Maine's Premier Winter Bird Hunt with Fish N Fowl

Published Date: September 25, 2025
Fishing

Maine
$400 - $800 price range

Summary

Ready for a winter hunt in Maine? Join Fish N Fowl for a full day in the snowy woods. We'll head out for 8 hours, tracking game through the crisp landscape. Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned pro, our guides will share techniques tailored for cold weather conditions. You'll learn the ins and outs of winter hunting, from spotting signs to staying comfortable in the chill. We keep things safe and structured, so you can focus on honing your skills and enjoying the chase. It's a great way to experience Maine's winter wilderness and maybe bag some game along the way. Our small group size means plenty of one-on-one guidance. Grab your gear and let's hit the trails – Maine's winter hunting grounds are calling!

Maine's Premier Winter Bird Hunt with Fish N Fowl

Winter Hunt Snapshots

Ready For The Hunt In Maine

A lone fisherman in ME enjoying the great outdoors.

Guided Main Hunting Trips

Maine Hunting: Echoes of the Wild!

Great fishing adventure in the beautiful Maine landscape

Maine's Wild Hunt: Adventure Awaits!

Winter Waterfowl Hunt: Maine's Snowy Paradise

Strap on your snow boots and grab your shotgun - it's time for a full day of winter waterfowl hunting in Maine's pristine backcountry. This 8-hour guided trip with Fish N Fowl takes you deep into the snow-covered terrain where Canada geese and colorful ducks await. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our experienced guides will show you the ropes of cold-weather hunting and help you bag your limit. With hands-on instruction and prime hunting spots, you're in for an authentic Maine outdoor adventure. Let's hit the frozen marshes and see what flies in!

Inside the Hunt

We'll meet up before dawn, bundle up in our warmest camo, and head out to our secret honey holes. As the sky lightens, you'll hear the distinctive honks of geese and whistles of ducks echoing across the landscape. Our guides know just where to set up, blending into snowy banks and icy vegetation. We'll use a mix of field hunting and jump shooting techniques depending on conditions. You'll learn to read the birds' behavior, perfect your calling, and time your shots. Throughout the day, we'll move between spots to maximize our chances. It's hard work in the cold, but that rush when birds commit to your spread makes it all worthwhile.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Maine's winter landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for waterfowl hunters. We'll be working primarily in and around frozen marshes, icy rivers, and snow-covered fields. Expect to do some trekking through knee-deep snow - good boots are a must! We'll teach you how to spot tracks and droppings in the snow, identify feeding areas, and predict flight patterns based on weather. You'll get hands-on practice with decoy placement, learning how to create lifelike spreads that work in winter conditions. We use layout blinds and natural cover to stay hidden in the stark white landscape. Our guides will share their hard-earned wisdom on staying warm and comfortable during long waits in frigid temperatures. It's all part of the experience of becoming a true cold-weather waterfowler.

Target Game Breakdown

Canada Goose: The big honkers are our prime target on this trip. These hefty birds, weighing up to 14 pounds, offer an exciting challenge and plenty of meat for the table. In winter, they congregate in large flocks and can often be found feeding in snow-covered corn fields. Their distinctive "V" formations and loud calls make for thrilling moments as they approach your spread. Maine hosts both migratory and resident populations, giving us good numbers throughout the season.

Wood Duck: These gorgeous birds, nicknamed "woodies," are a favorite among Maine hunters. Known for their striking plumage and acrobatic flight, wood ducks add color to the winter landscape. They're typically found near wooded wetlands and can often be jumped from small, unfrozen streams. Quick on the wing, woodies will test your snap-shooting skills. While less common in winter than fall, bagging a late-season wood duck is always a special treat.

Mallard: The quintessential duck, mallards are abundant in Maine's waterways year-round. In winter, they congregate wherever they can find open water, often mixing with other species. Drakes in their full winter plumage are a sight to behold against the snow. Mallards respond well to calling and decoys, making for interactive and engaging hunts. Their size and rich flavor make them a favorite for the dinner table.

Blue-winged Teal: These small, fast-flying ducks are less common in winter but can still be found in Maine during mild years. They're often the first to head south and the last to return, so spotting them on a winter hunt is a real bonus. Teal are known for their speedy, erratic flight patterns, providing a true test of a hunter's skills. Despite their size, they're prized for their tender, flavorful meat.

Gearing Up for the Cold

Winter waterfowling isn't for the faint of heart, but with the right gear, it can be comfortable and rewarding. We'll provide detailed packing lists, but expect to layer up. Start with a good base layer of moisture-wicking material, add insulating layers of fleece or wool, and top it off with waterproof, windproof outerwear. Don't forget warm, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. We recommend hand and foot warmers for those long sits in the blind. For guns, we suggest a 12-gauge shotgun with a modified choke, loaded with steel shot as required by law. Our guides will bring extra shells, calls, and decoys, but feel free to bring your own if you have favorites.

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back

There's something special about winter waterfowl hunting in Maine that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the stark beauty of snow-covered landscapes, or the challenge of outsmarting birds in harsh conditions. Perhaps it's the camaraderie that develops when you're huddled in a blind with your hunting buddies, sharing stories and hot coffee. Or it could be the unbeatable taste of a fresh duck or goose roasted over a winter fire. Whatever the reason, this trip offers an authentic Maine outdoor experience that you just can't get anywhere else. Our repeat customers tell us it's addictive - once you've experienced the thrill of winter waterfowling, you'll be counting the days until next season.

Conservation Corner

At Fish N Fowl, we're committed to responsible hunting and conservation. We strictly adhere to all state and federal regulations, including bag limits and species restrictions. Our guides are well-versed in waterfowl identification, ensuring we only take legal birds. We encourage our hunters to participate in conservation efforts by purchasing duck stamps and supporting organizations like Ducks Unlimited. Remember, today's hunters are tomorrow's conservationists - by participating in regulated hunting, you're contributing to habitat preservation and species management that benefit all wildlife.

Book Your Next Tag

Ready to brave the cold for some world-class winter waterfowling? Our Full Day Winter Hunting Trip in Maine is calling your name. With expert guides, prime locations, and the chance to bag a mixed bag of ducks and geese, this trip offers a true taste of New England hunting tradition. Spaces fill up fast, especially as the migration peaks, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Whether you're looking to scratch that off-season hunting itch or want to try something new, this trip delivers. Give us a call or book online today, and let's get you out there where the action is. Trust us, there's nothing quite like the sound of wingbeats over a snowy Maine marsh at dawn. See you in the blind!

Learn more about the animals

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged teal are small, speedy ducks that offer a unique hunting challenge in Maine. These compact birds, weighing only about a pound, are among the first to migrate south in the fall. That means early season is your best bet for targeting them, usually September. You'll find blue-wings in shallow wetlands, flooded fields, and along the edges of ponds. They're known for their fast, erratic flight, which makes them a favorite among hunters who enjoy testing their wing-shooting skills. The meat is top-notch too - tender and flavorful. These ducks often travel in small flocks and prefer areas with plenty of vegetation for cover. Dawn and dusk are prime times to catch them feeding. Here's a local tip: when setting decoys for teal, less is often more. A small spread of 6-12 decoys can be very effective. And don't forget to bring your fastest load - you'll need quick shots to connect with these zippy little ducks.

Canada Goose (+ subspecies)

These big birds are a staple of Maine's winter hunting. Weighing up to 14 pounds, Canada geese are often found in fields, marshes, and along coastlines. They're smart and wary, which makes for a challenging hunt. Best time to target them is early morning or late afternoon when they're feeding. Hunters love 'em for their size, the sport, and their rich, dark meat. During winter, look for them near open water that hasn't frozen over. They'll often return to the same spots daily, so scouting is key. One trick: use a flag to simulate a goose landing. Wave it when you see a flock approaching - it can help draw them in closer. Remember, these geese have excellent eyesight, so good camouflage is crucial. With the right setup and a bit of patience, bagging a Canada goose can be one of the most rewarding experiences in waterfowl hunting.

Mallard

Mallards are the bread and butter of duck hunting in Maine. These medium-sized ducks, known for the drake's green head, are adaptable and can be found in just about any wetland habitat. They're strong flyers but not as quick as some other ducks, making them a good target for beginners and seasoned hunters alike. Fall and early winter are prime mallard seasons here. Hunters love 'em for their widespread availability and their reputation as one of the best-tasting ducks out there. Look for mallards in shallow marshes, flooded timber, and agricultural fields. They're most active at dawn and dusk, coming in to feed. One tip that works well: use a jerk cord on your decoy spread. Mallards are attracted to water movement, and a few ripples can make your setup much more convincing. Remember, mallards are wary birds, so good concealment is crucial. With some patience and the right call, you can have a great day pursuing these classic ducks.

Wood Duck

Wood ducks are some of the prettiest birds you'll see in Maine's waters. These colorful ducks, about the size of a pigeon, prefer wooded swamps and beaver ponds. They're fast flyers and great at maneuvering through trees, which makes them a fun challenge to hunt. Early fall is prime time for wood ducks, before they migrate south. Hunters prize them for their striking plumage and tasty meat. You'll often find them hanging out near fallen logs or overhanging branches at the water's edge. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so that's when you'll want to be out there. One local trick: set up your decoys close to shore in small groups. Wood ducks like company but tend to gather in smaller flocks than other species. Listen for their distinctive squealing call - it's a dead giveaway. Quick shooting is key with these agile birds, so stay alert and be ready to act fast when they appear.

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