While a drift-boat makes the most sense on the upper river, a rowboat or canoe might be a better choice on the lower runs.

Keep a close watch as you round each bend. Birds can hide in brush along the banks and break from cover after your boat has drifted past.

OREGON
Deschutes River
From its headwaters to the mouth, a hunter may find mallards anywhere between the banks of the Deschutes River. In the upper section are long sections of water that are perfect for the duck hunter. Below Wickiup Reservoir, the Tenino boat ramp provides access to several miles of river down to Pringle Falls.

Between Tetherow boat ramp and Sunriver, there are nice bends in the river and productive backwaters. But there are also some houses along the river, and it's best to unload your gun in the residential environs. From the last house below Sunriver, there is good duck hunting down to the boat ramp above Benham Falls.

Mallards make good use of the lower Deschutes too. Here, a drift-boat provides the best stability, while a framed raft is more forgiving in the rapids. From the ramp at Warm Springs down to the lower reservation boundary below White Horse rapids, the west bank of the river is Indian land and is off-limits.

Tim Curry of Bend's Cast and Blast Outfitters spends a lot of time on the lower Deschutes during steelhead season -- which, he pointed out, coincides nicely with the mallard migration. Curry suggests carrying a fishing rod alongside the shotgun.

"It makes for a nice trip," he said, "because if you have trouble finding the fish, there's always a chance that there'll be ducks around the next corner. And the duck hunting, on any given day could be fantastic."

Below Maupin, drive the east bank of the river to put-ins below Sherar's Falls. From Mack's Canyon to Burns, the river is remote, with no additional boat ramps. If you like to combine your casting with blasting, then plan for three days on the river.

All boating in the lower river requires a boater's pass, available at www.boaterpass.com and most local tackle shops. The lower Deschutes is best boated by experts. If you're new to the river, run it with someone else before tackling it on your own.

For more information, get hold of Curry through his Web site, at www.castandblastoutfitters.net.

Umpqua River
The lower Umpqua is another major mallard layover. Miles of meandering, from Roseburg west to Winchester Bay, provide lots of room for flocks of ducks to drop in on their way south. To intercept them, hunters can take Highway 138, which follows the Umpqua down to Elkton and the junction with Highway 38 that leads down to the ocean.

Above the tidewater influence, a drift-boat is your best bet. The Umpqua is characterized by deep channels and sharp rock ledges. But the lower river is easily run by the drift-boater with a little experience on the sticks.

Plan a short run from James Wood down to Osprey, or add some river miles by taking out at Yellow Creek. The next boat ramps are Sawyer's Rapids and Scott Creek. Reach of tide is found below Scottsburg Park.

The best duck hunting is in the tidewater area, according to Jody Smith of Jody Smith Guide Service.

"Mallards, pintail and widgeons really move a lot with the tide," Smith said. "When high tide comes in over the grass, the water floats the seeds." And the birds drop in for the easy eats.