Hunting Forum

Okay, So here is the problem: As a new waterfowl hunter, I cannot identify EVERY duck in my area, North Carolina, so last year I passed on ducks I could not identify. Wood ducks and Mallards are pretty much a given once they are in range. What I need is an easy to use guide to be able to recognize the ducks better as they are coming in when hunting. Does anyone know of a guide book, book or anything that will help?

They make some laminated aterfowl guides that you can buy; but they are all the same. The best guide that I used when I statrted was someone that has been hunting for years. That is not always available; I understand. It just takes time and practice with identification on the wing. I know its frustrating. I wish I had a better answer for you.

I appreciate the response, I have been trying to find someone in the local area. I will just keep looking.

Ok. Go to you fish and wild life department and talk to them. They will help.

what I did was go to a local pond with a waterfowl ID book that you can get from your library and just start to pick out the ducks
papabear

the key is identifying birds in the air, even in low light conditions.  it's not easy and i'm still learning.

wing beat, profile, size all factor. 

experience is your best bet, not what you wanted to hear i suppose

I also went to a local zoo and practiced identification. The Toledo Zoo has a good waterfowl exhibit. You might want to call some zoos around you.

I know its not what one wants to hear but it takes time and practice

I know its not what one wants to hear but it takes time and practice and good eyesight which when you get older you tend to lose it

Experience is everything, I will be learning a little each year and eventually I will get it. For now I will wait to know my target as it comes in. Thanks for the input

I have the Le master method waterfowl id book and it is what the DFG uses where i hunt here in CA

I ordered the Lemaster pocket guide and another book for identifying ducks. Hopefully they will help.

Looking at waterfowl guides will help you identify ducks and geese AFTER they are dead. Experience in the field will help you the best. Just about all ducks fly a certain way and at different speeds. The more you hunt, the better you will get at identifying ducks and geese in the field. And no that's not a duck! It's a CROW! LOL.