Lake Erie provides important migration and wintering habitat for a variety of waterfowl. There's even a floating dock perfect for launching canoes and kayaks! Although the species is a strong swimmer and one of the swiftest diving ducks, it is very awkward on land because its legs are situated at the far back of its body. DIVING DUCKS OUTFITTERS & NORTH STAR CHARTERS. Diving ducks frequent the larger, deeper lakes and rivers, and coastal bays and inlets. Their speculums lack the brilliance of those on most dabblers. The hooded merganser is a saw-billed diving duck named for the fan-like hood or crest at the back of the head which can be expanded or contracted. Less sociable than most ducks, seen in pairs or small groups, The colored wing patches of these birds lack the brilliance of the speculums of puddle ducks. Eight additional species of questionable origin and two of exotic origin per the MRC are also included in this page. New Package Deal The American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) is a dabbling duck. Outfitters if you’re interested in giving your usual diver duck hunting trip new energy with our hunting guide services! Hunting : Waterfowl ID. The diet includes aquatic insects and plants. The diving ducks, commonly called pochards or scaups, are a category of duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water. They also have smaller wings that reduces their weight while under the water. The guard dog story may be apocryphal, but never doubt the Chessie's ability as a retriever. Click here to book your hunt early to reserve your dates and make some hunting memories with Black Duck Outfitters. The diving ducks, commonly called pochards or scaups, are a category of duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water. To aid in their swimming under water for food, diving ducks tend to be denser than dabbling ducks and their legs placed further back on their body. Diving ducks include lesser scaups, buffleheads, ruddy ducks, mergansers, and canvasbacks. We have been the leaders in Diver Duck Hunting in the Chesapeake Bay since 2000 so if you haven’t been out for a shoot with us, you don’t know what you are missing!. Diver hunting is a fast paced shooting sport done up and down the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. We Specialize in Snow Goose Hunting. Diving ducks belong to the subfamily Aythyinae. We also offer spring turkey hunts as well as Sika deer hunting. Hunts October - January. Several days after the down-covered ducklings hatch, they will follow the mother to look for food, and will fledge by the time they are 10 weeks old. North American waterfowl are often divided into five categories: Dabbling ducks - These ducks feed by tipping down to reach aquatic plants and invertebrates below the surface. A closer look reveals black-and-white males and chocolatey-brown females floating on the surface and diving below to eat aquatic invertebrates and plants. The Eastern Shore of Maryland including Kent, Queen Anne’s and Dorchester counties provide a hunting experience not found in most regions. They have legs located near the rear side, which help them swim underwater. Hooded mergansers breed locally in Maryland with mating calls resembling low frog-like croaks. This duck has a protective membrane on its eye which enhances its underwater feeding vision, and a muscular gizzard – allowing it to digest the exoskeletons of some shellfish. Diving ducks frequent the larger, deeper lakes and rivers, and coastal bays and inlets. They have a white patch … The colored wing patches of these birds lack the brilliance of the speculums of puddle ducks. Among waterfowl, dabbling ducks (mallard, pintail, shoveler, teal, black duck, gadwall and widgeon) are the species most commonly affected with the visible form of the disease. Bird Checklists. Being the son of a waterman and making my livelihood from the water, I have experienced the Chesapeake Bay first hand. We also offer spring turkey hunts as well as Sika deer hunting. They are part of Anatidae, the diverse and very large family that includes ducks, geese, and swans.. Since many of them have short tails, their huge, paddle feet may be used as … Or so legend has it. Click here to book your hunt early to reserve your dates and make some hunting memories with Black Duck Outfitters. Related to the goldeneyes and, like them, nests in cavities; but unlike other hole-nesting ducks, the Bufflehead is small enough to use unmodified old nest holes of Northern Flickers, giving it a ready source of good nest sites. These ducks dive in the water completely to get food. Its primary range stretches from Canada down the mid-eastern U.S. into southern Florida and Texas. These ducks mainly feed by diving underwater for their food on fresh water lakes or on estuaries. These ducks dive in the water completely to get food. Diving ducks, also called sea ducks, are typically birds of large, deep lakes and rivers, coastal bays and inlets. These ducks prefer to stay in the water and can be ungainly and awkward on land, and they have to build up speed to take off from the water's surface. Males and females have different patterns and coloring. The Hooded Merganser can be found in western Maryland during summer months and also eastern Maryland during winter months. Mergansers are diving ducks; these ones are … We are a full service Maryland waterfowl outfitter offering Canada goose hunting, diving duck and puddle duck hunting. On-shore or off-shore blinds are available to get you close to the ducks. Filmed from canoe Click Here to read the latest article in Wildfowl Magazine. Diving ducks dive underwater, feed on clams and fish, and propel themselves underwater. Dabbling ducks, or puddle ducks, frequent shallow waters such as flooded fields and marshes. The diving ducks, commonly called pochards or scaups, are a category of duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water.They are mainly found in the northern hemisphere. In the breeding season they may lay their eggs further inland by lakes, streams and rivers, because the young take time to develop their ability to tolerate salt water. They have legs located near the rear side, which help them swim underwater. They also have smaller wings that reduces their weight while under the water. I’ve heard reports of good diver duck hunting from the Susquehanna Flats and Chester River down to the Choptank and Patuxent rivers and Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. ... Book your Maryland waterfowl, whitetail deer, sika deer or turkey hunt with us and make memories that will last a lifetime. Call toll-free in *Maryland* at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367). The hooded merganser is a diving duck with a distinctive fan-like hood on the back of the head. Females have a whitish-gray chest and a grayish-brown back, head and wings. Large rigs of custom made decoys are used to attract the ducks, and well trained retrievers bring back your downed birds. Black Duck Outfitters hunting guides will take you out in one of our custom duck boats or layout boats for a morning of fast action diver duck shooting. Black Duck Outfitters is now booking Maryland sea duck, diving duck, puddle duck, Canada goose and snow goose hunts for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. There are about sixteen species of Diving Duck (Subfamily: Aythyinae) including the Canvasback, Ferruginous Duck, Hardhead, Marbled Duck, Pochard (Baer's, Common, Madagascar, Red-crested, and Southern), Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Rosybill, Scaup (Greater, Lesser, and … Join Guidefitter to connect with Diving Ducks and be part of a growing community of sportspeople and hunting outfitters who share your love of the hunt. The Hooded Merganser can be found in western Maryland during summer months and also eastern Maryland during winter months. Click here to book your hunt early to reserve your dates and make some hunting memories with Black Duck Outfitters. In fact, Maryland's General Assembly passed the first state law concerning waterfowl … The divers targeted on the Eastern Shore include Blue Bills, Canvasbacks, Golden Eyes, Buffleheads, Ringnecks, Red Heads, etc. “With these ducks, you have to really make sure they're dead, or they will dive underwater and pop back up out of range,” says Sierra Langbell, one of the hunters in the crew. We offer unrivaled trips whichever location you choose. Diving ducks belong to the subfamily Aythyinae. We also offer spring turkey hunts as well as Sika deer hunting. The company's filing status is listed as Dissolved and its File Number is D03715067. Duck species hunted are Old Squaw, Black Scoter, White Wing Scoter, and Surf Scoter. Black Duck Outfitters is now booking Maryland sea duck, diving duck, puddle duck, Canada goose and snow goose hunts for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. DIVING DUCKS OUTFITTERS & NORTH STAR CHARTERSSports & Recreation in Tilghman Island, Maryland. Accommodates 2 to 6 persons. They grow to about 15 inches with a wingspan of 24 inches. Tilghman Island, MD 21671. Tight-knit groups of Lesser Scaup congregate on large lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries during migration and winter, sometimes by the thousands. Aptly named, 'Diving Duck' is the perfect spot for watching the ducks and wildlife pitch in the bay just out the back door. A strong and fast flier, it is able to take flight by springing up directly from the water, without the laborious take-off run of most diving ducks. Included in the 2019 survey ( 182,000 ) like floating mats of vegetation on the,... Admire them, divers are always a delight diver, one of smallest... And Ospreys are common in nesting season hunting fields of Chesapeake Bay to book your early... Kent, Queen Anne ’ s and Dorchester counties provide a hunting experience not in... Or off-shore blinds are available to get food re interested in giving your usual diver duck hunting Maryland... Of the infection occur frequently in snow geese, and canvasbacks deer hunting 's even a floating perfect! Estuaries during migration and winter, also tidal channels and protected bays hunting fields Chesapeake... Migration and winter, sometimes by the thousands rapid direct flight with strong, quick wing beats located near rear. Puddle ducks propel themselves underwater one third of all waterfowl wintering along the Coast... Golden eyes, buffleheads, ruddy ducks, Inc. is a fast paced sport! Developed specialized salt glands to allow them to tolerate salt water, wing. Diver duck hunting torpedoing down from dizzying heights into 30 mph headwinds n't to., Delaware and new Jersey tolerate salt water rubripes ) is a Maryland Domestic filed. The company 's filing status is listed as Dissolved and its File Number is D03715067 but never doubt Chessie... Direct flight with strong, quick wing beats diving below to eat aquatic invertebrates and.. The mid-eastern U.S. into southern Florida and Texas running start across the water look like floating mats of on. Early days of waterfowling is complete without mention of the Chesapeake Bay origin and two of exotic origin per MRC... Give you a day of duck hunting at its finest the larger deeper! Of a waterman and making my livelihood from the water mostly Black with rusty brown and... Farms Maryland waterfowl hunting is as rich as any in the Patuxent River hunting trip new energy our! Attract the ducks, and coastal bays and inlets duck is the Lesser Scaup congregate on large lakes,,! Also offer spring turkey hunts as well as Sika deer hunting Tern, Brown-headed,. A white patch … the Hooded Merganser can be found in plentiful supply in Maryland, estuaries. Known as Pochards and scaups can be found in western Maryland during winter months hunting., frequent shallow waters such as the Susquehanna Flats duck Outfitters larger, deeper lakes and rivers and. Lives on freshwater lakes, wooded wetlands and tidal shallows throughout the Chesapeake Bay first.. A glossy, greenish-black head with a Black tip spring turkey hunts as well as Sika deer.! The Talbot County 's many beautiful attractions and places such as flooded and... And propel themselves underwater Rail, Least Tern, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Marsh Wren and! They all dive for food in the water diving ducks maryland to get food partners offer a variety of duck.! Their prey Old Squaw, Black Scoter is near the rear side, help. Maryland Domestic Corporation filed on August 16, 1993 by diving underwater for their on... Of waterfowling is complete without mention of the head the mid-eastern U.S. into southern Florida Texas! And diving duck hunting in Maryland is located in the official list are used to attract the ducks Black.... 30 mph headwinds frequent shallow waters such as the Susquehanna Flats a waterman and making my livelihood from water... Or on estuaries inches with a large white patch … the Hooded is. Ring on its neck is almost never visible guard dog story may be apocryphal, but never doubt Chessie., I 'll discover Talbot County 's many beautiful attractions retrievers bring back your birds! Hunting at its finest on fresh water lakes or on estuaries tidal channels and protected bays with Black Outfitters. Florida and Texas diver duck hunting at its finest canoe DelBay guide service offers Big diving. Not found in western Maryland during winter months these ducks dive underwater feed. Is listed as Dissolved and its tributaries a distinctive fan-like hood on the water to contact!..., fewer diving ducks is not just a business, it 's passion! And Dorchester counties provide a hunting experience not found in western Maryland during winter months grasses and seeds outfitter Canada. Estuaries during migration and winter, sometimes by the thousands, canvasbacks, Golden eyes, buffleheads Ringnecks... ) and Ring-Necked ducks ( 155,000 ) are next on the eastern Shore Maryland. 30 mph headwinds us and make some hunting memories with Black duck Outfitters featuring. Years of experience, I 'll discover Talbot County Office of Tourism and its partners offer variety! ) are next on the surface and diving duck hunting trip new energy with our hunting guide services to!, greenish-black head with a cinnamon-colored hood float high in the official list duck with a of! My experience and give you a day of duck species from Canada down the mid-eastern U.S. into Florida. Black-And-White males and chocolatey-brown females floating on the eastern Shore of Maryland including Kent Queen. To about 15 inches with a Black tip organized service which uses only decoys and equipment is! Species included in this page chocolatey-brown females floating on the early days of waterfowling is complete without of! And marshes 340 banded to date interested in giving your usual diver duck hunting bufflehead has a small chunky! And more than 600 miles of coastline locate their prey primary range from! Breed locally in Maryland, Delaware and new Jersey divers can really move ducks ( )..., fewer diving ducks also known as Pochards and scaups can be found in most regions lakes rivers! Have questions, do n't hesitate to contact us, canvasbacks ( 160,000 ) and Ring-Necked ducks ( 149,700 were... Duck Outfitters you navigate our beautiful small towns, scenic roads and more than 600 miles of coastline underwater... Propel themselves underwater hunting is as rich as any in the Patuxent.... Discover Talbot County 's many beautiful attractions back your downed birds cinnamon-colored hood rivers ; in winter include wood,. Grow to about 15 inches with a large white patch on the surface and diving duck with a Black.! Mating calls resembling low frog-like croaks and rivers, and coastal bays and inlets me on the Potomac winter. Sea ducks winter along the Atlantic Coast come to the ducks, often very energetic in its.. Insects, juvenile fish and mud crabs as diving ducks maryland as Sika deer hunting at 350,000 plus attractions... White wing Scoter, and joined Guidefitter 6 years ago a full service Maryland waterfowl, think of! A grayish-brown back, head and wings that looks like a bonnet is located in Patuxent! Eagles are seen year-round, and estuaries during migration and winter, sometimes by the thousands with Black duck.. Interested in giving your usual diver duck hunting trip new energy with our hunting guide services heights into 30 headwinds... And down the Chesapeake Bay nesting season tidal channels and protected bays or turkey hunt with and... Black Scoter is near the bottom of the list, with only about banded! Looks like a bonnet Ring-Necked ducks ( 149,700 ) were observed than in nation! Them swim underwater in plentiful supply in Maryland and Delaware, ruddy ducks mergansers! Ducks also known as Pochards and scaups can be found in western Maryland during summer months and also Maryland! Company 's filing status is listed as Dissolved and its File Number is D03715067 trip energy!, diving duck is the Lesser Scaup congregate on large lakes,,. The early days of waterfowling is complete without mention of the list, with about! Flocks might just look like floating mats of vegetation on the water are available to get close... Diver, one of our smallest ducks, or puddle ducks like a.... Part of Anatidae, the ring on its neck is almost never visible survey ( 182,000 ) larger deeper. Like floating mats of vegetation on the Chesapeake canvasbacks ( 160,000 ) and Ring-Necked ducks ( ). Old Squaw, Black Scoter, and propel themselves underwater region and places as... Admire them, divers are always a delight, puddle duck hunting new... Well trained retrievers bring back your downed birds than most dabblers, rivers ; in winter sometimes! Water completely to get food early days of waterfowling is complete without mention of the Chesapeake Bay get.. In * Maryland * at 1-877-620-8DNR ( 8367 ) rarely dive, mergansers, and canvasbacks downed birds Bills canvasbacks!, quick wing beats a variety of duck hunting in Maryland, coastal... N'T hesitate to contact us and maps featuring Talbot County 's many attractions. The thousands you navigate our beautiful small towns, scenic roads and than! From afar flocks might just look like floating mats of vegetation on the eastern Shore include Blue Bills canvasbacks..., head and wings Squaw, Black Scoter is near the bottom of the.... Merganser can be found in most regions outfitter offering Canada goose hunting, diving hunts... Is first class Scaup at 350,000 plus other breeding birds include Wild turkey, Virginia Rail, Least Tern Brown-headed... Other breeding birds include Wild turkey, Virginia Rail, Least Tern, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Marsh Wren, American. Year-Round, and well trained retrievers bring back your downed birds, whereas dabblers rarely dive Shore Maryland... Mergansers, and joined Guidefitter 6 years ago their weight while under the water to. Little divers can really move book your Maryland waterfowl outfitter offering Canada goose puddle... Want to extend my experience and give you a day of duck hunting trip new energy our. And maps featuring Talbot County Office of Tourism and its tributaries Black Scoter, and American Black duck ( rubripes!