Home / Duck Hunts

Waterfowl · Thousand Islands, NY

Guided duck hunts on the St. Lawrence.

Cold sunrises, birds working down the river, and a guide who knows where they like to sit down. Richard Drake runs guided duck and goose hunts around Alexandria Bay for hunters of every experience level, from first-timers to old hands.

Request a trip Call or text 315-836-5798

Ducks & geese
Boat or blind
Decoys supplied
Dogs welcome
Birds cleaned

How it works

How a hunt goes.

Hunts start early and are built around the wind, the weather, and where the birds are using that week.

Before sunriseMeet Richard at the dock
He'll confirm the meeting spot when he books your hunt, then you head out in the dark.
SetupDecoys out, settle in
Richard sets the spread and gets you settled in the boat or a blind, whichever fits the day.
First lightBirds start moving
Richard calls the birds and helps first-timers with when to shoot. Your dog is welcome to work the retrieves.
After the huntBirds cleaned
Richard cleans your ducks and geese so they're ready for the cooler.

Good to know

Why hunt the St. Lawrence?

The St. Lawrence is a major waterfowl flyway. In late fall, diving ducks like scaup (bluebills), goldeneye, and buffleheads ride the open water, along with mallards, black ducks, and Canada geese.

Richard has run boats on this river for more than 30 years, so he knows the bays, points, and shoals where birds sit down when the wind turns. He's a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and a New York State licensed guide.

What's included.

We provide

Boat or blind
Decoys
Calling & guiding
Bird cleaning
Loaner shotguns on request

You bring

NY hunting license
HIP registration (current season)
Federal duck stamp (ages 16+)
Non-toxic shotshells
Your shotgun (or borrow one)
Warm, waterproof dark or camo layers
Hat, gloves & warm boots
Snacks & a thermos

Licenses & rules

Waterfowl hunters in New York need a hunting license, HIP registration for the current season, and, if 16 or older, a federal duck stamp. Only non-toxic shot is allowed for waterfowl. NYSDEC sets season dates and bag limits each year, so check the current rules before your hunt.

NYSDEC hunting info → Federal Duck Stamp →

Bring your dog

Dogs are welcome on Richard's hunts. If your retriever loves the water, the St. Lawrence will give it plenty to do.

On the water

A retriever swimming among ducks at dawn

Mallards, wood ducks, and a Canada goose on calm water

Questions

Good questions, straight answers.

Still wondering about something? Richard is happy to talk it over. Call or text anytime.

315-836-5798

How much does a guided duck hunt cost?

Duck and goose hunts are priced by the hunt. Call or text Richard at 315-836-5798 for current pricing and open dates.

When is duck season on the St. Lawrence River?

NYSDEC sets waterfowl seasons each year, and they generally run from fall into early winter. Diving ducks are at their best later in the season, as northern birds move down the river. Richard will tell you the best dates when you book.

Do you hunt from a boat or a blind?

Both. Richard decides each day based on the wind, the weather, and where the birds are using.

Can I bring my hunting dog?

Yes. Dogs are welcome.

What if I don't have a shotgun?

Richard has shotguns available for hunters who can't bring their own, which helps if you're traveling. Mention it when you book.

Do I need hunting experience?

No. Richard takes out plenty of first-timers and will walk you through setup, safety, and when to shoot. You'll still need a valid license, and first-time New York hunters must complete a hunter education course before buying one.

What licenses do I need to hunt ducks in New York?

A New York hunting license, HIP registration for the current season, and a federal duck stamp if you're 16 or older. You also need to use non-toxic shot.

Do you clean the birds?

Yes. Richard cleans your ducks and geese so they're ready to take home.

Ready when you are.

No deposit. Richard will call or text to confirm the details.

Request a trip

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