Top 10 Accessories for Bufflehead Hunting
Practical, open-water gear picks to stay hidden, stay warm, and finish more fast-flying divers.
These bufflehead hunting accessories focus on what matters most for small diving ducks: a visible diver decoy spread, natural motion, solid concealment on big water, and cold-weather comfort so you’re steady when the shot window opens. Always follow safe gun handling, prioritize ethical shot placement, and check local regulations. In the United States, federal rules prohibit lead shot for waterfowl—use approved non-toxic shot.
Foam-Filled Diver Duck Decoys (Bufflehead-Style Spread)
A tough, high-contrast diver spread is the #1 way to pull buffleheads across open water and keep them committed.
Overview
Buffleheads are small diving ducks that often traffic big water. A mix of foam-filled diver decoys (with a few black-and-white “bufflehead-look” blocks) gives visibility at distance and keeps your rig riding correctly in wind and chop.
Benefits
- Better long-range visibility on open water
- Foam-filled builds shrug off pellets and hard knocks
- Easy to scale from a small pod to a bigger diver spread
Notable Brands
- Avian-X
- Higdon
- Tanglefree
Decoy Motion Jerk Rig Kit
When the water goes glassy, a jerk rig adds lifelike ripples that can turn a look into a finish.
Overview
Buffleheads can be wary on calm days—especially on pressured lakes. A simple jerk cord or bungee rig placed off the downwind edge of your landing hole makes your decoys “swim” without batteries.
Benefits
- Creates natural ripples and flash without electronics
- Works in shallow bays or off a boat/shoreline
- Quick to deploy and pack up
Notable Brands
- Rig’Em Right
- Higdon
- Tanglefree
Texas-Rig Decoy Lines for Deep Water
If you’re setting on lakes, reservoirs, or tidal water, Texas rigs keep your decoys where you put them—fast.
Overview
Longline systems are great, but many bufflehead hunts happen with smaller “pods” near points, shoals, or breaklines. Texas-rigged lines with proper weights make it easier to run and gun, adjust depth, and avoid tangles.
Benefits
- Faster set-up and pick-up than traditional string rigs
- Fewer tangles in wind and chop
- Easy to fine-tune spacing and depth
Notable Brands
- Rig’Em Right
- Avery Outdoors
- Tanglefree
Low-Profile Boat Blind or Layout Blind
Buffleheads love open water—so a hide that disappears on big water is a game-changer.
Overview
Whether you’re hunting from a skiff, sneak boat, or a shoreline setup, the key is breaking up your outline and staying below the horizon line. A low-profile boat blind or layout blind keeps you concealed while still allowing safe muzzle control and a clean swing.
Benefits
- Improves concealment on open, exposed shorelines
- Cuts glare and movement—two big bufflehead spookers
- Provides a safer, more organized shooting position
Notable Brands
- Beavertail
- MoMarsh
- Avery Outdoors
Insulated Chest Waders with Secure Fit
Cold water and wind are part of bufflehead season—good waders keep you hunting longer and safer.
Overview
Look for durable, insulated chest waders with supportive boots, a snug upper, and a reliable wading belt. Bufflehead hunts often involve rocky shorelines, boat launches, and shallow edges—traction and warmth matter.
Benefits
- Stays warm in late-season wind and icy shallows
- Better mobility for setting decoys and retrieving birds
- Less distraction—so you can focus on timing and follow-through
Notable Brands
- Drake Waterfowl
- Banded
- Frogg Toggs
Waterproof Waterfowl Parka or Shell Jacket
Spray, rain, and freezing drizzle are normal on bufflehead water—stay dry and stay sharp.
Overview
A waterproof-breathable jacket (plus warm layers underneath) helps you handle long sits and fast shooting windows. Prioritize a quiet face fabric, sealed seams, and pockets you can work with gloves on.
Benefits
- Sheds spray and precipitation in boat or shoreline sets
- Quiet materials reduce the “swish” that flares close birds
- Smart pockets keep calls, gloves, and license accessible
Notable Brands
- Sitka Gear
- Drake Waterfowl
- Banded
Duck Whistle + Compact Duck Call
Buffleheads won’t always “talk back,” but a little sound can help grab attention and sell the spread.
Overview
Think of calling on buffleheads as subtle steering: a whistle or short, crisp notes can help finish birds already interested in the decoys. Keep it light—overcalling can do more harm than good on small divers.
Benefits
- Adds realism when birds are circling but not committing
- Simple to learn and effective for mixed-species days
- Lightweight and easy to keep on a lanyard
Notable Brands
- Primos
- Duck Commander
- Zink
Steel-Rated Extended Choke Tubes
A good waterfowl choke helps you pattern tighter, more consistent spreads—especially with non-toxic shot.
Overview
Buffleheads are small targets, and shots can happen fast. An improved cylinder or modified waterfowl choke (rated for steel and other non-toxic loads) can balance pattern density and forgiveness. Always confirm your choke is compatible with your load.
Benefits
- More consistent patterns at common duck ranges
- Easier to tune your setup to your ammo and shot size
- Extended tubes are quick to swap in the field
Notable Brands
- Carlson’s
- Patternmaster
- Briley
Floating Gun Case or Waterproof Dry Bag
Open-water hunts are hard on gear—protect your shotgun and essentials from spray, rain, and dunkings.
Overview
Whether you’re riding in a boat or dragging gear along a rocky bank, a floating case or tough dry bag keeps your shotgun and spare layers out of trouble. It also helps you stay organized when birds show up fast.
Benefits
- Helps prevent rust and water-related malfunctions
- Adds peace of mind around boats and slick shorelines
- Makes transport cleaner and safer
Notable Brands
- Plano
- Pelican
- Allen Company
Compact Binoculars + Harness for ID and Scouting
Good glass helps you spot buffleheads early, judge wind lines, and confirm species before you shoulder the gun.
Overview
Buffleheads are quick and small, and they often mix with other divers. Binoculars with a comfortable harness let you scout rafts, pick out incoming pairs, and stay ethical by confirming your target before the shot.
Benefits
- Earlier spot = better decoy placement and timing
- Cleaner, more confident identification in mixed flocks
- Harness keeps optics handy without swinging or snagging
Notable Brands
- Vortex
- Leupold
- Bushnell