Redhead Teal Hunting Port O'Connor TX Captain Mark

Port O'Connor Duck Hunting: Redheads & Teal

There's nothing quite like watching the sun come up over the Texas coast while redheads work your decoys. Captain Mark Ueding has been guiding hunters through these productive marshes and flats around Port O'Connor for years, and he knows exactly where the birds want to be. This top-rated morning hunt runs from early November through January's end, giving you prime access to some of the Gulf Coast's best waterfowl action. You'll be up before dawn, meeting at 1301 Water Street at 4 a.m., but trust me – when you see those first flights coming in, you'll forget all about the early alarm. With space for up to four hunters and a welcoming approach to all skill levels, this is the kind of hunt that keeps people coming back season after season.

Inside the Hunt

Captain Mark runs his operation with an 18-foot Air Ranger airboat, which is perfect for getting into those shallow, hard-to-reach spots where the ducks feel safe. The boat's ability to navigate through skinny water and marsh grass means you're hunting areas that see way less pressure than the typical public spots. Most mornings, you'll be set up and ready well before shooting light, giving the decoys time to settle and look natural. Mark provides trained retriever dogs that know these waters like the back of their paws – watching them work is half the fun. The spread includes a solid mix of decoys specifically chosen for redheads and teal, positioned to take advantage of the morning wind and flight patterns. You'll typically wrap up by 9 a.m., which gives you the rest of the day to explore Port O'Connor or head home with your stories.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

The coastal flats around Port O'Connor offer a perfect mix of shallow bays, protected marshes, and grass beds that ducks love for feeding and roosting. Mark's airboat lets you access spots that regular motor boats simply can't reach – think knee-deep water with scattered grass islands and natural points that funnel birds. The key to success here is reading the wind and understanding how these birds use the terrain. Redheads especially love the deeper pockets near grass beds where they can dive for food, while teal prefer the shallower edges where they can tip up and dabble. You'll need to bring your own shotgun and shells – most guides recommend 12 or 20 gauge with 3-inch steel shot in BB or #2 for redheads, and #4 steel works great for teal. Don't forget your Texas hunting license, which you can grab online before the trip. The weather can change quickly on the coast, so layering is smart, and waterproof boots are a must since you'll likely be standing in shallow water.

Target Game Breakdown

Redheads are the crown jewel of this hunt, and for good reason. These medium-sized diving ducks are absolutely beautiful birds – the drakes sport that distinctive rusty-red head and black chest that makes them unmistakable in flight. They typically weigh around two pounds and are strong, fast fliers that provide challenging shooting. November through January is prime time because that's when big rafts of redheads stage in the coastal bays, fattening up on seagrass and small crabs. What makes hunting them so exciting is their social nature – when a few birds commit to your decoys, others often follow, leading to some fantastic shooting opportunities. They're also excellent table fare, with a rich, full flavor that's milder than most diving ducks.

Blue-winged teal bring a completely different energy to the hunt. These smaller ducks are incredibly fast and agile, often appearing out of nowhere in tight flocks that twist and turn like they're choreographed. Weighing in at just about a pound, they might be small, but they make up for it with speed and unpredictability. The brilliant blue wing patches on the drakes flash in the morning light as they work the decoys, and their high-pitched whistles add to the excitement. Teal are typically more active during the earlier part of the season, with many birds moving through in November and December. They love shallow water where they can feed on seeds and small invertebrates, often landing right in the middle of your spread without much hesitation. Their mild, delicate meat is prized by many hunters, and their acrobatic flying makes every shot an adventure.

Book Your Next Tag

This world-class duck hunting experience gives you everything you need for a successful morning on the water – expert guidance, proven hunting grounds, trained dogs, and quality equipment. Captain Mark's knowledge of these coastal waters and seasonal bird patterns takes years to develop, and you get the benefit of all that experience in one trip. Whether you're a seasoned waterfowler looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to try duck hunting for the first time, this hunt delivers the authentic Texas coast experience you're after. The combination of redheads and teal in these productive marshes makes for diverse, exciting shooting that'll have you planning your return trip before you even leave the water. With the season running through January's end, there's still time to get out there and experience some of the Gulf Coast's best duck hunting. These spots fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates.