Hunting Pintails During the Late Season — What Changes?

Preparing for Harsh Weather

Late-season pintail hunting often takes place in colder temperatures, with wind and rain being common factors. To prepare, hunters should dress in layers, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof outer layer. It’s also essential to have a reliable means of staying dry, such as a waterproof jacket and pants. Bringing warm food and drinks to keep energy levels up is also crucial.

Decoy Strategies

Using decoys is a crucial aspect of late-season pintail hunting. Hunters should set up a minimum of six to eight decoys, with a mix of males and females to create a realistic spread. Decoys should be placed in a way that mimics the natural environment, with birds spread out in a way that makes them appear scattered but still in a group. It’s also essential to have a calling strategy, using a combination of quacks and whistles to entice birds to the decoy spread.

Concentrated Bird Activity

Late-season pintail hunting often involves birds being concentrated in specific areas, such as along edges of fields or near water. Hunters should focus on these areas, using a combination of decoys and calling to attract birds. It’s also essential to be patient, as birds may be more cautious and take longer to approach the decoy spread. Hunters should also be prepared to adapt to changing conditions, such as wind or water levels, to stay ahead of the birds.