North Wind Waterfowl

Gregg Brinkman started North Wind Waterfowl in 2015 as a production company—filming and photographing duck and goose hunts as a hobby. The operation evolved into a full guided hunting service, and what started as a side project turned into something Brinkman and his team are genuinely obsessed with. They hunt the entire season, switching strategies to keep birds guessing, and the goal is simple: leave you happy enough to come back.

The molt migration in early-to-mid September is some of the best hunting of the year. Watch flocks spiral down from heights you can barely see into your decoys. Early season hunts focus on hay fields, wheat fields, and proven loaf ponds where local birds and first-wave migrators congregate.

Larger numbers push in and stay. Combination of fresh-cut fields and migrating birds makes this the most consistent time of year. This is when duck season overlaps with goose season, giving you the option to hunt combo—field hunts for ducks and geese one day, timber hole ponds the next.

True giants. The geese that tough out winter show up, and late season gives you the biggest duck numbers too. You'll get chances at larger mallard dry feeds. Harsher conditions, but giant geese in snow is worth it.

Wisconsin gets a solid push of mallards and other species when birds move south. North Wind targets direct feeds and bodies of water ducks are actually using—not where you hope they'll be. Field hunts one day, timber holes the next.

Payment Structure: - 50% deposit to book, 50% balance due on arrival - Non-refundable deposit - Minimum group size: 4 people (flexible on single-day hunts or different group sizes—contact them) - Gratuity not included

Shotgun & Ammo: - 12 or 20 gauge with plug (3 shells max) - 2 boxes of shells: 2-BB shot for geese, 4-2 shot for ducks - All non-toxic shot shells required - Eye/ear protection recommended

Clothing: - Layer up—hunts start before sunrise - Later season: bibs, cold weather gear, hats, gloves, neck gaiters - Waterproof outer layer (camo or earth tone) - Waterproof boots (waders optional but useful for flooded field setups)

Licenses (Wisconsin DNR required): - Small game license - HIP certification - State waterfowl stamp - Federal Migratory Bird stamp - For regular goose season: Exterior Goose permit - For early goose season: Early Goose permit - Purchase at Wisconsin DNR Go Wild

Hunter Education: - If born on or after January 1, 1973, must have completed state-certified course with valid card in possession

Hunting happens from heated above-ground blinds, heated floating blinds, layout blinds, or A-Frame style blinds. You're not sitting in the mud in November.

On 3-day packages, you'll meet the afternoon or evening before the first hunt to finalize payment and go over the plan. Morning of the hunt, arrive 30-45 minutes before shooting light. Get settled in the blind, go over final details.

Hunting typically runs until 10:30 AM–noon depending on hunt style or bag limit. Afternoon hunts may happen depending on time of year when birds are flying and the guide sees better success. The guide's discretion drives the schedule—not a clock.

"At the end of the day, we are hunting wild birds and are at the mercy of mother nature. We will do everything in our power to give you the best experience possible." — Gregg Brinkman

This isn't a guarantee-birds-or-your-money-back operation. This is a guide who hunts year-round, knows the birds and the land, and will hunt differently in September than January because the birds are different. Safety and ethics are non-negotiable. Alcohol is not allowed while hunting. All clients sign the liability waiver before the first morning hunt.

North Wind Waterfowl provides transportation from field to blinds. You handle your own travel to the meeting point in Yorkville, Wisconsin.