Embracing the Early Season: Local and Arctic Birds on Deck

The arrival of the early hunting season marks one of the most exciting times in the world of waterfowling. It’s a short window—just a few precious weeks—but during this period, the fields and wetlands come alive with both local birds still settled from their summer nesting grounds and the first wave of hardy Arctic fliers making their way south. For hunters, it’s a unique opportunity to witness a blend of species unlike any other time of year, as Mallards, Pintails, and a variety of geese intermingle with birds traveling thousands of miles from the far north.

What makes the early season so special? For one, the birds are typically less pressured, which means they’re often more receptive to decoy spreads and calling. Local flocks, having grown accustomed to their summer haunts, are focused on feeding and resting before the rigors of migration truly begin. Meanwhile, Arctic birds funnel in with each passing cold front, bringing a fascinating diversity of species into the region’s skies. This combination not only provides hunters with plentiful targets, but also presents the chance to refine their calling techniques, scouting acumen, and understanding of bird behavior.

The scenery itself is part of the early season’s charm. Fields are still rich with late-summer vegetation, wetlands maintain open water, and the autumn colors have just begun their subtle shift. As day breaks over the horizon, hunters find themselves immersed in an atmosphere thick with anticipation. Each morning offers fresh opportunities and the promise of big flocks—some local, some newly arrived from distant tundra nesting grounds—circling overhead.

If there’s a perfect time to enjoy what makes waterfowl hunting so captivating, it’s now, at the start of the season. This offers the best duck hunting in Canada. With local birds and Arctic migrants sharing the skies, every hunt can feel like a lesson in avian diversity, migration patterns, and the intricate beauty of the natural world. The excitement of those first flights, the thrill of successfully coaxing wary birds into the decoys, and the camaraderie shared in the blind all come together to define why the early season is, year after year, so eagerly awaited.