Long Point Bay: Ontario's Prime Duck Hunting Grounds

The wings are set on the drake mallard as it coasts into the decoys in front of us.

The wings are set on the drake mallard as it coasts into the decoys in front of us. My stepson Collin and I open fire but the duck retreats rapidly.

Guide Glen Rohrer of Coletta Bay Guides did his part and called the bird into range, but the shooters came up short. Glen uncases his gun and offers a little assistance. My hope is Collin can get his first duck. Although he has hunted for four years, he still hasn't connected.

We are hunting on Long Point Bay, one of the prime staging areas for waterfowl in eastern North America. The long history of duck hunting here has helped to keep the wetlands surrounding Long Point in pristine condition. The Long Point Company is a large hunting club, established in 1866, that once owned most of the sand peninsula and its wetlands. It turned the area that was becoming a haven for market hunters into a private hunting club and saved it from development. Much of the point was donated to the Canadian government back in the 1960s.

Rohrer’s dog
The hen drops and Rohrer’s dog swims around the decoys, making the perfect retrieve of Collin’s first duck. (Photo credit: Jeff Heldson)

Today, outside of private clubs, there are still many opportunities for public hunting. The Long Point Waterfowl Unit, which operates in Long Point Provincial Park, is run by Long Point Waterfowl Association in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Blind rentals are available in the unit for $20 per person.

The other option is to set up in the public marsh surrounding the bay. This is what we did with Rohrer. Since these spots are on a first-come, first-served basis, we set up in the dark, tucking into the cattails well ahead of shooting time.

Rohrer gives Collin and I some shooting instructions and we are ready for the next wave of birds. Rohrer sees a pair on the other side of the bay and starts his calling magic to lure them into range. This time only one leaves, but Collin is still birdless. Another opportunity arrives when a pair of bluebills settles into the decoys. Collin rises up and fires as the birds take flight. The hen drops and Rohrer's dog swims around the decoys, making the perfect retrieve of Collin's first duck.

Learn more

Coletta Bay Guides
PH: (519) 983-3164

Long Point Waterfowl Management Unit
PH: (519) 586-2133

Long Point Waterfowlers Association

About Jeff Helsdon

Jeff Helsdon calls the turkey-rich woods of southwestern Ontario home. He's hunted turkeys in two Canadian provinces and in the United States. He's completed a Canadian slam of turkey hunting, bagging Eastern birds and a Merriam's in western Canada. When he's not turkey hunting, Jeff enjoys fishing with his family, especially on Lake Erie, and hunting for upland game, waterfowl, and deer.

Recommended Articles

5 Reasons to Hunt in Sunset Country

Hunt for deer, moose, black bear, and several small game and waterfowl.

Ontario's Largest Moose by a Female

A father and daughter's big game hunt in Ontario.

26 Amazing Whitetail Hunting Lodges in Sunset Country

Big game hunters look forward all year to when whitetail deer season opens.

Remote Shoreline Moose Hunting

A fly-in moose hunting adventure at Winoga Lodge in Sioux Lookout.

Dog Lake Bears

Dog Lake Resort in Ontario's Sunset Country is truly an angler's and hunter's dream located just an hour north of Thunder Bay.

Bird Dog Friendly Lodges

Bring the friend that does the most during bird hunts—your dog.

Combining Great Fishing and Hunting

Andomoozwe Outfitters & Lodge is located in an area known for its great black bear population.

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Cat Island Lodge

A Fishing & Hunting Lodge That Makes the Top of the List

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Snow Hunt for Moose

Late Season Hunt for Moose in Ontario

Ogoki Moose

Fly-in Adventure with Mattice Lake Outfitters

Turkey Tips and Tricks

Turkey Calling and Decoy Placement

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

Northwestern Ontario Whitetail Deer Hunt

Experience a deer hunt with Border Country Outfitters

Fly-in Moose Hunting

A Very Productive Way to Hunt in Ontario

An Unforgettable Northern Hunt

Kevin Beasley visits Pine Portage Lodge for a memorable fall hunt

A Bear Hunt That Keeps You Coming Back

Returning to the place that landed us two giant bruins, 5 years later!

Becoming a Trapper

What you need to know and consider before you become licensed.

A Guide to Big Game Hunting with ATVs

Tips, tricks, and advantages to hunting on all-terrain vehicles