Photo by Tom Evans

By Mike Bleech

With puddle duck numbers inconsistent and competition for them intense, avid New York waterfowlers are turning to sea ducks for late-season sport.

And what sport it is! From the smallish longtails (old-squaws) to the relatively big eiders, these hardy diving ducks love to fly with a tailwind at speeds that leave puddle duck hunters shaking their heads. Their typical low-to-the-water approach means you might not see them coming until they are suddenly in and then out of range. Sea ducks will come to decoys, but if they do not crash land into your decoy spread, they can be gone in the time it takes to raise your shotgun.

Sea ducks include black scoters, white-winged scoters, surf scoters, long-tailed ducks and a few eiders. Bay ducks, such as goldeneyes (also called whistlers) and the diminutive buffleheads, are usually classed as "sea ducks" because they are commonly seen in the same places as divers.

Many sea duck hunters also target brant during the late season. Great South Bay, Hempstead Bay and South Oyster Bay are a few of the most likely places to find brant. Other smaller bays can also provide good shooting. Because of the decline of sea grass beds, brant sometimes can be found inland feeding on grass.

All migratory game bird hunters must register each license year and for each state in which they plan to hunt migratory game birds. To register, call (888) 427-5447. Registration takes about five minutes, at the end of which a confirmation number is given as proof of compliance.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation encourages waterfowl hunters to consider purchasing a $5 Habitat-Access Stamp when they purchase their license. Funds derived from the sale of the new optional stamp help support DEC efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.

Although you are generally home free once you get onto open water, there are confusing exceptions. The town of Southampton claims ownership of the bay bottom and requires duck hunters to be town residents or in the company of a resident guide. A private gun club has exclusive rights to most of Bellport Bay. Local municipalities may pass ordinances that prohibit the discharge of firearms. The DEC does not provide information about these situations, so it's up to the hunter to do his homework.

Access to the water is severely limited. Various agencies and municipalities control the available boat launch ramps. Fees are charged at some, with different fees for residents and non-residents. Public boat access areas require permits, and although some fees and permits might not be enforced during January, do not plan on this.

DEC boat ramps are near the U. S. Coast Guard Station at East Moriches, along county Route 21 north of the Long Island Expressway Exit 67, off South River Road east of Edwards Avenue at Calverton, and along Route 25 at Riverhead.

While a boat is necessary to reach the better sea duck hunting, the DEC has several properties that are open to hunting from shore, and there are some opportunities for sea ducks.

A free three-year permit is required to use these areas. Permits are available from NYS DEC, Attn: Sporting Licenses, SUNY Building 40, Stony Brook, NY 11790-2356.

Dogs or boats are almost always necessary to retrieve ducks. Tides can alter water levels several feet, which poses hazards to duck hunters who wade to hunt sea ducks or use dogs to retrieve their kills. Be sure to check the daily tide tables, which are available from newspapers and other local sources.