The long-tailed duck, also known as oldsquaw, is a medium-sized sea duck that breeds in the arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They are migratory birds that winter along both coasts of North America from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. Long-tailed ducks feed by diving underwater to depths of up to 60 feet to catch mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.
The long-tailed duck is considered a game bird and is legal to hunt during regulated hunting seasons in the United States and Canada. However, there are specific regulations, license requirements, and limits that must be followed. In this article, we will explore the key considerations around hunting long-tailed ducks including season dates, bag limits, required licenses, regulations around baiting, decoys, and more.
Long-tailed Duck Hunting Seasons
Long-tailed ducks are hunted during the regular waterfowl hunting seasons set by each state and province. Most areas have a hunting season that runs from early fall through winter. Here are some examples of long-tailed duck hunting season dates for 2021:
State/Province | Long-tailed Duck Season Dates |
---|---|
California | October 23 – January 30 |
Oregon | October 9 – January 31 |
Washington | October 16 – January 30 |
Alaska | September 1 – December 16 |
Yukon (Canada) | August 15 – December 31 |
Ontario (Canada) | September 25 – December 31 |
It’s important to check the regulations for the specific state, province, or management area you plan to hunt in to ensure you have the accurate season dates and know when hunting is open and closed. The season may also be split into different segments throughout the fall and winter months.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
Most areas that allow long-tailed duck hunting have a daily limit on the number of long-tailed ducks that can be harvested by one person in a single day. There is also typically a possession limit, which is the maximum number of long-tailed ducks that can be possessed at one time.
Here are some example long-tailed duck bag and possession limits for certain states and provinces:
State/Province | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
---|---|---|
California | 7 | 21 |
Oregon | 7 | 21 |
Washington | 5 | 15 |
Alaska | 10 | 30 |
Yukon (Canada) | 8 | 24 |
Ontario (Canada) | 6 | 18 |
The daily limit sets the maximum number that can be legally harvested in one day, while the possession limit is the maximum that can be legally possessed at any time. It’s critical to know the specific bag and possession limits that apply to the area you are hunting. Exceeding these limits can lead to citations, fines, and possible revocation of hunting licenses.
Required Hunting Licenses
To legally hunt long-tailed ducks, you must have all required hunting licenses and stamps. Typical required licenses include:
– Small game or waterfowl hunting license
– State or provincial migratory waterfowl stamp
– Federal migratory bird hunting stamp (federal duck stamp in the U.S.)
– General hunting license for the state or province
You may also need a state wildlife management area permit or other special permit to access certain public lands. Requirements vary by location, so verify all necessary licenses before going on a hunt. Make sure the licenses are valid for the current hunting season and have not expired. Also verify any hunter education requirements, especially if you are a newer hunter.
Legal Hunting Methods
Long-tailed ducks may only be hunted using legal weapons and ammunition as dictated by local regulations. Typical legal methods include:
– Shotgun – Most areas allow shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, loaded with nontoxic shot. Lead shot is banned for waterfowl hunting across the U.S. and Canada.
– Bow and arrow – Archery equipment like recurve, long, or compound bows are permitted. Arrows must have non-barbed broadhead points.
– Falconry – Using trained raptors to take long-tailed ducks is legal with the proper falconry hunting permits and licenses.
– Muzzleloader – Black powder muzzleloading shotguns are allowed during muzzleloader hunting seasons.
Illegal hunting methods like using live decoys, night hunting, semi-automatic firearms, toxic shot, crossbows, and more are prohibited. Baiting or “bait stations” where corn, wheat, or other food sources are used to attract birds are also not allowed.
Decoys and Calling
Decoys and bird calls are commonly used as effective methods to attract long-tailed ducks within range during a hunt. Decoys floating on the water mimic flocks of ducks and draws them into the hunting area.
Many types of long-tailed duck decoys are available including:
– Carved wooden decoys
– Injection molded plastic decoys
– Realistic photo-printed decoys
– Silhouette and shadow decoys
A mixed spread of drake (male) and hen (female) decoys can be used to appear like a natural flock. Motion decoys that move or spin with wind or battery power also help attract birds.
For calling, hunters use long-tailed duck whistles and reed call devices to imitate quacks, feeding chuckles, alarm calls, and other vocalizations by the birds. This communicates and pulls in nearby flocks during migration or on wintering grounds. Using proper decoy setups and calling techniques takes practice.
Best Practices for Hunting Long-tailed Ducks
For successful and ethical long-tailed duck hunting, experts recommend:
– Scouting areas ahead of time to locate flocks and determine flight patterns and feeding locations. This allows setting up properly.
– Using safe boating practices to access hunting areas on water. Wearing life jackets and avoiding capsizing risks.
– Choosing concealed blinds that blend into the surroundings, whether natural vegetation or man-made structures.
– Setting out decoys with proper spacing, anchor weights, and positioning that appears natural. Place upwind from shooting position.
– Calling judiciously and not overcalling. Match call volume to wind conditions.
– Having fast crippled duck retrieval dogs available. Downed birds must be retrieved quickly before they can dive and disappear.
– Making quick clean kills only within 40-50 yard shooting range.
– Knowing safe firearm handling on boats and around companions. Keeping guns unloaded until ready to shoot.
– Picking up all decoys after hunting and disposing of any trash or spent shell casings. Leaving no trace behind.
Ethical hunters make conservation and safety top priorities when pursuing long-tailed ducks. Following best practices ensures a rewarding hunt while maintaining healthy flocks.
Conclusion
Long-tailed ducks provide exciting hunting opportunities during their fall and winter migrations. However, following all regulations for required licenses, season dates, bag limits, legal methods, and area access is critical. Proper preparation, scouting, decoy use, and sportsmanship allows hunters to responsibly pursue these sea ducks while helping maintain abundant populations across their range. With knowledge and skills, bird hunters can enjoy successful long-tailed duck hunting for seasons to come.