Why Field vs. Water Matters for Mallards

Mallards often choose where to feed or loaf based on:

• Temperature

• Snow cover

• Water availability

• Hunting pressure

• Wind

• Recent weather fronts

• Local vs. migrating birds

Understanding these shifts helps you consistently pick the right spread each hunt.

When Mallards Prefer Water

1. Early Season

Greenheads stick to:

• Small ponds

• Creeks

• Sloughs

• Marsh pockets

Early-season birds prioritize natural food sources like invertebrates and vegetation.

2. Calm, Warm Conditions

When water stays open, mallards loaf and socialize on ponds.

3. Heavy Hunting Pressure in Fields

After a few field hunts, pressured birds retreat to quiet water pockets.

4. New Migrants

Fresh northern ducks often hit small water first to rest and rehydrate.

When Mallards Prefer Fields

1. Cold Weather

As water freezes, birds move to grain for calories:

• Corn

• Wheat

• Barley

• Soybeans

2. Snow Cover

Snow pushes mallards to feed in fields where high-energy grain is accessible.

3. Afternoon Feeding Patterns

Mallards commonly field-feed later in the day, especially after a cold morning.

4. Big Migrator Pushes

Migrating mallards pile into easy-access food sources.

Building a Deadly Water Spread for Greenheads

1. Keep It Small and Natural

Mallards are cautious on still water.
A good starting point:

• 8–18 floaters

• 2–3 mallard pairs

• 1–2 hen-only decoys for realism

Early season: small spreads work best.
Late season: bump numbers slightly.

2. Use Motion Correctly

Subtle is better.

• Jerk cords

• Ripple devices

• A single swimmer decoy

Avoid overusing spinning-wing decoys in tight cover; pressured mallards flare easily.

3. Create a Defined Landing Pocket

Mallards want:

• Open water

• Soft edges

• A clear approach lane

Leave a 10–15 yard hole downwind of your blind.

4. Hide Like Your Hunt Depends on It

Because it does.

Use:

• Cattails

• Willows

• Marsh grass

• Natural brush

Blend the blind into the environment—not on top of it.

5. Call Softly on Water

Water hunts require finesse:

• Soft greeting calls

• Feeding chuckles

• Whines and drake whistles

Sound natural, not aggressive.

Building an Effective Field Spread for Greenheads

1. Use a Realistic Mix of Full-Bodies and Silhouettes

Mallards on fields look busy and scattered.

Recommend:

• 12–24 full-body mallards

• 18–36 silhouettes for mass

• A few sleeper shells on cold days

Spread size increases with bird numbers.

2. Create a Wide, Inviting Kill Hole

Place a 20–40 yard pocket:

• Downwind

• Centered on your blind

• Low-profile and natural

Mallards glide into open pockets, not into tight clumps.

3. Add Goose Decoys for Visibility

Mallards often feed with honkers.

Use:

• 6–12 Canada goose full-bodies or silhouettes

This adds realism and draws distant ducks.

4. Hide Using Field-Specific Cover

Field concealment is everything.

Use:

• Stubble

• Chaff

• Bland, natural-colored grass

• Layouts, A-frames, or panel blinds

Blend into the field—not the sky.

5. Call Aggressively to Pull Migrators

Field mallards respond well to:

• Excited greeting calls

• Comeback sequences

• Rapid chatter

High-energy calling works, especially during migration.

Field vs. Water: Which Is Better?

Adaptability is the key to consistent greenhead success.

Advanced Tactics for Both Setups

1. Scout Hard and Often

Mallards change patterns quickly:

• Check roosts

• Watch flight lines

• Monitor feed cycles

The right spread in the wrong place still fails.

2. Use the Sun to Your Advantage

Position blinds:

• With sun at your back

• Avoiding glare in shooters’ eyes

Mallards struggle to see into the sun—use that.

3. Match Spread Size to Pressure

• High pressure: small, realistic spreads

• Fresh migrators: bigger, bolder spreads

4. Watch the Wind

Mallards land into the wind—always design spreads around wind structure.

Why Many Hunters Book Guided Mallard Hunts

Mallard outfitters provide:

• Pre-scouted feeds

• Private fields and water holes

• Professionally set spreads

• Quality calling and blind concealment

• Consistent action during peak migration

• Safe setups for groups and beginners

Guides remove the guesswork and maximize success. Browse proven options on our hunt marketplace.

FAQs About Field vs. Water Spreads for Mallards

Do mallards prefer fields or water?
It changes daily—weather and pressure dictate their preference.

How many decoys do I need for field hunts?
A good starting point is 24–48 mallard decoys plus a handful of geese.

Are spinner decoys good for mallards?
Yes—especially in fields. Use cautiously on tight water.

Where should blinds go in a field spread?
In the spread or just downwind of the kill pocket.

What’s the best time for water hunts?
Mornings—mallards loaf on water after feeding.

Using field vs. water spreads for greenheads comes down to reading the conditions, scouting hard, building natural decoy setups, and hiding smarter than the birds expect. With the right approach for the day’s behavior, you can consistently put mallards in the decoys. When you're ready to book a high-quality mallard hunt, compare trusted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.