miles across the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana and is one of the most significant bodies of water among duck hunters due to the versatility of waterfowl habitats it provides.
One particular area of interest among duck hunters is the southern part of Louisiana where the rivers meet. The confluence of the Red River and the Atchafalaya River, which is closely linked to the Mississippi River, creates a unique and rich environment that supports a diverse array of waterfowl species, making it a prime hunting spot for duck hunters from the area.
Tips & Tricks For Hunting Ducks on the Mississippi River
The sheer vastness of the Mississippi River presents new hunters to the area with a lot of opportunities as well as obstacles and challenges that they need to overcome. To increase your odds when river duck hunting on the Mississippi River, here are a few tips & tricks that local hunters were kind enough to share.
Scout the Area First & Find a Suitable Camping Spot
It’s not a secret that the habitats in the area of the Mississippi River are vast. Some of the most common types of habitats include areas of open river water, floodplain forests, braided river channels, backwater marshes, and adjacent prairies.
Dense vegetation along the banks of the Mississippi River near Minneapolis.
As each waterfowl hunter has their own style or preference for where they want to set up camp, with so many options at hand, it’s widely recommended for new hunters to scout the area first. That way, they’ll have a much better chance of setting up camp in the right place.
Stay Flexible and Be Willing to Adapt
Local waterfowl hunters suggest that new hunters on the Mississippi River should always stay flexible and be willing to adapt. The reason why this is - is because the river and the terrain around it vary a lot.
Once the rivers up north start to lock up, the Mississippi River is also used by waterfowl that are migrating south. As a result, coming out successful may require hunters to move around and adapt to the unique challenges and obstacles that are presented to them on the day.
Bonus Tip: Read Up on the Local Laws & Regulations
Each state that the Mississippi River goes through has its own rules and regulations around hunting waterfowl. Before heading out to the hunting ground, waterfowl hunters must ensure that they are all in the clear with the law. To read the rules and regulations around waterfowl hunting on the Mississippi River, please refer to this guide published by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Conclusion
Learning how to duck hunt the Mississippi River comes with a lot of practice. That said, duck hunters in the area also need to be equipped with all the right knowledge. Studying the river, its species, habitats, and territory will not only result in more successful hunting sessions but in more enjoyable ones too. If you’d like to read more about duck hunting the Mississippi River, check out the FWS website.
