Waterfowl
One Hunter - $300, Two Hunters - $500
The Skagit delta offers world‑class waterfowl habitat entirely on public land. Out here you’re in true wetlands, experiencing a style of hunt you simply don’t get in a field or pit. The area is a patchwork of intertidal zones wrapped in sand, mid‑level cattail marshes, and freshwater wetlands with trees, thick vegetation, and grasses. Each zone has its own character, giving us the flexibility to change the feel of the hunt on the fly. A maze of channels becomes the road system we use to move through the delta. For many hunters, it becomes a bucket‑list experience.
I keep groups small, stay mobile, and focus on a relaxed, high‑quality experience. We work with the conditions, move when we need to, and make the most of whatever the birds give us. It’s a calm, enjoyable way to hunt the Skagit, and no two days look the same.
We see a mixed bag of birds—mallards, pintail, wigeon, and green‑winged teal make up the bulk, with occasional wood ducks, spoonbills, and gadwall.
What to Bring:
Camo or Earth Tone Waders, Waterproof Jacket and Hat
2-3 Boxes of Non-Toxic Shells (#2, #3, and #4 are Best)
Snacks, Lunch, Drinks and/or Coffee
Duck Call if You Prefer
A Dry Bag or Waterproof “Blind Bag” for Your Shells and Small Stuff
WA Small Game License, Migratory Bird Permit, Federal Duck Stamp
What is Provided:
Decoys
Headlamps (You May Still Bring Your Own)
Folding Stools to Sit On
Quick-Set Blind
FAQ and Expectations
What should I expect?
I’ll contact you the day before your hunt with a launch location and meeting time. Start times vary throughout the season but meeting about 1.5–2 hours before legal shooting light is usually ideal. We’ll run to a location based on river condition, tides, and what I expect from the birds. Once we’re set, we’ll place decoys and get tucked in to relax until legal light.
I rarely hunt directly from the boat. It’s almost always better to get out into the marsh and set a spread in calm water. We may or may not be hunting from a blind. Tides and weather can shift quickly, and conditions may differ from the forecast. We may reposition during the hunt depending on water levels and bird movement.
We’ll hunt from legal shoot to around lunchtime or early afternoon. If the evening hunt, bird patterns, and tides look promising, we may hunt until the end of the day.
Bird numbers and total take will vary—they’re wild animals in a natural system, and we’re working on their schedule as much as ours.
What are your ammunition recommendations?
3" steel shells in #2, #3, or #4 shot works well with #2 being the best catch-all. Skip the 3½" shells—they are unnecessary. Non‑toxic shot is required, and lead shot is not permitted on my boat or in the field.
Can I borrow a gun?
Unfortunately, no. All hunters must bring and use their own legally possessed firearm. If you arrive without a firearm on the day of, you will not be able to hunt and the full rate of the trip will still be due.
Are waders required?
YES. You’ll need full chest wadersas we’ll hunt in wetlands where water depth and footing change throughout the day. The hunt requires the ability to stand, move, and wade in water.
Can I bring my dog?
I currently do not allow other dogs for safety and logistics reasons.
Can I bring my kid?
I’m happy to make an exception to the two‑person limit if the third person is a youth — whether they’re simply tagging along or they’re a young hunter wanting to participate.
They must also have weather‑appropriate hunting clothing and chest waders.
Please understand that we on your child’s schedule: Kids get cold and tired faster than adults. If your child becomes exceptionally uncomfortable or unhappy, I will end the hunt for their safety and well‑being.
Will you clean my birds?
I will breast out your birds for free. I will break down your birds entirely (breast, thighs, wings and hearts) at a fee of $5 per bird. If you can, please let me know ahead of your trip so we can set aside time accordingly after the hunt.