You really got wait for them where they eat or rest to have good success. They can be called but I have never had much luck with it.

 

Avoid hunting where they rest, this will push them away quickly.

They like rice and acorns. I know a local lake where they frequent a rice bed and this can be good hunting for them. I've also seen them feed extensively in areas where oak trees overhang water.

If you can find a rice patch that they normally frequent, throw a few decoys out and you will see some improvement in their decoying. They would likely land there anyway but decoys can help direct them somewhat as to where to land.

 

come down to shiawassee state game area the first week of season and jump into our flooded woods. you have to swat them off you like mosquito's. only about a 2hr drive for ya.

 

Oak trees are definitely the ticket. Often times the birds will even come onto shore by the trees. Calling can work if in good location, I have had success with a whistle call.

 

Woodies made up most of my early season bag in WI. Lots of times I would have my two wood duck part of the limit and then just sit and watch them.

They aren't the birghtest crayon in the duck world. But they are pretty. We had dekes out on little slough next to a refuge. They would fly up and down the length of the channel often lower than the trees. Basically, it was pass shooting. They fly like doves, twisting, turning.

Brian

 

My hunting partner walked into a pot hole with a slough on the tip called wood duck alley and scared out 200 wood ducks.. I dont care if you dont beleive me but he shot at one missed it and hit one behind it.. If you have any complaints let me know will settle them