The Art of Sneaking Up on Wild Ducks

Many species of wild ducks live on relatively small bodies of water. To say `live' is not entirely true, as these ducks also spend time on land, and in the air. But the time spend on water resting, feeding (dabbling), raising a family, is spent sometimes on bodies of water as small as puddles. The Mallard is one such species; others include the Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon, and various Teal. And there are others. But to think that these birds are easy to sneak up on is a mistake, as their survival on such has demanded senses and habits that make them quite hard to sneak up to. There are exceptions to this, namely, such as where they have become accustomed to human contact in refuges or other areas of sanctuary, or where the rigor of migration and the demands for food and open water require they place themselves in greater jeopardy. Otherwise, one must be pretty sneaky get close enough for a good shot with gun, or camera.

Puddle ducks do not generally hide from danger; they leave. Depending on the threat, they may simply swim downstream, upstream, or away from the shore. If, however, the danger is that of a human being, they generally take (jump) to flight. As such, to get close, one must stay undetected. Wild ducks have good eyesight and hearing. So, to be sure, to sneak up on them one must stay out of sight, and be quiet. No peeking, or `standing up' to look. No snapping of twigs. No yelling at the dog, or partner, to be quiet. No stomping of feet. No noisy operation of equipment. (And cell phone turned off.)

One must know about where they (the ducks) are, and then close the distance. To be able to do this, you must have the birds spotted beforehand from afar, or have a pretty good `hunch' of where they will be. I hunt several small creeks in my area. During hunting season I hunt with shotgun (for table fare); during the rest of the year I hunt with camera (for pics), or just for practice. So I have good hunches or ideas of where the birds will be, or might be. However, just knowing where the birds will be, or might be, is not enough, as to finally get close enough to shoot (with whatever it is you are shooting with), you risk detection, or premature detection, and if you wanted to shoot them while they were just sitting there enjoying the afternoon, that chance has passed.

So, it is necessary to get very close, undetected, which requires skill, patience, and, in my opinion, an `art'. Here are some pointers.

1. Stay out of sight (already mentioned).
2. Be quite (already mentioned).
3. Do not get directly upwind of the birds. Your scent may betray you, and they will leave.
4. Ducks on small bodies of water are often in motion, either feeding, playing, or just moving about. As such, if you are well positioned, their movement might bring them into your sights when your are ready. This is ideal. Or, their movement might leave you suddenly exposed, putting you in their sight; this is not ideal; and they quickly leave.
5. Be aware of the `small' things. As wild ducks are often moving, or at least some of them moving some of the time, look for indications of their immediate presence such as the ripples (small waves) in the water from their swimming.
6. Remember that wild ducks, especially the females (`hens') are colored such as to be essentially invisible while in or next to vegetation or land. In my experience, in any group of ducks there is at least one hen on full alert, and she will be very hard to see to the undisciplined eye.
7. Be aware of other small things such as sound. You may be able to sneak close by marking their exact location through their `chatter'.
8. Finally, consider what others might consider ridiculous, or extreme. Consider camouflaged clothing, and camo face paint. If sneaking into the sun, make sure there is no glare off your watch, or camera, or glasses, to betray you.
9. Consider the final sneak in just socks, or bare feet, to be extra, extra quiet. If you are going to shoot with a camera, you can affort to go prone. If with a firearm, just `crouch'.

With these things in mind your efforts to get `really close' to these beautiful creatures can change from frustration to fascination and a sense of accomplishment. If you sneak in undetected, you can enjoy their beauty, serenity, and playful nature. And if you are a good `shot' - you can come back with some good pics, or something to cook and serve to others.