Quick Answer
Bluebills often dive during the hunt to escape the pressure and noise of approaching hunters, making them difficult to hit, and to feed on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates in submerged environments.
Diving Behavior
Bluebills, a type of lesser scaup, are known for their diving behavior, which makes them challenging to hunt. They can dive as deep as 10-15 feet in search of food, often staying underwater for up to 20-30 seconds. This diving behavior is crucial for their survival, especially during the breeding season when they need to feed their young.
Hunting Diver Ducks
When hunting diver ducks like bluebills, hunters need to be aware of their diving behavior and adjust their tactics accordingly. This might involve using decoys that mimic their diving behavior, such as using decoys that appear to be swimming or diving. Hunters can also use a “freeze” or “hold” call to freeze the birds in place, making them more vulnerable to shooting. Another effective technique is to use a “dive-in” call to attract the birds and get them to dive in a predictable area. A good spotting scope with a magnification power of 20-30x can also help hunters identify the birds’ diving behavior and make a more accurate shot.
Equipment and Techniques
Hunters can use various equipment and techniques to hunt diver ducks effectively. A good shotgun with a 3-inch chamber can handle the loads needed for shooting ducks at longer distances. Hunters can also use a shell with a tungsten insert to increase the weight and penetration of the shot. Additionally, using a call that mimics the sound of a duck’s wingbeat can help attract the birds and make them more receptive to decoys.
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