Pothole Hunting
“So many productive potholes, so little time.” This is a quote that accurately explains our Manitoba pothole duck hunting opportunities, but it also speaks to the considerable time it takes to find that favorable pothole hunt. It all comes down to being in the right place at the right time, covering thousands of acres in a very short period, and a little bit of luck. Pothole hunting opportunities are usually revealed when ducks are spotted heading to or from their daytime water or loafing sites. Our duck hunting guides always have their heads on a swivel, and they always seek to observe those uncountable flights of dabblers dumping into a narrow, one-acre slough with reckless abandon. When the right scenario is presented, this can be a first or last light hunt with few comparisons. It’s also an experience that will have you either wading in cover or posting in a lay out boat. But this type of hunt also comes with a fair share of uncertainty. We will always do our best to tailor a pothole hunt with a semi-patterned flight, but with literally thousands of potholes at a duck’s discretion, you just never know. Pothole duck hunts are always a possibility from mid September to early November.
Pothole Duck Hunt Details
Pothole Duck Season & Limits
- Resident and Non-Resident (Canadian): September 1st to December 6th
- Foreign Resident (US Citizen / International): September 24th to December 6th
- Ducklimits are 8 daily and 24 in possession.
- Pothole hunts are available in the morning or afternoon.
- We hunt potholes from mid-September until early November.
- Legal shooting times are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
Hunt Departure
- Guests will meet their guide at the change house.
- Morning departures can be from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Afternoon departures can be from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Departure times will vary based on season and travel times. Guides will confirm departure times before each hunt.
Hunt Logistics & Set-Up
- Guests are transported to and from the water in crew cab trucks with enclosed trailers.
- Simms waders are provided.
- Hunting groups are 4 or 5 guests with one guide for the afternoon hunt and one guide for the afternoon hunt.
- Hunts take place on small/medium potholes in layout boats, waders or on land.
- Terrain could be cattail edges or flooded timber.
- Floating, DOA duck decoys are used.
- Guides set up decoys, manage the hunt and call the shots.
- Morning hunts will usually conclude around 11:00 a.m., afternoon hunts will conclude prior to sunset.