Duck attractant for pond?

[Chad]

We have a 4 acre pond on our farm in Holland. It usually holds a good number of ducks, but I want them to be more consistant in numbers. I have not been able to hunt the pond, due to reasons that don't need to be mentioned on here, but I will be able to next season and from there on. Is there anything that I can plant in/around the pond to increase duck numbers for next season?

I have heard about Duckweed, but after doing some research, I'm not so sure I want to introduce that to our pond.

Thanks in advance!

[centex_aggie]

There are several wetland species that ducks will feed on and also prefer for cover. Sagittaria latifolia (Duck potato) is a good one. Any from the Sagittaria species are good really. Pickerlweed is another good one for food. Giant bulrush provides good cover and can help to keep them around a little longer.

[canny]

If you have the ability to draw down the pond to expose some shallow areas and bare soil this will allow for native vegetation to start to grow. Then before season starts you can raise the water level to flood the vegetation.

As far as specific plants to plant you will need to plant them in areas that can be flooded during the hunting season. Species such as smartweed, millet, Johnson grass, etc are suitable species. You are looking for something that produces good numbers of seeds and preferably fairly large seeds.

Ducks down here are seeking fat and carbs to replenish their reserves in preparation for the migration back north.

[Hollis F]

SCP...strategic corn placement! Works just as good for ducks as it does for deer!

[Black Ice]

SCP...strategic corn placement! Works just as good for ducks as it does for deer!

You beat me to it

[panhandlehunter]

I agree with corn. If you can drain the pond in the spring and let it dry. Disc it up and let the natural grasses grow. Then flood it again.

[panhandlehunter]

But seriously, don't corn it.

[canny]

Corn works, just make sure it's gone I think 30 days prior to hunting

[centex_aggie]

How big is the pond? Does it dry up each year? Does it have any shelves that remain shallow and/or wet throughout most of the year?

[T-Bolt]

Great ideas, I need to do something to our ponds.

[Smart]

Corn works, just make sure it's gone I think 30 days prior to hunting

LOL...they will be gone if their food is gone for 30 days.


I'd look at Japanese millet and duck potato strains..

[Bonesplitter]

LOL...they will be gone if their food is gone for 30 days.


I'd look at Japanese millet and duck potato strains..

Beat me to it.

[GR5]

A 50# sack of corn will melt the barrel off your shotgun. Just make sure the corn goes out into about 1 1/2 ft of water or the crows will eat all of it

[justin156bc]

Planting corn and spreading corn are totally different. Do you not plant milo for dove? Same thing guys up north plant corn then flood it. What's the difference? As long as you are not manipulating the planted corn so that it is baiting. Like knocking the stalks over so the corn cobs are closer to the ground. Heck if our pond is still low next year I am planting milo and corn. Right up to the edge of the water.

[Cajun Blake]

Plant rice