Elite Sea Duck Hunt in Belfast, Maine

Sea Duck Hunting Adventure in Belfast, Maine

Get ready for a world-class sea duck hunting experience along the rugged coast of Belfast, Maine. This 3-day private trip with Black Stream Outfitters puts you right in the action during peak waterfowl season. Whether you're after your first eider or looking to add to your species list, our expert guides know just where to find the birds. Grab your shotgun and prepare for some of the best sea duck hunting the Northeast has to offer.

Trip Overview

This ain't your average duck blind sit. We're talking true sea duck hunting here, folks. For three full days, you'll be out on the chilly coastal waters of Belfast, Maine, chasing after some of the toughest waterfowl around. Our trips run from November through January when the sea ducks are thick on the water. At $1,200 per person, you're getting access to prime hunting spots that most locals don't even know about. We keep our groups small - just two to six hunters - to make sure everyone gets plenty of shooting opportunities. Each morning, we'll head out at 9:00 AM sharp, so be ready to roll. Our licensed guides have been doing this for years and know exactly where those high-traffic areas are. Just remember to bring your own shotgun, shells, and gear - we'll take care of the rest.

The Sea Duck Hustle

Sea duck hunting is a whole different ballgame from your typical marsh setup. We're talking rough water, cold temps, and birds that fly like fighter jets. You'll need to be on your toes and ready to shoot fast. We hunt from specialized sea duck boats that can handle the choppy waters and get us close to the action. Most of our hunting is done while the boat is at anchor, but sometimes we'll do a bit of jump shooting if the conditions are right. Decoy spreads for sea ducks are an art form, and our guides have it down to a science. We use a mix of eider, scoter, and long-tail decoys to bring the birds in close. When it comes to shotguns, bring something that can handle the salt and shoot 3-inch shells. A 12-gauge is standard, but some folks prefer a 10-gauge for the extra oomph.

Hunter Highlights

"Highly recommended Jared for chasing sea ducks . He gave us the opportunity to chance to mark a few birds off the UWC. Good times" - Ryan

"Have hunted with several outfitters, Jared Hughes with Black Stream Outfitters is definitely at the top of the list, highly recommended. Always has a game plan no matter the weather." - ChristinaMike

Target Game Breakdown

Common Eider: These are the big boys of the sea duck world, and they're our main target on this trip. Eiders are tough as nails and built like flying footballs. Males sport that distinctive white and black plumage with a green head, while females are more camouflaged in brown. These birds spend most of their time out on the open ocean, diving for mussels and crustaceans. When they fly, they come in low and fast over the water, often in large flocks. The best time to hunt eiders is during their migration periods in late fall and early winter. Hunters love targeting eiders not just for the challenge, but also for their impressive size - a big drake can weigh up to 6 pounds!

While eiders are our primary quarry, you might also get shots at other sea duck species like scoters (black, surf, and white-winged) and long-tailed ducks (also known as oldsquaws). Each of these species has its own unique flight patterns and habits, adding to the excitement of the hunt. Scoters, for example, are known for their swift, direct flight and tendency to bunch up tightly in flocks. Long-tailed ducks are incredibly agile flyers, capable of quick direction changes that can leave even experienced hunters empty-handed.

It's worth noting that sea duck populations can be sensitive to overharvesting, so we always hunt responsibly and within bag limits. Part of the thrill of sea duck hunting is the conservation aspect - knowing that your sport helps fund habitat protection and research for these amazing birds.

Book Your Next Tag

If you're looking for a sea duck hunt that'll really test your mettle, this is it. Belfast, Maine offers some of the best opportunities on the East Coast to bag eiders, scoters, and long-tails. Our experienced guides at Black Stream Outfitters know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the birds. This isn't a hunt for the faint of heart - it's cold, wet, and challenging. But for serious waterfowlers, there's nothing quite like the rush of sea ducks bombing into your spread. Spots fill up fast for our prime dates, so don't wait to book. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for some top-notch sea duck action. Trust me, once you've hunted sea ducks in Maine, you'll be hooked for life.