Widgeon Waterfowl

Widgeon Waterfowl isn't a volume operation. Founded by Luke Ballam—a Citadel graduate turned obsessed waterfowler—the outfitter specializes in small-group, high-success duck and goose hunts across Saskatchewan's Central and Mississippi flyways. Every hunt is personally guided by Luke and anchored by Widgeon, his female yellow Labrador retriever who's hunted from Alaska to Argentina and is working toward becoming one of the most traveled working dogs in the world.

You're targeting: - Mallards and pintails (early season staples) - Widgeons and Canada geese (mid-to-late season) - Snow geese and specklebelly geese (big migration push)

All hunts happen in dry Saskatchewan farm fields—wheat, barley, peas, and lentils—where birds feed in massive flocks. The team scouts twice daily to keep you on fresh fields, and blinds are set with premium decoy spreads.

"We have hunted with Luke for several years. My hunting has been really good and a great place to start your waterfowl season. I truly recommend him. He's a great host." — Joe S., repeat client

Every package includes: - Canadian hunting license & permits (they handle paperwork) - Lodging at the on-site lodge (sleeps 12, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms) - 10–14 boxes of shells per package - Benelli shotgun rental (or bring your own) - Home-cooked meals from morning to dinner - Bird cleaning and prep for travel - Scouting, decoy spreads, and dog work

Early September kicks off with strong local mallards, pintails, and widgeons—steady action right away.

Mid-to-late September is golden. The big migration push hits: Canada geese, snow geese, and specklebellies move in heavy. Expect mixed flocks, volume, and the kind of shooting that exhausts your limit.

Book early to lock in dates, especially for corporate or group hunts (up to 12 guests).

• •Deep land relationships: Unlike commercialized outfitters, Luke has exclusive access to prime feeding fields and long-term landowner relationships. Fields are scouted and rotated daily.

• •Legendary dog work: Widgeon is relentless in the field. Whether it's a 250-bird day or a single drake at sunset, she delivers flawless retrieves. That reliability is what drives the entire operation.

• •Small-group focus: No cattle calls. Luke personally guides each hunt with a crew that works as a unit. Clients rave about professionalism and the effort guides put in.

• •Field-to-table included: Birds are cleaned, prepped, and ready to travel home. They'll even share recipes if you want to cook with your harvest.

Widgeon Waterfowl books private group hunts for companies looking to reward teams or entertain VIP clients. Customizable packages include branded gear, video/photo documentation, and tailored schedules. Many companies treat these as legitimate business expenses—confirm with your accountant.

Fly into Saskatoon International Airport (YXE). The lodge is near Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada. Widgeon provides detailed directions and can assist with travel planning, though transportation from airport to lodge is not included.

• •Valid waterfowl hunting license (Widgeon obtains permits for you)
• •Shotgun & ammo (or rent their Benelli)
• •Camouflage hunting clothes for cold early mornings
• •Insulated waterproof boots and gloves
• •Waders (optional but helpful in wet conditions)
• •Cooler for transporting birds
• •Personal items (medications, toiletries)

A full gear checklist is sent when you book.

Luke Ballam grew up in Awendaw, South Carolina, hunting salt marshes at 1 a.m. while others partied. After graduating from The Citadel in 2015, a chance road trip to North Dakota transformed his perspective on waterfowling. A year later, he made it to Saskatchewan and never left. Widgeon—the dog—came into his life as his business partner and, in his words, "my child, my reason."

The operation is personal because the bond between hunter, dog, and land is everything.

• •50% non-refundable deposit required to hold dates
• •Final payment due by August 1
• •Deposits are transferable for the same season if you need to reschedule

• •Address: Saskatoon, SK S7K 1K5, Canada