Photo by R.E. Ilg

Duck hunters in South Alabama are no different from others across the rest of the country when it comes to the anticipation of waterfowl season each year. With the action approaching, South Bama waterfowlers are busy brushing up blinds, painting decoys, prepping the duck boat, practicing their duck calling and stocking up on ammunition.

Being so far south, Cotton State duck hunters must wait for several weeks as hunters farther to the north get the first crack at the ducks. The reports of early success coming from the northern states cause the hardcore Alabama hunters to tremble with excitement.

When the opening day finally arrives, Bama hunters can usually expect some fair waterfowl action. For many, the action is less than anticipated, but as the season progresses and the weather fronts push through with more regularity, more ducks are pushed south, and success rates improve. While the duck numbers may increase, the success rate for hunters is entirely up to the hunters themselves.

Migratory ducks that have made the long, difficult journey from the prairies of Canada and states along the Canadian border have probably learned a lot along the way. Birds making this centuries-old migration have seen it all. By the time they reach South Alabama, most have earned a Ph.D. in hunter avoidance.

Since the ducks have learned so much along the way, hunters have to use all their knowledge and skills in order to be successful hunting the educated ducks that have made it this far south.

Hunting ducks during even the most bountiful fall flights can be difficult this far south. However, there are several tactics you can use to take your share this season. Let's look at a few ways to outsmart these waterfowl.

WHERE TO FIND DUCKS
In order to shoot ducks, you have to be in a place where there are ducks. The No. 1 priority of ducks that reach South Alabama is food. Find the food, and you find the birds.

Most of the ducks that reach the southern coast are grass-eating species. Gadwalls, teal, widgeon, pintails and shovelers are all looking for areas with large mats of grass on which to feed. Once they find a food supply, if left undisturbed, they can stay on it for weeks.

There are several different grasses available to South Bama ducks. While not the most desired, milfoil grass is abundant in the Mobile Delta. Ducks feed aggressively on the milfoil if more desired grasses are unavailable.

Widgeon grass is a small stringy grass found in shallow, hard-to-reach areas. Find ducks feeding on widgeon grass during an afternoon of scouting and then return the following morning before daylight. Your results should be very satisfying.

Ribbon grass is a flat-bladed grass that grows in creeks and along riverbanks. Bigger ducks, like mallards and mottled ducks, feast on ribbon grass if they find it. If you find patches of ribbon grass before or during duck season, make a mental note of the locations. Be sure to check back throughout the entire season, especially after a strong front has blown through and new ducks are in the area.

Grasses are not the only food that you should be on the lookout for. In the Mobile Delta, many creatures thrive in the brackish water environment. Small seed shrimp can be a target of opportunistic ducks looking for food in secluded areas.

Seed shrimp and a variety of invertebrates use the grasses along the marsh bank to protect themselves from predators. Often, when the tides recede, the shrimp and invertebrates hide in the many drains that come from the marsh.