About Your Trip
A duck hunting trip from Port Mansfield aboard an airboat offers an unparalleled adventure for waterfowl enthusiasts. The unique capabilities of the airboat allow access to remote marshes and shallow waters in the Lower Laguna Madre, creating the perfect conditions for a successful hunt. The rich diversity of duck species in this area, including red ducks, pintails, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, mottled ducks, bluebills, and northern shovelers, promises an exciting and rewarding experience.
As dawn
breaks, the airboat, loaded with gear and eager hunters, departs from Port Mansfield. The air is crisp and the anticipation is palpable. The powerful airboat skims over the glassy water, navigating through narrow channels and over shallow flats with ease. The journey itself is exhilarating, as the boat maneuvers through the intricate maze of marshes and bayous, taking you to secluded hunting spots inaccessible to traditional boats.
Arriving at a prime location, the airboat glides to a stop in a secluded cove surrounded by tall reeds and mangroves. The guide expertly sets up decoys, mimicking a small flock of ducks to attract passing birds. Concealed in a well-constructed blind, you settle in, scanning the horizon as the first light of day begins to illuminate the landscape.
The first ducks to appear are often green-winged and blue-winged teal, darting across the sky in rapid, agile flight. Their small size and swift movements make them a challenging target, but also highly rewarding. As they approach the decoys, you take aim, the thrill of the hunt surging through you as you successfully bring down a teal.
Next, the distinctive silhouette of northern shovelers and pintails become visible against the morning sky. The northern shoveler, with its broad, spatula-shaped bill, and the elegant pintail, with its long neck and pointed tail feathers, add variety to the hunt. These ducks are known for their wary nature, requiring patience and skill to lure them into range. The satisfaction of successfully bagging these ducks is immense, a testament to your marksmanship and the effectiveness of the decoy setup.
As the day progresses, mottled ducks and bluebills, also known as scaup, make their appearance. Mottled ducks, with their distinctive mottled plumage, often fly low and fast, while bluebills are known for their speed and maneuverability. The challenge of adapting to the flight patterns of different species keeps the hunt dynamic and engaging.
Red ducks, or redheads, are another prized target. These striking birds, with their vibrant red heads and gray bodies, often travel in large flocks, providing multiple opportunities for shots. The excitement of seeing a flock of redheads approaching, their wings whistling in the wind, is a highlight of the trip.
Throughout the hunt, the airboat's versatility shines. Its ability to navigate shallow waters and reach isolated spots ensures that you are always positioned in prime hunting areas. The airboat also allows for quick relocation if needed, maximizing your chances of encountering various duck species.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, signaling the end of the morning hunt, the airboat heads back to Port Mansfield. The journey back is filled with the camaraderie of shared stories and the satisfaction of a successful hunt. The diverse array of ducks harvested showcases the rich bounty of the Lower Laguna Madre and the effectiveness of the airboat in accessing this prime hunting ground.
A duck hunting trip from Port Mansfield aboard an airboat offers an unforgettable experience. The combination of high-speed travel, access to remote and productive hunting areas, and the thrill of pursuing a wide variety of duck species makes this adventure a must for any waterfowl hunter. The memories of this unique and exhilarating hunt will stay with you long after the season ends.
Amenities
Skill Levels
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.
Gear
You will need your own guns and gear.
Waders
Wader rentals are not available.
Gun Rental
You will need your own guns.
Game Cleaning
No cleaning service provided.
Kid Friendly
This trip is best for adults.
Disability Friendly
This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.
Flexible Cancelation
The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.
Lunch
Please provide your own food / snacks.
