Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

Average length: M 21", F 20"
Average weight: M 2.7 lbs., F 2.5 lbs

Canvasbacks breed in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America and migrate thru all four flyways to their wintering grounds. There is hunting opportunities in every state in the lower 48, some states have higher populations than others. Canvasback population is estimated at 736,000 which is 26% above the USFW long term goal. Being above the average means liberal bag limits on the Canvasback at 2 per day.

HUNT TACTICS

Hunt them where you find them. You will find them in 1-20ft of water and anywhere in between. It all depends on what they are feeding on and where they roost, every area has different habitat. Scout, Scout, Scout.....

DECOYS / SETUP

For deeper water = try using a 1-2 man layout boat with 60-120 Canvasback decoys or a boat with blind hidden in the reeds. Shallower water = try hunting the shoreline/ points with a ground blind, grassed with natural vegetation 12-100 Canvasback decoys.

CALLING

Most people don't realize that using a call for Canvasbacks can be as productive as using one for Mallards. You can buy a Diver call or use a raspy mallard call, roll your tongue into the call BRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrr, Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Don't be afraid to change it up a bit with some soft raspy quacks with a few squelches.