Noobie question...Is it worth duck hunting in the afternoon?

[Gophereyes]

I know in pheasant hunting the last hour can be really productive. Is there something similar in waterfowl hunting? I'm wondering if it is worth setting up in the afternoon or if I am just wasting my time. I'm unable to get out tomorrow morning, but may have the afternoon available.

[BrdHunter01]

I wouldn't waste your time. Unless there is a crazy weather front or snow coming down from Canada, you'll most likely see a lot birds flying after shooting hours. Although the only way to find out is give it a try. Good luck.

[CANOPY SAM]

It is supposed to get crazy windy late today, into tomorrow. The Red River Valley forecast is calling for 60 mph gusty winds!!! From the north/northwest.

I'm not even sure it would be real safe to hunt in winds that strong?!?! I'd be willing to bet there will be birds moving all day today ahead of this storm.

[Deet]

On almost all days, early morning is the best time period. But there are MANY days that birds will fly periodically throughout the day, while the evening should have generally more birds moving than mid-day. Typically the peak of the evening flight is after shooting light, BUT I've had plenty of good evening hunts where they start milling around pretty good an hour before sunset.

And if there are birds migrating and looking to settle in somewhere overnight, it could be great. If you have time to go and a place to safely hunt, go for it. Gotta hustle to pick up your decoys at sunset though - no fun to be still picking up dekes when it's pitch black.

[bobbymalone]

I've definitely had some good afternoon hunts. Definitely had some skunks too. But I could say the same thing about the morning. The best duck hunting I've had as far as shot opportunities goes was on a weekday afternoon in mid-late season. I'd put more stock in cloudy/rainy/gross vs bluebird sun shine than in morning vs afternoon.

One thing I know for sure is you won't see ducks from the couch.

[Proskier2038]

I used to think the am was the only time worth hunting but last week in North Dakota we consistently had out best hunts from 2pm - 5pm ... Now I still believe that more often than not the am is better, but you can't shoot ducks sitting on the couch, so afternoon/ evening is better than not at all...

[Beast26]

Depends on where you're hunting. if you're hunting a harvested field it can be good in both the morning and afternoon. Usually birds will go out to feed early then go back to water to loaf during the day and then back out to the field again in the afternoon to eat again. The best hunt I've had in my life for ducks took place north of Winnipeg in a harvested wheat field that the farmer could't pickup because of rain/flooding. We shot 80 mallards/pintails in about 25 minutes then sat back and watched the show for the next hour before picking up. I actually prefer to field hunt ducks in the afternoon.

[Neighbor_guy]

The craziest shoot I have had this year was in the afternoon. Birds began hitting the decoy spread at 3:00pm. We held out until 3:30pm before we couldn't stand it any more and fired our first shots.

We were done with a 2man limit and loading decoys at 4:15pm

If your in the right spot, look out.

[Stringerless!]

Go whenever you have the chance.