Hunting for Bufflehead Ducks: A Complete Guide
Buffleheads—often called “butterballs”—are small, fast, and highly curious diving ducks found across North America’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Their tendency to decoy tightly, fly low, and appear suddenly out of nowhere makes them an exciting target for both beginner and experienced waterfowlers.
This guide covers everything you need to know: where to find buffleheads, how to set a productive decoy spread, what gear to bring, and shooting techniques unique to these small, quick divers. If you’re gearing up for this season or exploring guided waterfowl hunts, browsing vetted outfitters through Find A Hunt is a reliable way to plan ahead.
Understanding Bufflehead Ducks and Their Habitat
Buffleheads have predictable habits that make them fun and surprisingly approachable birds—if you know where to look.
Where Buffleheads Live
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Protected bays and coastal estuaries
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Small lakes and ponds
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Slow-moving rivers
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Sheltered coves
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Backwater areas near diving duck food sources
They prefer shallower areas than many divers, often feeding on crustaceans, aquatic insects, and mollusks.
Key Behavior Patterns
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Small flocks: Often arrive in pairs or small groups.
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Fast flyers: Low, quick, and always on the move.
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Curious: Especially responsive to motion and small decoy spreads.
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Short sits: They rarely raft long—expect frequent movement.
Essential Gear for Bufflehead Duck Hunting
Shotguns & Loads
Because buffleheads are small and decoy close:
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Gauge: 12 or 20
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Choke: Improved Cylinder or Light Modified
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Shot: #4, #5, or #6 steel (bismuth is excellent for cleaner kills)
Close-range patterns matter more than long-range punch.
Clothing & Layers
Early mornings near the water can be cold, especially on late-season hunts:
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Waterproof breathable outer layers
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Insulated waders
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Wind-resistant jacket
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Gloves with grip for wet conditions
Optics & Safety Gear
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Binoculars for scouting small rafts
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Headlamp for predawn setup
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PFDs for boat hunts
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Anchor lines and spare ropes for windy bays
Decoy Strategies for Buffleheads
Buffleheads love small, simple spreads. They’re highly visual birds and respond extremely well to motion and contrast.
Recommended Decoy Spread
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6–12 bufflehead decoys (drake-heavy for visibility)
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Optional: a few goldeneye or scaup decoys to add realism
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Floating motion decoys or jerk rigs to create ripples
Placement Tips
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Place decoys in small, tight clusters—mimicking natural pairs
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Leave a landing pocket 10–20 yards downwind of your blind
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Position decoys near natural structure: points, rocks, or vegetation edges
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In current or tides, use long lines to prevent drift
On Calm Days
Motion matters most—use jerk rigs or small ripplers to add realism.
Calling Techniques for Buffleheads
Unlike mallards or larger divers, buffleheads rarely respond to calling.
Best Practices
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Keep calling to a minimum
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Use only subtle diver chatter if birds hesitate
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Rely primarily on decoys, motion, and location
Location and visibility—not vocalizations—draw buffleheads in.
Scouting for Buffleheads
Scouting is often the difference between fast action and a slow morning.
What to Look For
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Small groups feeding in protected coves
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Birds trading between open water and shorelines
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Rafts in sheltered corners on windy days
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Repeating flight lines at dawn
Best Times to Scout
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Evenings: birds settle into preferred loafing or feeding waters
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Dawn: ideal for mapping their flight lanes
Watch for their signature fast wingbeat and low flight path skimming the surface.
Hunting Techniques That Work
1. Point and Shoreline Setups
Position along the inside edge of a point or small bay. Buffleheads fly these edges consistently.
2. Boat Blinds
Effective on larger water:
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Keep a low profile
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Anchor securely with two anchors to prevent swinging
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Keep decoys tight to the boat edge
3. Jump-Shooting (Where Legal)
On small rivers or backwaters, quiet approaches can create ethical close-range shots—verify your local regulations before using this method.
Shooting Tips for Bufflehead Ducks
Buffleheads fly fast and erratically. Clean shooting requires discipline.
Key Techniques
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Pick a single bird—never flock shoot
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Maintain strong footing while swinging
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Lead slightly more than you expect at 20–30 yards
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Keep cheek welded to the stock—buffleheads tempt rushed shots
Because of their small body size, accurate shot placement is crucial.
Field Care & Cooking
Buffleheads are smaller and firmer in flavor than puddle ducks, but still excellent table fare with proper handling.
Field Care
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Breast or pluck soon after harvest
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Cool quickly in warm weather
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Keep feathers and water out of meat
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Store in a breathable game bag
Cooking Tips
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Marinate or brine lightly
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Try pan-searing with butter or citrus glazes
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Excellent in stir-fries, poppers, or quick grills
Safety Considerations
Open-water duck hunting requires extra caution:
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Wear a PFD during boat travel
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Use stable blinds in wind and chop
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Avoid risky shots near rocks or boat edges
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Always track tide and weather changes
Stay safety-focused—bufflehead environments can change fast.
FAQs: Hunting Bufflehead Ducks
Do buffleheads decoy well?
Yes—few divers commit more readily to small spreads.
How many decoys do I need?
6–12 well-placed decoys are usually plenty.
What’s the best choke for buffleheads?
Improved Cylinder or Light Modified for close, fast shots.
Are buffleheads good to eat?
Yes, especially when prepared with flavorful marinades or quick-sear recipes.
Do buffleheads mix with other ducks?
Often found around goldeneyes, scoters (coastal), and other divers.
Plan Your Next Waterfowl Hunt
Bufflehead hunting is fast-paced, rewarding, and ideal for hunters who enjoy quick shooting and simple setups. With the right decoys, smart scouting, and disciplined shooting technique, you can enjoy consistent action all season long.
To explore guided duck hunts or plan your next wingshooting adventure, compare reputable outfitters through our hunt marketplace.
