iSportsman Staff

Duck hunting is a fun tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts, and the United States offers some of the best locations in the world for this sport. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just getting started, these are the best duck hunting states that provide great opportunities for a successful duck hunt.

Best Duck Hunting States

1. Louisiana

Louisiana, often referred to as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” is one of the best duck hunting states. The extensive wetlands, bayous, and coastal marshes provide ideal habitats for a variety of waterfowl species, including mallards, gadwalls, and pintails. The Mississippi Flyway, a migration route that accounts for about 40% of all North American migrating waterfowl, runs through Louisiana, making it a critical stopover for migrating ducks. Plan a trip to the Louisiana Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge here.

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2. North Dakota

North Dakota offers some of the most abundant and diverse duck populations in the country. The state’s vast prairies and wetlands attract large numbers of ducks, including blue-winged teal, mallards, and pintails. The Central Flyway passes through North Dakota, making it a hotspot during the migration season. The Devils Lake region and the Missouri Coteau are among the top hunting spots in the state. Learn more about hunting ducks in the state here.

3. Missouri

Missouri, located along the Mississippi Flyway, is also one of the best duck hunting states. The numerous wetlands, rivers, and lakes provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of waterfowl. The “Golden Triangle” is known for its high concentrations of ducks. You can plan a duck hunting trip to Fort Leonard Wood here.

4. Texas

Texas offers a diverse range of duck hunting environments, from coastal marshes to inland reservoirs. The state’s size and varied ecosystems attract a wide range of duck species, including pintails, teal, and redheads. The coastal region near Rockport and the marshes around the Gulf Coast are popular spots for hunting, especially for those looking to target redheads. You can plan a hunting trip to Fort Cavazos here.

5. California

California might not be the first state that comes to mind for duck hunting, but it boasts some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities on the West Coast. The Sacramento Valley, located along the Pacific Flyway, is a great destination for hunters. The region attracts large numbers of ducks, including mallards, pintails, and wigeons. Plan your trip to the following iSportsman locations below:

• Fort Hunter Liggett
• Vandenberg SFB
• MCB Camp Pendleton
• Edwards AFB

6. Arkansas

Arkansas is often considered the duck hunting capital of the world, and for good reason. The state’s extensive bottomland hardwood forests, rice fields, and flooded timber provide ideal habitats for waterfowl. The Arkansas Delta, particularly the area around Stuttgart, is world-renowned for its duck hunting. The state’s position along the Mississippi Flyway ensures a steady stream of migrating ducks, including mallards, teal, and gadwalls. Plan your trip to Little Rock Air Force Base here.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to hunt in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway or explore the diverse ecosystems of Texas and California, these six states offer some of the best duck hunting experiences in the country. Each state provides unique opportunities, so be sure to try them all out if you’re able — it’ll be worth your time!

Find more great duck hunting locations on iSportsmanUSA.