Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

Do redheads prefer open water or marshy areas?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Duck hunters with red hair often prefer open water, citing better visibility and easier access to the middle of large bodies of water. Marshy areas, on the other hand, require more stealth and camouflage. Redheads tend to excel in open environments where their athleticism and endurance can be utilized.

Habitat Preference

As a duck diver, I’ve noticed that redheads tend to thrive in open water due to its visibility and accessibility. Large lakes and reservoirs provide ample opportunities for these waterfowl enthusiasts to showcase their skills. When selecting a spot, look for open water with a mix of submerged vegetation and shallow edges. This combination attracts a variety of waterfowl species, making it a prime location for duck hunting.

Open Water Tactics

When hunting over open water, it’s essential to use a combination of decoys and calling to attract redheads. Start with a basic decoy spread, consisting of 5-7 decoys, and position them in a way that mimics the natural behavior of ducks. Utilize a duck call to mimic the sound of a redhead, and vary the tone and pitch to create a realistic sequence of calls. This combination will increase the chances of attracting a redhead to your location.

Stealth and Camouflage

While redheads tend to prefer open water, it’s still crucial to maintain stealth and camouflage when approaching the hunting area. Wear camo clothing and stay low to the ground to avoid spooking the ducks. Use a wader or a hip wader to move quietly through the water and maintain a low profile. This will help you get close to the birds undetected, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.

duck-diver redheads prefer open water marshy
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.