Many of us duck hunters are getting older each year. Each year strains our eyes and causes more difficulty in duck identification; but the ducks aren't helping us by flying any slower or closer. We can counter any loss of seeing clearness with an increase of skill in identification. Ducks Unlimited has a very nice duck identification site including pictures and sounds. The USGS has a Ducks at a Distance-- A Waterfowl Identification Guide that is very nice also.

North Carolina has Ducks to hunt even in their declining status. Look at "NC Regulations Digest Migratory Birds" for seasons. Also, note that there are specific licenses and regulations for shooting ducks in and there is a banding program.

But with all the ducks they are still not as easy to hunt as one might expect. Ducks, like other migrating birds, very quickly learn shooting patterns and will avoid them. Decoys will definitely help attract ducks as will calls.

Remember that non-toxic shells (see write up on non-toxics) must be used and the newer alloy shot generally perform better than steel shot. BB's, or equivalent to BB size in lead, are the smallest shot that should be used. Sizes larger are up to the hunters personal preference and the choke which they use. Many will use modified choke and some will use more open chokes with the heavy loads.

There are many good writeups on the web including the Ducks Unlimited site.