Duck Species

Sea Ducks

Old Squaw (Long-Tailed Duck)

Long-Tailed Ducks, formerly known as Old Squaws, are notable for their long, pointed tails and distinctive vocal calls. They are most commonly found in the open waters of Lake Michigan during winter, diving deep to feed on mollusks and crustaceans. Their remarkable diving ability and endurance in cold waters make them a fascinating target for winter hunting expeditions.

White-Winged Scoter

White-Winged Scoters are the largest of the scoter species, easily recognized by their white wing patches and dark bodies. They inhabit the deeper waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for mollusks and crustaceans. Hunters seek them out for their challenging dives and the rewarding pursuit they offer.

Surf Scoter

Surf Scoters are large, sea ducks with distinctive bulbous bills marked with bright colors. They are often found in the turbulent coastal zones of Lake Michigan, diving for shellfish. Their robust size and unique bill coloration make them a distinctive and challenging quarry for hunters.

Common Scoter

The Common Scoter, a rare visitor to North American waters, is a medium-sized, all-black duck, sought after by hunters for its rarity. They are occasionally spotted in the vast expanses of Lake Michigan, diving for aquatic invertebrates and fish. Their elusive nature and preference for open water make them a prized and challenging target for dedicated duck hunters.

Common Eider

The Common Eider is the largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere, easily recognized by its hefty size and distinctive plumage, with drakes sporting a black and white contrast complemented by a green nape. These sea ducks are found along the colder coastal waters of Lake Michigan, diving deep to forage on mollusks, crustaceans, and sea urchins, making them a target for waterfowl enthusiasts. The Common Eider's build and sociable nature, often gathering in large flocks, make it a prized sight for hunters.

Brant Goose

The Brant Goose, a small but strong species, is remarkable to see and is especially appealing to birdwatchers and hunters alike during its migration seasons. Known for their distinctive black head, neck, and short, stubby bill, Brant Geese are primarily vegetarians, feasting on eelgrass along coastal areas and agricultural grains, making them unique in their feeding habits compared to other waterfowl. Their presence in the area, marked by tight, vocal flocks, offers an opportunity for hunters to see a species that showcases the diverse avian life supported by the Great Lakes.

Canvasback

Canvasbacks are recognized for their sleek profile, with a long body, distinctive wedge-shaped head, and red eyes. Preferring the vegetated lakebeds of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, they dive for roots and tubers. Their powerful flight and preference for large open waters make them a prized catch for waterfowl hunters.

Diver Ducks

Redhead

Redheads boast a striking crimson head atop a black chest and gray body, making them easily identifiable. They are often found in the marshes and shallow bays of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, dabbling and diving for food. Hunters value Redheads for their sociable nature and tendency to mix with other duck species, offering a varied hunting experience.

Greater Bluebill (Scaup)

Greater Bluebills, or Greater Scaups, feature a distinctive blue bill and a rounded head with glossy green or purple sheen. They are adept divers, feeding on mollusks and plant material in the deeper waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Hunters appreciate them for their challenging flights and tendency to form large, tightly packed flocks.

Lesser Bluebill (Scaup)

Lesser Bluebills, smaller than their greater counterparts, exhibit similar blue bills but with a more peaked head shape. They thrive in the freshwater environments of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. Their swift flying and diving abilities pose an engaging challenge for duck hunters.

Goldeneye

Goldeneyes are distinguished by their striking golden-yellow eyes and bold white spots on their cheeks, set against a dark head. They are agile divers, often plunging into the cold waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay in search of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Their fast, direct flight and preference for open water areas make them a thrilling target for hunters.

Ring-Necked Duck

Despite its name, the Ring-Necked Duck is more easily identified by the bold white ring around its bill and the subtle ring around its neck. These ducks prefer the clear, deep lakes and ponds near Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. Their swift, direct flights and agility in diving make them a favorite among hunters.

Bufflehead

Buffleheads are small, buoyant ducks with large white patches on the back of their heads, contrasting with their dark bodies. They are commonly seen in the small ponds and sheltered bays of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for crustaceans and mollusks. Their rapid, low flights and quick dives challenge hunters to be precise and quick on the draw.

Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Ducks are small, compact ducks with stout bodies, sky-blue bills (in males during breeding season), and stiff tails they often hold upright. They frequent the sheltered coves and freshwater marshes around Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for seeds and insects. Their energetic diving and fast, erratic flight patterns make them an entertaining target for hunters.

Mergansers

Red-Breasted Merganser

Red-Breasted Mergansers, identifiable by their shaggy crests and serrated bills, are agile divers and fast fliers. They frequent the coastal waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, hunting for fish just below the surface. Their speed both in the air and underwater presents a challenging and rewarding hunt.

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Mergansers are small, striking ducks with distinctive large white crests that they can raise or lower. They prefer the wooded ponds and streams around Lake Michigan and Green Bay, diving for fish and crustaceans. Their unique appearance and elusive nature make them a coveted trophy for duck hunters.

Common Merganser

Common Mergansers are large, sleek ducks with long, narrow bills adapted for catching fish, their primary food source. They inhabit the rivers and lakes of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, often seen in small flocks cruising the water surface. Hunters admire them for their impressive size, striking appearance, and the skill required to hunt them effectively.