World-Class Duck Hunting Trip in Texas

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Corpus Christi
$550 - $990 price range

Summary

Get ready for some serious duck hunting action in Texas with this private 3-hour trip. You and four buddies can hit the water and test your skills against local waterfowl. Make sure to bring all your own gear - guns, ammo, waders, and don't forget those hunting licenses. The hunt's on for mallards, pintails, and other ducks in Texas' prime wetland spots. Steel shot only out here, so come prepared. Your guide from Saltwater Therapy knows all the best hideaways where ducks like to gather. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to duck hunting, you'll have a blast calling birds and taking aim. Just picture yourself hunkered down in the blind as the sun rises, waiting for that perfect shot. It's pure Texas outdoor adventure.

Ducks in the Crosshairs

Fisherman with a big fish in Corpus Christi

Enjoying a perfect day of fishing on the coast

Reeling in memories with friends and family

Serene sunsets over Corpus Christi fishing spots

Three black drum fish caught in Corpus Christi

Angling for fun and adventure in Texas

Texas Duck Hunting: Private 3-Hour Adventure

Get ready to hit the wetlands for some serious duck hunting action in the heart of Texas! This private 3-hour trip with Saltwater Therapy Guide Services is perfect for groups of up to five hunters looking to bag some waterfowl. You'll be wading through prime duck habitat, so come prepared with your own gear and get set for an authentic Lone Star State hunting experience.

Inside the Hunt

Our Texas duck hunting trip kicks off bright and early, when the birds are most active. We'll head out to carefully scouted spots where ducks love to hang out. You and your buddies will set up in natural blinds or layout boats, depending on the location. As the sun rises, get ready for some fast-paced action as ducks start flying in. Your guide will be there to offer tips on calling and shot placement, but it's up to you to make the shots count. Remember, it's steel shot only out here, so make sure you've got the right ammo.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Texas offers a diverse range of waterfowl habitats, from coastal marshes to inland lakes and flooded timber. We might be tucked into some cattails along a lake edge, set up in a rice field, or hidden in a brush blind on the coast. Wherever we end up, you'll need to be on your toes. Ducks can come in fast and low, so quick reflexes and good shooting form are key. Your guide will help you read the wind and anticipate flight patterns. And don't forget your waders – you might need to do some retrieving if your dog's taking the day off!

Target Game Breakdown

On this trip, we're focusing on three prime duck species that call Texas home during hunting season. Let's break 'em down:

Ruddy Duck: These little guys are a blast to hunt. They're known for their stiff tails and blue bills. Ruddies are diving ducks, so they'll often pop up where you least expect them. They're not the biggest ducks out there, but what they lack in size, they make up for in taste. Ruddy ducks are most common in Texas during the late season, so if you're hunting in January, keep your eyes peeled for these compact targets.

Mallard: The classic green-headed duck that every hunter knows and loves. Mallards are bigger birds, offering a great target and even better eating. In Texas, you'll find them in good numbers, especially around flooded timber and agricultural fields. They respond well to calls, so get ready to work those duck calls. Peak mallard hunting is usually mid-season, but you can find them throughout the entire Texas duck season.

Mottled Duck: This is a special one for Texas hunters. Mottled ducks are year-round residents in coastal marshes and prairies. They look similar to hen mallards but with a darker overall color. These birds are wary and don't decoy as easily as other species, making them a real trophy for skilled hunters. Mottled ducks are most numerous early in the season, so if you're out in November or December, you've got a good shot at bagging one of these local specialties.

What to Bring to the Blind

This is a BYO-gear kind of trip, so make sure you're packing all the essentials. You'll need your shotgun (12 or 20 gauge are most common), plenty of steel shot shells (no lead allowed!), and waders to keep you dry. Don't forget your hunting license with federal and state duck stamps – your guide will check these before heading out. Camo up from head to toe, including a face mask or paint. And bring some snacks and water to keep you fueled up during the hunt. If you've got your own calls or other favorite gear, feel free to bring those along too.

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back

There's something special about duck hunting in Texas that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the mist rises off the water as the sun comes up, or the sound of wings cutting through the air as a flock drops into your spread. It could be the camaraderie of sharing a blind with your buddies, or the satisfaction of a well-placed shot. Whatever it is, this 3-hour trip gives you a taste of that Texas duck hunting magic. And with a private guide, you're getting personalized attention and access to prime hunting spots that the average joe can't reach.

Book Your Next Tag

Ready to give those Texas ducks a run for their money? This 3-hour private trip is calling your name. Round up your hunting crew (up to 5 total), grab your gear, and get ready for some world-class waterfowling. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, our guides will make sure you have a top-notch experience. Don't let another season pass you by – book your spot now and start practicing your duck call. The birds are waiting, and the blind's got your name on it. Let's get out there and make some memories!

Learn more about the species

Mallard

Mallards are the bread and butter of Texas duck hunting. These hefty birds, weighing up to 3 pounds, are widespread across the state's wetlands, rivers, and lakes. You'll recognize the males by their green heads and yellow bills, while the females sport mottled brown feathers. Mallards are adaptable feeders, often found in shallow waters dabbling for plants and insects. Peak season runs from November through January, but you can find them throughout the winter. Hunters prize Mallards for their size, abundance, and excellent table fare. They're also known for their impressive aerial acrobatics, especially when coming into decoys. To up your chances, focus on flooded timber or agricultural fields after a good rain – Mallards love newly flooded areas. And here's a local trick: try using a jerk cord on your decoys to create ripples in the water. That movement can be the deciding factor in bringing a flock right into your spread.

Mottled Duck

The Mottled Duck is a Texas specialty, often called the "summer mallard" by local hunters. These birds are about the size of a Mallard but darker, with a mottled brown plumage that blends perfectly with coastal marshes. You'll find them year-round in the wetlands and rice fields along the Gulf Coast, rarely straying far from their home turf. Early season is prime time for Mottled Ducks, as they're less wary before the hunting pressure builds up. Hunters value these birds for their challenging nature – they're notoriously cagey and hard to decoy. Their meat is top-notch too, with a rich, slightly salty flavor from their coastal diet. If you're after Mottled Ducks, focus on brackish marshes and flooded prairies. They're often found in pairs or small groups, so don't expect big flocks. One tip from the locals: try using a low, raspy call. Mottled Ducks aren't as vocal as Mallards, so a subtle approach often works best.

Ruddy Duck

The Ruddy Duck is a small, stiff-tailed duck that's a real treat to hunt in Texas. These compact birds, about 15 inches long, are known for their bright blue bills and rusty-red plumage during breeding season. You'll typically spot them in shallow, marshy areas or on small ponds. They're late migrants, so your best bet is to target them from mid-winter through early spring. Ruddies are divers, often feeding in deeper water than other ducks, which makes them a unique challenge. Hunters love 'em for their speedy, erratic flight patterns and the satisfying splash they make when they hit the water. Their meat is pretty tasty too, with a mild flavor that's not as gamey as some other ducks. If you're looking to bag a Ruddy, try setting up near stands of cattails or bulrushes – they love to hide out in thick vegetation. And remember, these little guys can really motor, so lead 'em a bit more than you might think when taking your shot.

About the Saltwater Therapy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Grab your hunting buddies and head out for some classic Texas duck hunting action! This 3-hour private trip lets you and four friends test your skills in prime waterfowl territory. You'll need to bring your own guns, ammo, waders, and valid hunting licenses - we're all about the DIY spirit here. Get ready to blend into the landscape and experience the rush of the hunt firsthand. Remember, it's steel shot only in these parts, so come prepared. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying duck hunting for the first time, you're in for a real treat. The diverse wetlands and waterways of Texas offer some of the best duck hunting around. So round up your crew, pack your gear, and get set for an authentic outdoor adventure deep in the heart of Texas. Book your spot now and let's go bag some ducks!

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