Mid to Late Season Mississippi Duck Hunting Tips

Last updated : December 24, 2012

As new ducks in the migration appear in the Mississippi Delta, they reinvigorate the wintering duck population but tend to be cautious from hunting pressure further north in the flyway. After they settle in and other migrating ducks join them, decoys and calling will become more effective. Until the numbers strengthen, mojos are more of a hindrance than advantage with the vigilant arrivals. In the mid-to-late portion of the season, I like to go with no more than a dozen mallard decoys in combination with three pintails off to the side. Also, I have experienced a great deal of January success from just eight decoys, five drakes and three hens. When in an area frequented by specks, four to six specklebelly decoys will add confidence to wary circling ducks as well as draw in small groups of specks. Soft calling and feed chuckling is key. Along with good decoy placement, being hidden well is important. Though mechanical ducks may cause flaring, movement in the decoys is still a major factor to success. I prefer a jerk string set up. Proper planning and experience pay big dividends on a January Mississippi duck hunting day.