Hunting for Buffel Ducks: Gear and Tips

Why Buffleheads Are a Worthy Target

Buffleheads are among North America’s smallest diving ducks, offering fast-paced action and unique hunting challenges. They frequently show up on large lakes, estuaries, and protected bays and can be great targets for hunters who prefer diver ducks over puddle species. getducks.com+1 Because of their size and diving habit, they require thoughtful tactics—but their willingness to decoy responds well when set up right. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

Understanding Bufflehead Behavior & Habitat

Habitat Insights

• Buffleheads winter on coastal waters, large lakes, and inland reservoirs. getducks.com+1

• They prefer shallow but open water for foraging—feeding mostly on aquatic invertebrates. Animal Diversity Web+1

• Because they are diving ducks, they are more comfortable on open water than deep marshes. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

Behaviors to Note

• They often float in small groups and will dive repeatedly—one bird sometimes acts as a lookout while others feed. Wikipedia+1

• They fly fast, low and direct. Shots may come quickly after they appear.

• They respond well to decoys with visible contrast and motion. A small, well-placed spread is often sufficient. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

Gear Essentials for Bufflehead Hunting

Shotgun & Ammunition

• Gauge: A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun is ideal.

• Choke: Improved Cylinder or Light Modified gives good patterns for close range.

• Shot size: Because of their small size, #4, #5 or #6 steel or bismuth shot works well. Some sources suggest #4 or #5 are appropriate for diver ducks like buffleheads. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

Clothing & Accessories

• Waterproof outerwear or waders: Many bufflehead hunts occur in cold, open water or coastal settings.

• Warm layers: Early mornings or late seasons will be chilly.

• Boat/boat-blind gear if hunting open lakes or estuaries.

• Quality binoculars for spotting small flocks at distance.

• Life jacket (PFD) mandatory for boat hunts or open water settings.

Decoy & Blind Gear

• Decoys: A small to moderate spread (for example 6-12 decoys) often signals to buffleheads. Because they respond readily, you may not need huge spreads. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

• Motion/jerk rigs: Motion helps draw attention in open water.

• Blind or boat layout: On larger water, a low-profile layout boat or boat blind helps stay concealed.

Set-Up & Hunting Techniques for Buffleheads

Decoy Spread & Placement

• Place decoys in open water but near edges of structure or shallow feeding zones.

• Use drake-heavy decoys (with strong white contrast) to catch attention from flying birds. An Official Journal Of The NRA

• Keep the landing zone 10-25 yards from your blind/boat, depending on cover and visibility.

• Use motion decoys if the water is calm to add visual interest.

Calling Strategy

• Buffleheads don’t rely heavily on calling—visual cues dominate. An Official Journal Of The NRA+1

• If you call, use subtle diver calls—don’t overly rely on mallard-type loud calls.

• Avoid heavy calling during key moments when decoys and visibility are doing the work.

Scouting & Timing

• Look for small flocks racking up on open water or making feeding passes near structure.

• Early morning and late afternoon can be prime times when birds are active or moving.

• Watch tide or wind lines where buffleheads may congregate in large water.

• On lakes, look for birds diving in groups—they may be in a feeding zone you can approach.

Shot Execution

• Expect close-to-moderate range shots (15-30 yards) because birds often finish tight to the decoy spread if set up well.

• Choose one bird, track it cleanly, and swing smooth. Buffleheads are small, fast and can vanish quickly.

• Lead your bird slightly—small ducks finish quickly but your pattern must still be tight.

Field Care & Cooking Tips

• Because buffleheads are small, field dress promptly after harvest.

• Keep the birds cool and dry; their meat is delicate.

• Cooking: Bufflehead breasts sear quickly; consider quick pan sear, grilling, or marinating for flavor.

• Store spent birds in a breathable game bag or cooler; avoid crushing small birds together.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Too many decoys: Unlike large diver species, buffleheads don’t always require huge spreads—simple realism often wins.

• Ignoring motion: In open water, motion helps; static spreads on calm water may fail to attract the curious bufflehead.

• Over-calling: Since visual cues matter more, avoid confusing or excessive calling.

• Poor placement: Setting decoys far from feeding/roost areas or in deep water may reduce success—use knowledge of habitat.

• Wrong shot distance: Underestimating how fast they fly in throws off many hunters. Practice on fast targets.

In Summary

Hunting bufflehead ducks is fast, fun, and a great way to fill a limit with a smart, efficient setup. Focus on good optics, smart decoy placement, proper gear for open-water or lake cover, and clean shooting technique. With the right approach you can consistently pattern them and enjoy one of the more rewarding diver duck hunts each season.

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