Damn Good Duck Hunting Guides In Saint Andrew Bay

Duck hunting in Saint Andrew Bay is the kind of pursuit that requires equal parts grit and reverence. With its maze of marshes, tidal flats, and open water, the bay is a winter haven for migrating waterfowl—and a proving ground for those who chase them. Mornings start early and cold, the kind of cold that bites through your gloves and fogs your breath as you push off into the still-dark water. But the hush that falls just before legal light, broken only by distant quacks and the flutter of wings, makes every frozen fingertip worth it.

As the sun rises over the Gulf, Saint Andrew Bay comes alive. Redheads, bluebills, and buffleheads cut across the water with purpose, and if you’ve scouted well and played the wind right, they’ll be cupping into your spread before you know it. Shots echo across the bay like thunderclaps, the kind that send your pulse sky-high and your heart thudding in your chest. But between volleys, there’s stillness—a rhythm that reminds you this isn’t just about limits or trophies. It’s about being out there in the elements, in sync with the season, shoulder to shoulder with your crew.

When the birds slow and the thermos runs dry, you’ve still got the ride back through the winding bayou and that unmistakable mix of salt air, spent shells, and wet retriever fur riding shotgun. Duck hunting in Saint Andrew Bay is more than a pastime—it’s a ritual. One stitched together by early alarms, muddy boots, and memories that settle in deep, long after the season ends.

Duck hunting season in Saint Andrew Bay kicks off with the kind of anticipation that gets you out of bed before the alarm even buzzes. Early season—typically opening in late November—brings the first push of migratory birds riding in on northern winds. You’ll see blue-winged teal zipping low and fast, along with the first wave of redheads and scaup settling into the grass-lined flats. It’s a time when scouting pays off big and the best blinds are claimed in the dark, lit only by headlamps and the steam rising from your coffee.

By mid-season, usually in December, the action picks up as colder fronts stack more birds into the bay. Divers love the deeper pockets of Saint Andrew, while puddle ducks will cruise into the marshes and creeks. It’s prime time—when flights are full, the dogs are dialed in, and the hunts start feeling like clockwork. You’ll burn through shells and stories, wrapped in layers, hunkered down while the wind slices across the water. The bay, at this point, is a living, breathing thing—and you’re right in the thick of it.

Late season rolls into January, when the cold really bites and the birds wise up. Every decoy spread and call has to be just right. The crowds thin out, but the dedicated few know this stretch can be the most rewarding. Fewer shots, maybe, but sharper ones. Smarter birds. And the kind of crisp, quiet mornings that stay with you long after the season ends. Duck hunting in Saint Andrew Bay is a test of patience, preparation, and passion—played out across one of the most dynamic stretches of water on the Gulf Coast.

Duck hunting in Saint Andrew Bay is the kind of pursuit that wakes you up before the sun and keeps you coming back long after the season ends. The bay’s mix of salt marshes, shallow grass flats, and brackish backwaters makes it a magnet for migrating waterfowl. Mornings here start with the quiet crunch of marsh grass under your boots and the low whisper of decoys hitting the water. Whether you’re hunkered down in a layout blind or camouflaged along the shoreline, success depends on patience, good scouting, and a sharp eye on the sky.

One of the most effective techniques out here is using a mixed spread of puddle and diver duck decoys. Divers love the open water of the bay, while puddlers tuck into the calmer creeks and grassy edges. Knowing how the birds work with the wind and how they react to different decoy patterns can mean the difference between a pass-over and a committed landing. Add in some realistic calling—just enough to get their attention without flaring them—and you’re in the sweet spot. Saint Andrew Bay doesn’t reward the loud or the lazy, but it does favor those who study the birds and blend into the backdrop.

Hunting from a small boat gives you the edge here, letting you access the hard-to-reach pockets where birds find shelter from the pressure. Push-poling into the shallows or posting up near oyster bars during changing tides can lead to surprise flights and solid shooting. Teal, redheads, scaup, and the occasional pintail are all in the mix, each bringing their own pace and personality to the hunt. Out here, it’s not just about pulling the trigger—it’s about reading the water, reading the wind, and earning your shot in one of Florida’s most underrated duck hunting gems.

Duck hunting in Saint Andrew Bay delivers a front-row seat to the wild rhythm of the Gulf Coast flyway. When the sun cracks over the marsh and the tide starts shifting, the first to show up are usually blue-winged and green-winged teal. These little rockets come in fast and low, zipping over the water in tight groups that keep you on your toes. They’re early-season favorites, not just for their speed but for the way they liven up a quiet morning with quick, thrilling action.

Later in the season, the bay becomes a gathering ground for divers like redheads and lesser scaup. They raft up in deeper channels and open water, drawn to the submerged grasses and oyster beds that line the bay’s floor. Redheads, in particular, are a prized target—big-bodied, fast-flying, and known for committing hard to decoy spreads. There’s something about watching a flock cup their wings and drop into your decoys that gets the adrenaline going, no matter how many hunts you’ve logged.

You might also get a crack at gadwall and the occasional pintail, both of which prefer the quieter edges and shallower coves. These birds add variety to the bag and challenge your setup skills—they’re smart and not easily fooled. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a pair of mottled ducks skimming across the flats, a rare but welcome sight that adds a local flair to your hunt. The diversity of species in Saint Andrew Bay means every hunt writes its own story—and the best ones are the kind you’ll still be talking about when next season rolls around.