Puget Sound is home to a remarkable variety of sea ducks, and Emerald Sound Outfitters gives hunters the opportunity to pursue 12 unique species. Each bird has its own behaviors, habitats, and challenges, making every hunt an adventure. Below you’ll find details on the species we target, along with photos of our custom handmade decoys and clients with their trophy birds.
Custom Decoys
All of our decoys are handmade and species-specific, created each summer and fall to prepare for the season. After your hunt, you can purchase the decoy that brought in your trophy bird — a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your adventure. Click "Learn More >>" on each duck description to see what their decoy looks like.
Harlequin Duck
The Harlequin is one of the most striking sea ducks found in Puget Sound. Known for its bold blue, chestnut, and white plumage, this small but hardy duck thrives in rocky shorelines and fast-moving coastal waters. Hunters prize the Harlequin not only for its beauty but also for the challenging environments it inhabits. A true trophy bird of the Pacific Northwest.
Old Squaw (Long-tailed Duck)
The Long-tailed Duck, often called Old Squaw, is easily recognized by its long tail feathers and unique vocalizations. These birds spend the winter diving in Puget Sound’s deeper waters and are considered a rare and rewarding prize. Their striking black-and-white plumage makes them a standout among trophy collections.
Barrow’s Goldeneye
Barrow’s Goldeneye is a bold, fast-flying duck common to the Northwest. Males display a distinctive crescent-shaped white patch on their face and striking black-and-white patterning. Found in both coastal and inland waters, Goldeneyes are exciting to hunt due to their speed and wary nature.
Common Goldeneye
Closely related to Barrow’s, the Common Goldeneye is another challenging species of Puget Sound. Recognizable by its round white facial patch and bright yellow eyes, the Common Goldeneye offers a fast, sporty hunt and is a staple bird for waterfowlers in the region.
Bufflehead
Small, quick, and full of energy, the Bufflehead is a frequent sight on Puget Sound’s calmer bays. Males flash iridescent purple-green heads with a bright white patch, offering fast-paced action and a favorite target for both novice and seasoned hunters.
Surf Scoter
Often called the “clown of the sea,” the Surf Scoter is known for its bold white markings and colorful bill. Found in large flocks across Puget Sound, this hardy sea duck provides exciting open-water hunting opportunities throughout the winter season.
White-Winged Scoter
The largest of the scoter species, the White-Winged Scoter is easy to spot with its white eye crescent and bold wing patch. Strong, steady, and often far offshore, it offers a challenging and rewarding hunt on Puget Sound’s open waters.
Black Scoter
The smallest and least common of the scoter trio, the Black Scoter is a prized find for Puget Sound hunters. Males are glossy black with a bright yellow bill knob, making them a striking and sought-after addition to any waterfowler’s collection.
Common Merganser
This elegant diving duck is known for its long, serrated bill and striking plumage. Common Mergansers favor Washington’s rivers and bays, where their speed and sleek profile make them a distinctive and memorable waterfowl species.
Red-Breasted Merganser
Built for speed and diving, the Red-Breasted Merganser is recognized by its spiky crest and vivid red eyes. A fast-flying sea duck of Puget Sound, it challenges even the most skilled hunters and adds flair to any waterfowl collection.
Black Brant
This small, dark sea goose is a seasonal highlight in Puget Sound. With its white neck ring and soft calls, the Black Brant draws hunters from across the region for its limited, highly regulated January season and its status as a true Pacific Northwest trophy.
