Wind Direction...

[the man]

Hey,

I'm getting pretty excited for the northwest winds this coming weekend. One of the questions I have, is that the marsh that I hunt is perfectly round with one point jutting out. I always hunt this point and everytime I have hunted it the wind was at my back. I know that ducks land in to the wind. But with the NW and WNW winds the wind will be in my face. So my question is, is it always important to have the ducks land into the wind or is it better for me to hunt this point just because it's more visible and the sun would be in the birds' faces even though they would land with the wind?

Sorry about the long post. Thanks.

[H0LE HOPPER]

One thing is it'll depend on how strong the wind. check the forecast see what there predicting if its usually below ten but not really anymore you should be fine setting up.In my opinion the wind is just a preference and maybe the type of ducks. Earlier this year i was hunting in 35 mph winds and they were landing with it and tht was just about all of them except for the BWT(But if your hunting geese id say have the wind at your back). I guess your best bet would be just to hunt the point and if your not pulling anything in within shooting distance youll have to move. Best luck too ya!!

[honker23]

Wind at your back especially if it's a small pond. Ducks always land into the wind. Shots are much easier too. If the wind gusts to 40 you want to be safe too. Picking up dekes on the windy side of the lake in big wind is dangerous. good luck wish I could go out tomorrow.

[dan z]

if the water isnt capping over(whitecaps) hunt the point put your decoys farther out than normal and sit still and shoot there back when they starting back peddling. do it all the time makes it interesting to say the least but it can be done.put your farthest decoy out of range and string them back from there good luck

[TylerS]

if the water isnt capping over(whitecaps) hunt the point put your decoys farther out than normal and sit still and shoot there back when they starting back peddling. do it all the time makes it interesting to say the least but it can be done.put your farthest decoy out of range and string them back from there good luck

What he said. If you have to hunt with the wind in your face, put your decoys out quite a ways from the reeds (closest being 50 yards or so) so you have a good landing hole between you and them. If you have one, put your spinner out about halfway between you and the edge of your decoys spread, facing away from you. Then wait for the ducks to circle and cup over your head. Just be really still and cover up! They'll be staring straight down as they do this. I've been busted more times than I care to admit hunting this way....but it does work if you're careful.

[life=outdoors92]

maybe some of you won't agree with this but who said you have to shoot only at landing ducks??? i have the same problem as you do "MAN" as i hunt the same point everytime regardless of wind. i do just fine pulling ducks in close enough to shoot at because the ducks naturally wanna be at that spot. i will agree with the last 2 posters too. do whatever you can and just have fun with it. it they are screaming by at 25 yards, stand up early and flare them to get a better shot.

someone also mentioned above ducks always land into the wind... i have seen it plenty of times where they glide down with the wind and land. especially divers that are anxious to meet some new friends

[TylerS]

"Always" is one of those words that gets people in trouble. Do ducks ALWAYS land into the wind? No. But that depends on several factors. Wind speed is a big key, as a stronger wind will far and away create the need to land into it than a slight breeze. Also the location is a huge deal. If the birds want in a spot, and the only way in is with the wind, well that's just what they'll do.

In MY experience, your best bet is to use the wind to your advantage. Unless you know 100 percent that the ducks want into a spot and wind will not be a factor, set up so the birds will want to land into the wind or at least quartering to. I've had far better success doing this than anything else.

[the man]

I think I will hunt the point and set my decoys out further and shoot as they pass over to land. How far should I set them out?

Thanks