Best strategies for hunting Northern Shovelers in heavily vegetated areas?

Choosing the Right Habitat

When hunting Northern Shovelers in heavily vegetated areas, it’s essential to focus on habitats that provide the necessary food and shelter for these birds. Look for areas with shallow water, such as marshes, ponds, and sloughs, that are rich in aquatic plants like cattails, smartweeds, and water lilies. These plants provide a food source for the shovelers’ favorite invertebrates, including snails, leeches, and insects. In particular, areas with dense vegetation and slow-moving water are often favorite haunts of Northern Shovelers.

Calling and Decoying Techniques

To attract Northern Shovelers to your location, use a combination of calling and decoying. Start by setting up a blind or a hide in a location where you’ve seen shovelers before, and then use a duck call to mimic the sound of a female shoveler. Use a mallard or a blue-winged teal call, as these are the most common sounds associated with Northern Shovelers. You can also use a shoveler-specific call, which is often a high-pitched, nasal sound. In addition to calling, use decoys to attract the birds. Start with a few decoys and gradually add more as the birds become more comfortable with your presence. Use a mix of male and female decoys, and place them in a location where they appear to be foraging for food.