Quick Answer
During late winter, American wigeon can be found in agricultural fields, particularly those with winter cereals such as oats and wheat, and in wetlands with open water and shallow areas. Look for them in areas with abundant food sources and suitable habitat. They often congregate in large numbers in these areas.
Habitat Preferences
American wigeon tend to prefer areas with shallow water, typically less than 2 feet deep, and abundant food sources such as grasses, aquatic plants, and grains. When hunting, focus on fields and wetlands with these characteristics, especially those that have been recently flooded or have standing water. In these areas, you can also find other waterfowl species, making the hunt more challenging and exciting.
Hunting Techniques
When hunting American wigeon, use a combination of calling and decoying to attract them to your location. Start by setting up your decoy spread in an area with a good view of the surrounding landscape, ideally with a wind direction that allows you to conceal your scent. Use a wigeon call to mimic the sound of a female wigeon, which will attract the attention of nearby male birds. Once you’ve attracted the birds to your location, use your shotgun to take a shot at the leading bird, aiming for the head or body.
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