Guided Duck Hunting in Texas at Mellon Creek
By Jack Darrah

Duck hunting in Texas is hands-down my favorite thing in the world, and getting to guide hunts at Mellon Creek Ranch is an experience that never gets old. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the land, the birds, the people, and those unforgettable mornings when everything comes together just right.

Mellon Creek is a dream for waterfowlers. With 17 miles of pristine Texas coastline and about a dozen freshwater tanks scattered across the ranch, it’s a magnet for ducks looking to rest, drink, and loaf—especially when the bay gets crowded. We see a wide variety of species here: pintails, teal, gadwall, widgeon, spoonbills, and divers like redheads, bluebills, and every now and then, a canvasback. It keeps things exciting.

Scouting Pays Off for Guided Duck Hunting in Texas

Of all the hunts during the 2024–2025 season, one morning in late November stands out the most.

It was midweek, just after a full moon, and we were finally getting our first big push of migratory birds. I had scouted heavily and found a ton of ducks piling into the middle tank—a freshwater spot that looked like the best bet by far. I took six clients out there, full of high hopes and confident we were in for a great hunt.

We arrived with plenty of time to spare before shooting light. Everyone got set up, the blind was well hidden, and the wind was in our favor. It felt right.

But the first two hours were brutal.

Three shots fired. Two ducks seen. That was it.

You could feel the energy drop. This was supposed to be our hot spot—and yet, nothing. I was scratching my head, second-guessing everything. Did the ducks move overnight? Was the wind wrong? Had they been pressured off in the dark?

Around 8:45, the head of the group turned to me and said, “Maybe they’re just not flying today. Breakfast is sounding pretty good right now.”

And honestly? I agreed—breakfast did sound good. But I also knew something a lot of seasoned waterfowlers learn the hard way: weekday mornings, especially Tuesday, mean less hunting pressure on the bay. Sometimes, ducks fly a little later.

So I told the group, “Let’s give it a bit more time.”

That decision made me a hero.

A Late-Morning Turnaround

Between 9:00 and 9:30, the switch flipped. Teal came in fast and low, in pairs and groups of four, and the clients took turns dropping birds clean into the spread. In just 30 minutes, we hit our 36-bird limit. The mood did a 180—everyone was grinning ear to ear, laughing, high-fiving, and soaking up every second of that late-morning magic.

First Season for a Future Star

It was also a special day because it was the first season for my lab, Joe. He picked up every single bird like he’d been doing it for years, making me look like a way better dog trainer than I probably am. He worked flawlessly—steady, fast, and efficient. It was a proud moment.

Back at the blind, I assumed the whole “let’s go to breakfast” suggestion had been long forgotten in the excitement. But nope—it came up again. Only this time, with a smile and a nod. “Good thing we stayed.” It really was. That hunt reminded all of us why patience pays off—and why every day in the field can turn around in a moment.