Shoot ducks right off the white sand beaches of Perdido Key, Florida!
Coastal duck hunting with Intercoastal Safaris is one of the more unique hunting opportunities one could dream of. We’re predominantly shooting diver ducks such as Redheads, Bluebills & Buffleheads over the intracoastal waterway located between Pensacola, FL & Orange Beach, AL. While Redheads, Bluebills & Buffleheads are the dominant ducks along this particular stretch of the Gulf Coast Beaches, we do have Goldeneyes, Pintails, Surf Scooters check our decoy spreads from time to time. While Common Mergansers are prevalent throughout the season we have shot a few hooded Mergansers as well. Don’t discount the golf course Canada Geese that live on the nearby golf courses.
Our day starts at the dock around 4:30 AM, followed by a short drive to the National Sea Shore of Perdido Key, FL. Upon arrival our duck guide Capt. Smokey will pick a spot between the sand dunes and proceed to set up the blind and place decoys. Hunters that enjoy that part of the process are welcome to help. Others may choose to sip on hot coffee while Captain Smokey sets everyone up for success. Shooting starts at sunrise so we like to have our blind all brushed in, decoy spread set and Mojos working before shooting light.
During the hunt Captain Smokey, with the assistance of his trained duck dog, will retrieve the downed game. After the hunt around 9AM Smokey will pack everything up and drive back to the dock. Upon arrival guests can change out of their waders while Captain Smokey cleans the harvested game. Be sure to bring a cooler with ice for post hunt game transport. check out the fist of items needed for each hunter below.
Each Hunter is responsible for the following items:
Shotgun 20GA or 12GA recommended
At least 2 boxes of steel shot #2, 3 or 4 shot
Hunting Waders
Face mask or paint
Snacks & Drinks
Headlamp
STATE OF FL WATERFOWL LICENSE ($5) & DUCK STAMP ($28.5)
Dress in layers because the wind on the open water in the early mornings can be quite cold but it can get quite warm after the sun comes up. A waterproof jacket is not a bad idea as sea spray on the way can be an issue depending on the wind. You will probably wish you had a pair of sunglasses as well.
SEASON DATES: Nov. 23 – Dec. 1 Dec. 7 – Jan. 26
(opening weekend and the last 2 weeks are best)
Keep in mind that while most of the time the AM hunts are best but during the late season the PM hunts can be just as effective.
General Duck Season
During General Duck season, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (of which only 2 can be female), 4 sea ducks (of which no more than 3 may be scoters, long-tailed ducks, or eiders and no more than 1 may be a female eider), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck (Florida duck) and 1 fulvous whistling-duck.
From November 18-26th and December 9th-January 8th, 1 scaup. This increases to 2 scaup from Jan. 9-28 and during Youth and Veteran/Military waterfowl hunt days.
