Can American wigeon be hunted over water or fields?

Hunting Techniques Over Water

American wigeon are often found in shallow water areas, making them a prime target for waterfowl hunters. Effective hunting techniques include using decoys, such as wigeon and mallard decoys, in a spread of 10-15 decoys. The decoys should be positioned in a way that mimics the birds’ natural behavior, with the wigeon decoys placed on the edges of the spread, and mallard decoys in the center. Hunters should also use a duck call to mimic the wigeon’s high-pitched whistling call, which can be achieved with a reed or polycarbonate call.

Hunting Techniques Over Fields

Hunting American wigeon in fields requires a different set of techniques. Hunters should focus on areas with dense vegetation, such as cattails or bulrushes, as these areas tend to attract wigeon. It’s essential to be stealthy and quiet when approaching the field, as wigeon are highly alert to their surroundings. Hunters should use a shotgun with a modified choke to ensure a tight pattern, and a shell with a tungsten-based payload for optimal performance. When in position, hunters should wait for the wigeon to come to them, rather than pushing them with a call or decoys.