HCO Marsh Hen Hunting

Guided Hunts for Clapper and King Rails with HCO

Marsh hen hunting on the Historic Coast is a seasonal tradition tied directly to the fall flood tides. From September through November, rising water pushes king and clapper rails out of the flooded spartina grass, creating a short window of fast-paced hunting in the coastal marsh. It’s a unique time of year that only happens when the tides line up—and it’s best experienced during our floodtides where the water leads the way.

The HCO Marsh Hen Hunting Experience

Our marsh hen hunts take place from shallow-water skiffs, poling quietly across spartina grass flats during the fall flood tides.
As we move through the flooded marsh, king and clapper rails flush from the grass ahead of the boat in fast, close-range shots. It’s a hands-on style of hunting that unfolds with the tide and the movement of the marsh.