What can novice hunters learn from experienced wigeon hunters?

Habitat Identification

Experienced wigeon hunters know that these birds often inhabit areas with shallow water, dense vegetation, and abundant food sources. Novice hunters can learn to identify these habitats by looking for spots with water depths ranging from 2 to 12 inches, and areas with aquatic plants like cattails or sedges. By targeting these areas, novice hunters can increase their chances of finding wigeon.

Decoy Placement and Setup

A critical aspect of wigeon hunting is decoy placement. Experienced hunters know that placing decoys in a loose, scattered pattern can help attract wigeon, as they tend to fly in a similar manner. Novice hunters can learn to set up 5-7 decoys in a 20-yard radius, with 2-3 decoys positioned near the edge of the water and the others scattered throughout the area. By using the right number and placement of decoys, novice hunters can create a convincing and attractive setup.

Calling Strategies and Techniques

Mastering a wigeon’s call is essential for attracting these birds. Experienced hunters can teach novice hunters how to mimic the wigeon’s high-pitched, nasal call, often described as sounding like “kreet-kreet-kreet.” By using a well-placed call every 2-3 minutes, novice hunters can help attract wigeon to their location. Additionally, they can learn to use a mouth call or a slate call to produce a more realistic and consistent sound.