Hunting for Greenheads: Gear and Techniques

Why Greenhead Hunting Demands the Right Setup

Mallard drakes—“greenheads”—are the crown jewel of North American waterfowl hunting. They’re wary, adaptable, and highly sensitive to pressure. Success comes from using the right gear and applying smart, realistic tactics that convince mature birds to finish all the way into the spread.

If you're comparing outfitters or looking for guided mallard hunts in fields, sloughs, timber, or marshes, browse vetted options through Find A Hunt.

Understanding Mallard Behavior

Key Traits of Greenheads

Highly vocal: Strong response to hen calling.
Decoy-savvy: Especially late season.
Weather-driven: Movement peaks with fresh snow, cold snaps, and wind.
Habitat flexible: Use marshes, timber holes, field edges, and small creeks.
Social hierarchy: Dominant drakes often finish first.

Daily Movement Patterns

Morning flight: Leaving roost for feed or loafing areas.
Midday: Resting on protected water.
Afternoon: Feeding again before returning to roost.

Reading these cycles helps you place your spread in the right location at the right time.

Essential Gear for Hunting Greenheads

Shotguns & Loads

Gauge: 12-gauge is standard; 20-gauge works well for close-range hunts.
Chokes: Improved cylinder (IC) for timber, modified for open water/fields.
Ammo:
- #2 or #3 steel for general hunting
- #4 steel or bismuth for tight-cover timber hunts

Premium shotshells tighten patterns and boost knockdown power.

Waders & Clothing

Greenheads live in wet places—gear must perform.

Waders

Breathable chest waders for timber or marsh.
Neoprene waders for colder late-season hunts.
Reinforced knees and boots for mud and brush.

Clothing

Layering system: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell.
Gloves, facemask, and warm beanie—mallards pick up movement and skin shine instantly.

Decoys & Spread Strategies

Decoy Types

Full-body mallards: Best realism for fields.
Floaters: Essential for open water, sloughs, and timber.
Motion decoys: Jerk strings, pulsators, and splashers for subtle movement.
Spinner wings: Effective early season; less so when birds are pressured.

Spread Size by Habitat

Timber:

6–18 decoys, loose pattern, big landing hole.
Keep decoys tight to structure for natural movement.

Small Water/Creeks:

6–12 decoys.
Use current breaks, eddies, and natural funnel points.

Big Water:

18–48+ decoys.
Include mallards plus pintail drakes for visibility.

Fields:

2–6 dozen full-bodies or silhouettes.
Mix sleepers, feeders, and actives.

Spread Shape Tips

Always leave a defined landing pocket downwind.
Use J-hooks and fishhook shapes to funnel birds naturally.
On windy days, birds land into the wind—angle spreads accordingly.

Calling Techniques for Greenheads

Early Season

Soft greeting calls
Light feeding chuckles
Content quacks

Young birds respond to simple, realistic calling.

Mid-Season

Standard cadence 5-note hen greet
Mixed feeding chatter
Comeback calls for flaring ducks

Match intensity to flock mood—don’t overpower.

Late Season

Minimal calling
Raspy duck sounds
Occasional soft quacks
Use drake whistles to sound natural in pressured areas

Late-season mallards flare from loud, overexcited calling.

Concealment: The Most Important Part of Greenhead Hunting

Mallards flare from bad hides faster than any gear failure.

Concealment Best Practices

Brush blinds heavily with local vegetation.
Use natural shadows and cover.
Avoid straight lines and unnatural shapes.
Keep your face covered.
No shiny surfaces—mud your gun barrel, thermos, and blind if needed.

Motion discipline matters—freeze when birds finish their swing.

Habitat-Specific Techniques

Timber Hunting

Hunt small holes in flooded timber.
Use low calling—sound echoes strongly in tight spaces.
Spinner wings may spook pressured birds.
Keep spread tight and leave a big center opening.

Field Hunting

Find the “X” through scouting.
Use full-bodied decoys with natural spacing.
Hide blinds with crop stubble—blending is everything.
Mix mallards with Canada geese for contrast.

Marsh Hunting

Hunt edges, pockets, and cuts in cattails.
Use motion decoys on calm days.
Keep spreads small and realistic.

River & Creek Hunting

Set spreads in slack water or eddies.
Place decoys tight to banks to simulate loafing birds.
Drift calling works well—call into the wind for better carry.

Weather Strategies for Greenhead Success

Cold Fronts

Peak greenhead movement.
Fresh migrants = easier decoying.

Snow

Mallards hit fields heavily.
Use silhouettes and full-bodies.

Wind

Best decoy commitment happens with 10–20 mph.
Set up with wind at your back or quartering.

Fog

Timber and small-water hunting shine.
Keep calling soft and steady.

Advanced Tips for Experienced Hunters

Flag sparingly on mallards—mostly a field tactic.
Mix in pintail or black duck decoys for visibility on big water.
Stay patient—greenheads often circle multiple times before committing.
Spread out hunters inside blinds to minimize silhouette concerns.
Watch body language—adjust calling and decoy motion accordingly.

When to Consider a Guided Mallard Hunt

Professional outfitters offer:

Pre-scouted feeds and roost patterns
Premium decoy spreads and blinds
Boats for marsh/timber access
Proven calling and concealment tactics
Private land with low hunting pressure

Perfect for new duck hunters or those traveling to new regions.

FAQs: Gear & Techniques for Greenhead Hunting

Do spinners work on mallards?

Great early season, but less effective late season in pressured areas.

How many decoys do I need?

6–12 for timber and small water; 2–6 dozen for fields; 2–4 dozen for big water.

What’s the best choke for mallards?

IC for close timber/creek shots; Modified for open water and fields.

Should I call aggressively?

Sometimes—match the birds. Start soft, build intensity, and never overpower.

What shot size is best?

#3 or #2 steel is the go-to choice for consistent penetration.

Ready to stack greenheads this season? Compare outfitters, explore regions, and book your next duck hunt through Find A Hunt.