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Duck Hunting vs Turkey Hunting: Which Should You Try?

Duck Hunting vs Turkey Hunting

If you’re anything like me, and you were born in the 80’s, your first experience with duck hunting might have been playing the Super Mario Bros/Duck Hunt combo Nintendo game. (If you are a lot younger, you probably have no idea what I am talking about and likely had way more advanced experiences than I did with video game hunting.)

If you live in the United States, you probably associate biting into a juicy piece of turkey meat at Thanksgiving with your loved ones, with the concept of turkey hunting.

A Brief History of Duck and Turkey Hunting

At some point, a few years ago, during Thanksgiving, I started to wonder how I could hunt for turkey myself and started to become interested in trying it out. At that point, I began to research turkey and waterfowl hunting.

Both turkey and duck hunting have been a large part of American history. Both of these birds have been part of American pastimes and our diets for quite some time. According to Riceland, ducks have been sought after for food for around 12,000 years, however the way in which they have been hunted has evolved over time.

Turkeys were hunted by Native Americans for food and for their feathers. Turkeys were later hunted and consumed by early European settlers, while they became a more popular part of Americans’ diets in the 1800’s, according to Enfilade.

While both duck and turkey hunting offer their own unique hunting experiences, they each require different methods of hunting, and each can only be done in certain areas. For example, ducks love water, while most turkeys seem to hang out in wooded areas but this varies depending on the turkey species.

Different Environments and Habitats

If you are interested in duck or turkey hunting, you need to make sure you know where to find them.

Ducks are typically found near ponds, marshes, rivers, or similar bodies of water. They are omnivores and typically eat what is available to them in their habitat, including insects, and various plants, according to Birdspot.

While various types of turkeys live in varying habitats, most turkeys live in forests or wooded areas, as they are typically found near trees, where they tend to nest. According to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) turkeys are found near trees, grasses, and moisture. Like ducks, turkeys are also omnivores and eat whatever is available to them including insects and plants.

These two different types of habitats will of course affect the hunting methods and the gear you would need for each type of hunting.

Methods, Equipment, and Gear

Duck hunters need to be prepared to wait and wade. They typically use shotguns to hunt and will need waders to wade through the wetlands, ponds, rivers, or lakes. Duck hunters should definitely plan on wading through water in order to get access to a good shot. It is important to also be camouflage so you can wade and wait unnoticed.

Blinds can also be used to further conceal yourself. It is always a good plan to place duck decoys out in order to attract the ducks. Some duck hunters prefer to shoot the ducks while flying, while some prefer to shoot them while they are in water. Some hunters just simply shoot when they have a shot, regardless of where the ducks are. According to Outrigger, you will need a shotgun with ammo, warm camouflage clothing (as you may be sitting and waiting for them for awhile) and duck decoys.

Varying Hunting Strategies and Techniques

Hunting for duck and hunting for turkey each require the use of different strategies and techniques. Success with these strategies comes with time and practice as you get to know these birds and their patterns and get comfortable with the various hunting methods.

Most of the time, duck hunting requires the use of a blind (or staying behind thick brush) and a great deal of hiding and staying quiet either near or in the water. As mentioned, duck decoys can be used and placed somewhat near you, but not too close. Some waterfowl hunters, as described by Ducks Unlimited, suggest placing the decoys at an angle so the ducks cross over to the decoy and pass by your blind, giving you opportunity for a great shot. Also, the ducks won’t look directly at you and possibly get spooked by you and/or your dog.

Speaking of dogs, duck hunters often use hunting companions, such as Labrador retrievers or other retrieving dogs. According to Sport Mix, these dogs typically are strong swimmers (in cold water), have a high endurance, and are specifically trained and bred to retrieve waterfowl.

On the topic of retrieving, some duck hunters use the pass shooting method, which is basically taking your shot as the ducks fly by and then retrieving the duck after it falls (or having your hunting companion do this for you).

Turkey hunting uses some different strategies. Turkey hunters do more hiking as they are stalking and trying to find the turkeys, rather than sitting and waiting. It is important to get off the beaten path to find the turkeys, so bring your hiking boots. It is still important to be quiet so you don’t scare them. If they see or hear you, it’s likely game over. Turkey hunting requires you to be sneaking around and on the move.

Using a turkey call, to call in the toms, is pretty common practice. There are many different kinds of calls, but we have always used box calls as we have found them to be the most straightforward and user friendly.

If you are lucky enough to call a turkey in, or spot one, act fast so you don’t miss your opportunity.

Challenges and Thrills of Each Hunt

Both turkey and duck hunting come with their own sets of challenges. Both can be thrilling and rewarding in different ways.

With duck hunting, you can get in the water, which is fun for some, but can also be uncomfortable hanging out in cold water. Hunters can try to pass shoot, and/or draw ducks in with decoys. It is crucial to be patient but this type of hunting can be very rewarding and can maybe bring up old memories of duck hunt/Super Mario bros.

With turkey hunting, get ready to quietly put your best foot forward and get off the beaten path. You may be putting in some miles. Using a call is very helpful and pretty much crucial but it’s important to be very stealthy.

Seasons, Licenses, and Permits

As with all hunting, always check your state’s hunting laws, permit requirements, bag limits, season dates, etc. The rules vary from state to state and region by region so always be familiar with the regulations.

In most states, turkey hunting takes place in the spring, which is the breeding season. Some states, such as Florida, have a fall season as well.

Duck hunting, in most states, is usually during the winter months, sometimes late fall. This is why it’s important to dress accordingly because it will likely be cold, especially if you are wading through cold water.

Conservation Efforts for Ducks and Turkeys

Regarding turkey conservation, it is imperative that hunters are responsible and follow state regulations and bag limits. There are also conservation programs in place such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, that work to support conservation by preserving habitats.

Delicious Duck and Tasty Turkey Recipes

Most of us hunt with the idea of eventually stocking our freezers and cooking some delicious meals. While there are probably thousands of ways to cook both duck and turkey, here are a few ideas for both.

Duck Recipes

Turkey Recipes

Roasted duck with veggies

Oven baked duck

Duck stir fry with veggies and rice

Grilled Duck
Roasted Turkey

Turkey jerky

Turkey sandwiches

Turkey burgers

Turkey hot dogs

Turkey tacos (with ground turkey)

Turkey meatballs with pasta

Duck Hunting vs Turkey Hunting: Your Next Adventure?

Clearly, duck hunting and turkey hunting can both be amazing experiences. They both can provide you with some tasty dinners and are both classic American traditions.

Whether you are using duck decoys in the winter, or making gobbling sounds in the spring, hunting either of these birds can be a rewarding and thrilling experience. If you are lucky enough, you can try both!

Photo by mtoome