Bufflehead Hunting

BUFFLEHEAD

Bucephala Albeola

Lifespan: 2.5 Years on AVG (Adult)

Higher Classification: Goldeneye

Wingspan: 21.7 in (Adult)

Length: 12.6-15.7 in (Adult)

Weight: 1.1 M lbs, 0.7 F lbs

RELATED NAMES

  • BUFFIE
  • BUTTERBALL
  • SPIRIT DUCK

LOOKING TO BOOK A WORLD CLASS BUFFLEHEAD HUNTING ADVENTURE?

DESTINATION #1:

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BRANT & DIVERS

Location: SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA

Hunt Package: Click here for pricing

Featured Waterfowl Species: BRANT GEESE, SCAUP, GOLDENEYE, SCOTER & MORE

Possession Limits: 2 BRANT GEESE, 7 DUCKS / POSS: 3 X’S DAILY

HUNTING TIPS & TACTICS

Being a member of the diver duck family, the Bufflehead species can be found across most of the continent and is often found mixed in with larger flocks of other species of diver ducks. Normally small flocks of 2 – 12 Buffleheads can be enticed to drop into pretty much any large spread of diver duck decoys, as long as the actual lake is one that is conducive to their feeding habits.

Most Buffleheads, as with any diver duck species can be found on larger, deeper bodies of water. The best way to decipher where these little birds can be found is by scouting before or during and after the hunt.

With the latest craze of specialized decoys taking hold, a small spread of 4 – 8 Bufflehead decoys can easily be added to an existing diver duck spread at a reasonable price point and the little birds are known to key in on their own kind. In addition the drake Bufflehead decoys add just enough white to a standard diver spread to assist in visibility to other species as well from longer distances and can be of great overall value to add to your existing spread.

The drake Buffleheads are easy to distinguish when hunting other diver duck species as their heads look almost completely white from a distance and their small bodies and rapid wing beat are a dead giveaway. The hens are a little tougher to distinguish as they are completely brown and very small, so many hunters can confuse them with other hen diver ducks species until they are in hand.

The easiest way to determine the Bufflehead ducks in the air is their compact size and rapid wing beat. They are a good eating duck but don’t have a lot of meat to show for the effort. Many hunters elect to put the drakes on the wall rather than on the table due to their gorgeous plumage.

UWC OFFICIAL NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL SPECIES POSTER

The UWC has put together a beautiful 19″ x 27″ Official North American Waterfowl Species laminated poster that showcases all 41 of the different waterfowl species that inhabit the lands and waters of North America!

Each waterfowl species listed in The UWC Waterfowl Species Poster comes with the common and scientific name for proper waterfowl identification.

RECOMMENDED DECOYS