Even in a well-camouflaged boat or blind, hunters must wear matching natural drab-colored or camo clothing and also stay well hidden until ready to shoot. Decoys sets, and the decoys themselves, must match the species being hunted and in laid out in an appropriate pattern. Location includes the proper position for the wind, water depths for the tide, and in the correct area where the ducks want to be.

Calling is usually not as important as with puddle ducks. Big-water birds rely more on visual cues than calling. That said, don't leave your calls home, but concentrate more on visual signals like decoy setups, the number of decoys and flagging.

Tidal changes cause most big-water waterfowl to move throughout the day. However, tides can also affect the area you plan to hunt. An extremely high tide may flood out an area and cause birds to go elsewhere, while an extremely low tide may cause navigational hazards and restrict your ability to reach certain areas -- or even strand you in the marsh until the next rising tide.

However, one advantage to hunting in such a diversified environment is the ability to change locations or even the species of waterfowl being sought.

Dabbling ducks are usually hunted in backwater bays, ponds and secluded impoundments. Divers are found in bays and coastal lagoons, while sea ducks are usually loafing in the larger sounds and bays.

Canada and snow geese usually arrive in their feeding fields late in the morning and return to roosting areas in the evening. Atlantic Brant move with the tide, and hunting the correct tide is the key to hunting brant successfully.

Prospective hunters should seriously consider using the services of a professional guide. Even seasoned big-water hunters new to an area would be wise to hire a local waterman, guide or outfitter their first time out. Experience and knowledge of the areas being hunted, the local birds' patterns and effects of tides on a given location all play important roles in successful waterfowling.

Local guides are usually well aware of all of these factors and can safely put you onto birds. Weather should also be a serious consideration, and having someone familiar with local weather patterns and sheltered areas can be a godsend.

Whether hunting with or without a guide, hunters should consider all safety issues when engaging in late-season open-water waterfowling, including planning their travel routes.

Shallow bays can be difficult to navigate even for seasoned local watermen, especially during low-light travel times. Using maps, tidal charts and scouting with the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit are especially useful in getting in and out of small creeks and channels, which often lose water quickly during periods of low tide.