Big Game Waterfowl

Captain Jarad Luchka couldn't afford a quality duck boat on his fire department salary. His solution? Start Big Game Waterfowl six seasons ago. What began as a personal mission to hunt ducks every day evolved into a guide service that brings hunters from across the country to some of the East Coast's best waterfowl hunting.

Big Game Waterfowl operates a 21-foot TDB (The Duck Boat Company) Sea Class vessel—a custom hull designed specifically for the conditions it hunts. The boat drafts only nine inches, meaning it navigates the shallow, brackish salt marshes of the South Coast and Narragansett Bay without issue. It cuts through choppy Atlantic water and provides a stable platform for shooting. The integrated blind system provides cover for sea ducks, divers, and puddle ducks.

Comfort matters on long hunts. The boat features a heated floor capable of 150°F and a 5000 BTU ducted heater running off a generator. It's not a substitute for proper layers, but it takes the edge off when you're hunting in Rhode Island's November-to-January season.

• •Sea Ducks: Eider, Scoter, Old Squaw

• •Divers: Blue Bills, Buffleheads, Mergansers

• •Other waterfowl: Puddle ducks and species based on migration and weather patterns

Captain Luchka and his team have over 25 years combined experience. They know which areas to target based on weather and migration. You're not guessing—you're hunting with people who do this every season.

Recommended gear: 12-gauge shotgun minimum. For sea ducks, 3.5-inch loads are strongly recommended. Dress in layers with at least one waterproof layer (side console boat exposure).

• •8-Hour Hunting Charter: $1,250 (up to 4 hunters)

A $250 deposit reserves your date. All prices are for full-day legal hunting hours and include travel time.

Cancellation Policy: - Weather or mechanical cancellations: reschedule free or get deposit back - Customer cancellations made 2+ months before trip: 100% refund - Customer cancellations within 2 months: deposit forfeited

You must call, text, or email to confirm availability before depositing. Download and sign the waiver and charter agreement forms beforehand—both required.

• •Valid RI hunting license
• •Hip permit
• •State and federal duck stamps (copies must go to BGW before hunt day)
• •Guns (must be plugged) and ammunition
• •Food and drinks
• •Waiver and charter agreement forms (signed)
• •Following all RI state and federal regulations

"Every year, I donate guided trips to BHA, SCI, and other 2%-affiliated organizations. I'm involved with RIDEM's Youth Waterfowl Hunting Program and duck banding. Big Game Waterfowl is my business and my passion." — Captain Jarad Luchka

Big Game Waterfowl terminates charters immediately (no refund) for: - Unsafe gun practices (accidental discharge, pointing firearm unsafely, safety negligence) - Taking protected species like harlequins (hunter responsible for all fines/penalties) - Exceeding daily limit - Excessive or repeated damage to decoys

All hunts comply with Rhode Island state and federal waterfowl regulations.

Luchka's business philosophy centers on conservation. After a personal reckoning about what he was building, he committed to giving back. He works with RIDEM, participates in duck and goose banding programs, and hosts youth waterfowl hunting days. Customers often become long-term friends rather than one-time clients.

Contact: Captain Jarad Luchka (401) 486-7262 [email protected]

• •Location: Rhode Island South Shore & Narragansett Bay (November-January season)