Chasing greenheads—big, late-season mallard drakes—is one of waterfowling’s greatest thrills. But hunting mallards in flooded timber requires a completely different approach than hunting them in agricultural fields. From calling style to concealment to decoy placement, everything changes with the habitat.

This guide breaks down proven tactics for both timber and field mallard hunts so you can adjust quickly and put more greenheads feet-down in the decoys. To compare mallard outfitters and private-access opportunities, explore Find A Hunt.

Timber vs. Field: How Greenheads Behave in Each Habitat

Understanding these differences is essential before choosing your setup.

Flooded Timber Strategies for Greenheads

Hunting mallards in timber offers some of the most intimate, close-range shooting in waterfowling. Birds drop straight down through the canopy, responding aggressively to calls when conditions are right.

Where to Find Greenheads in Flooded Timber

Look for:

• Open timber holes (“mallard holes”)

• Gaps in the canopy

• Small pockets off sloughs or oxbows

• Timber edges with shallow, knee-deep water

• Freshly flooded oak flats

Mallards use timber for loafing, feeding on acorns, and avoiding predators.

Timber Calling Tactics

Calling is the heart of timber hunting.

Use Strong, Aggressive Cadence

• Loud hail calls to grab attention

• Fast, excited feed chuckles

• Comeback calls as birds circle

• Whines and pleading cadences as they drop in

Timber multiplies your sound through the trees—use that echo to your advantage.

When to Call Less

On sunny, calm days birds may circle endlessly. Use:

• Soft quacks

• Light clucks

• Gentle chatter

Let the decoys finish them.

Timber Decoy Strategies

Spread Size

• 6–18 decoys is ideal

• Use high-visibility drakes

• Add 1–2 motion decoys (pulsators or jerk cord)

Placement

• Create a visible landing hole under the canopy

• Keep decoys tight and natural

• Place motion decoys near the center

• Use logs, stumps, and natural structure to frame the hole

Greenheads lock up better when they can see the water clearly.

Timber Concealment

Timber hides hunters well—if you use shadows correctly.

• Stand against large trees

• Keep your face down until birds are committed

• Wear dark timber camo

• Minimize movement—mallards stare downward as they drop

No blinds needed—natural cover is king.

Ideal Timber Conditions

Greenheads work best in:

• Cloudy, windy weather

• Light drizzle or fog

• Rising water

• Mid-morning lull periods

Classic “timber days” feature wind-driven movement and low ceilings.

Field Strategies for Greenheads

Field hunting is very different from timber: more visibility, more pressure, more movement, and often larger spreads. But when the birds are feeding in dry or shallow ag fields, nothing compares.

Where to Find Mallards in Fields

Target:

• Cut corn

• Harvested beans

• Wheat and barley stubble

• Flooded rice fields

• Sheet water pockets

• Pivot corners with standing water

Mallards feed aggressively in fields after cold snaps and during migration peaks.

Field Calling Tactics

Field birds respond to calling—but not like timber mallards.

Use Controlled Calling

• Short greeting routines

• Feed chuckles

• Whines and single-note quacks

• Comeback calls when flocks slide wide

Field calling is about realism—not volume.

When to Stay Quiet

If birds are pressured:

• Let your decoys and motion do the work

• Only call to finish birds or pull stragglers

• Use whistles sparingly for confidence

Field Decoy Strategies

Spread Size

• 6–10 dozen is typical for field hunts

• Mix full bodies, silhouettes, and motion decoys

• Use honker decoys occasionally to add realism

Spread Shape

Common field patterns:

• U-shape

• V-shape

• J-hook

• Big blob with wide kill hole

Always leave:

• A visible “runway”

• A downwind landing pocket

Add Motion

Motion sells the spread:

• Spinning wings (early season or low pressure)

• Flappers

• Ripple makers in sheet water

Late-season pressured ducks may flare off spinners—turn them off as birds finish.

Field Concealment

In fields, concealment is everything.

Choose:

• A-frame blinds brushed with local vegetation

• Layout blinds with heavy stubble

• Panel blinds with natural fencing

• Pit blinds (ideal if available)

Pro tip:
Break up straight lines. Mallards flare on unnatural shapes.

Ideal Field Conditions

Field hunts shine during:

• Cold fronts

• Freeze-up periods that push birds out of wetlands

• Strong winds

• Snowfall or overcast mornings

When birds are forced to feed hard, field hunts are unbeatable.

Timber vs. Field: Which Should You Hunt?

Hunt Timber When:

• Water levels are right

• Birds are loafing or roosting close

• You want close-range, aggressive calling

• Weather is windy or overcast

Hunt Fields When:

• Ducks are feeding aggressively

• Hard freezes lock up shallow water

• Late-season birds are pressured

• Strong winds push mallards to dry feeds

Both habitats can produce world-class mallard hunts—you just need to choose based on weather, bird movement, and behavior.

Tips for Consistent Greenhead Success

• Scout daily—mallards shift fast

• Match calling to habitat

• Use concealment that fits the terrain

• Keep spreads natural, not perfect

• Adjust motion based on pressure

• Time hunts around weather fronts

• Shoot one greenhead at a time—don’t flock-shoot

Mastering both timber and field strategies makes you a versatile mallard hunter.

Why Book a Mallard Hunt Through Find A Hunt?

Mallard hunting success depends on access, scouting, and local knowledge. Booking through our hunt marketplace provides:

• Access to premier timber holes and private ag fields

• Experienced callers and decoy spread setups

• Scouted feed fields and water roosts

• Heated blinds and comfortable setups

• Mixed-bag opportunities with geese, pintails, and more

Whether you want a classic timber hunt or a high-action field shoot, professional guides dramatically improve success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are timber mallards easier to call?

Yes—timber birds often respond aggressively to loud calling.

How many decoys do I need for field hunts?

A few dozen is the minimum, but 6–10 dozen is ideal for big feeds.

Are spinners good for timber?

Use sparingly—trees limit their effectiveness and pressured birds may flare.

When is the best time to field hunt mallards?

Cold fronts, freeze-ups, and strong winds create excellent field hunts.

How close are timber shots?

Often within 10–25 yards. Field shots are usually 20–40 yards.

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