Summary: Wind speed has a direct impact on waterfowl when wind speed typically exceeds a sustained level of 20 - 25 miles per hour. The higher the sustained winds the greater the impact. Wind speed can impact feeding patterns, location choices and it can cause waterfowl to become very nervous and flighty. High wind speeds can also "push" birds into areas that they may not have been using.
When winds reach a sustained level of over 20 miles per hour we almost exclusively hunt areas where the birds will be "pushed" into. We call it "Playing The Wind".
On one occasion we had been hunting a location approximately 1 mile west of the local wildlife management area and we were having great success on both mallards and Canada geese. The following days forecast was for strong westerly winds between 20 - 30 miles per hour. We knew that with winds this strong our chances for success in this location would be marginal. We knew that if we hunted the downwind side of the wildlife management area numerous birds would be pushed to the east. Other members of our hunting party disagreed and chose to remain hunting the same spot the following day.
The following day, our group once again shot a limit of ducks and geese in the new "downwind" location we had chosen. Unfortunately, the members of our hunting party that chose to hunt the westerly location never fired a shot.
Take advantage of strong winds by understanding; how strong does the wind have to be in your area to have an impact of "pushing" birds regardless of the winds direction and where are the downwind areas that birds use or are blown into when the wind does pick up. Understanding the winds influence and how it impacts the waterfowl you'll be hunting will put you into an elite group of hunters that always seem to be ahead of the game.
For over 30 years we have used the wind as an advantage that has kept us one step ahead of the ducks and geese and our competition. And now, you can use the wind to your advantage too!!!