Creating a duck hunting property is a dream for many landowners, but understanding the true cost of developing a productive wetland can be challenging. The process involves far more than digging a hole and adding water. From soil evaluation and levee construction to plant management and seasonal water control, the cost of building a duck impoundment varies widely based on location, land quality, and project goals.

National Land Realty agent and waterfowl specialist Gabe Goodson provided valuable insight into what landowners should expect when budgeting for a waterfowl habitat project during a recent episode of the National Land Podcast. His experience sheds light on the real expenses behind wetland development, duck pond construction, and wildlife property improvement.

How Much Does Duck Hunting Land Cost?

The first step in creating a duck impoundment is purchasing land with the right landscape and soil characteristics. Location is one of the biggest determining factors in the average price per acre for duck hunting land. In areas of Alabama with strong waterfowl traffic where Goodson operates, raw land typically ranges from $8,000 to $11,000 per acre, especially near rivers or migration corridors.

For a landowner planning to build a small wildlife pond or 2-acre duck impoundment, a tract of 10–15 acres is often the minimum recommended size. This places the initial land investment between $80,000 and $165,000 or more, depending on local market conditions. The best way for anyone dreaming of building their own duck impoundment to get started is by speaking with a local Land Professional who can provide up-to-date market information on the desired area.

Goodson also points out that higher-priced land often reduces long-term expenses because it may already contain the right soil type, natural wetland depressions, or easier water access, saving thousands in excavation and construction later. Cheap acreage with sandy soil or poor hydrology may ultimately cost more due to extensive modification requirements.

Wetland Construction Costs

The development phase is typically the most expensive part of the project. Effective waterfowl habitat requires precise planning, especially when determining how to build a duck impoundment that will reliably hold water and grow desirable plants.

The most important early step is a soil test, which determines whether the property contains enough clay soil to retain water. Clay is essential because it retains water, whereas sandy soil allows water to seep out, increasing both development costs and long-term maintenance.

If an impoundment site lacks clay, the landowner may need to excavate deeper or import clay, a process that can significantly increase the cost to build a duck pond. Some people try using bentonite to seal the soil, but Goodson notes that bentonite is expensive and should only be used when no other solution is viable.

Once the soil is suitable, the next steps include constructing levees, shaping the basin, and installing water control structures such as flashboard risers. These structures allow precise seasonal drawdown and flooding, which are critical components of waterfowl habitat management.

Water Supply and Pumping Systems

No duck pond or wetland project can succeed without a reliable water source. Depending on the location, landowners may rely on rainfall, wells, or pumps pulling from nearby creeks or rivers. Water rights and permitting vary by state, so local regulations must be reviewed early in the planning process.

Pump systems differ widely, and the best choice depends on impoundment size, water depth, and distance from the source. Many landowners underestimate the cost of pumping water for wildlife ponds, especially if the site requires sustained flooding or refilling after evaporation.

Pump placement is also essential. In colder regions, positioning the pump opposite the drainage point helps create water movement, reducing the risk of ice formation and keeping portions of the impoundment open for ducks throughout the season.

Planting and Vegetation Management

Once the wetland structure is complete, landowners must decide how they want to establish food sources. Some choose planted crops such as corn or soybeans, while others prefer lower-maintenance moist-soil habitats. Both approaches come with different costs.

Planted crops often require more inputs, including seed, fertilizer, herbicide, and equipment. Corn, a favorite among duck hunters, can fail due to weather or pests. Many landowners diversify their food sources with quickly-maturing millets like Japanese, golden, or foxtail.

Moist-soil management, however, has become increasingly popular because it encourages natural seed-bearing plants like smartweed and native millets to grow. This strategy relies on controlling water levels to stimulate the soil’s existing seed bank. It typically requires lower annual costs and provides more diverse food sources for ducks. However, it does require ongoing monitoring, periodic soil disturbance, and the application of herbicides to control undesirable broadleaf plants.

Long-Term Cost of Waterfowl Habitat Management

Even a well-designed impoundment requires consistent maintenance. Seasonal water levels must be managed carefully, with most landowners draining impoundments in early spring and flooding them again in the fall. Off-season feeding may also be used to support migrating birds.

Plant management is another key component. During summer drawdown periods, undesirable grasses and broadleaf plants can quickly overtake a wetland if not controlled. Spot spraying with approved herbicides, along with periodic disking to reset portions of the moist-soil habitat, ensures that beneficial plants continue to thrive.

On top of that, pumps, levees, and control structures must be serviced regularly. Repairs, fuel, and equipment use can add several thousand dollars per year to the overall cost of maintaining a productive duck impoundment.

The greatest financial risk in wetland development isn’t the price of land, pumps, or seed; it’s beginning a project without a proper plan. Goodson frequently encounters landowners who build impoundments without soil testing or appropriate design, only to learn later that the site cannot hold water. These mistakes are costly and sometimes irreversible.

By conducting soil evaluations, understanding water rights, consulting professionals, and developing a long-term management strategy, landowners can create a productive duck impoundment that enhances their property for decades. When built correctly, a duck pond or wetland becomes a valuable asset that benefits wildlife, recreation, and the landowner’s long-term goals.

If you’ve got questions about duck hunting or creating waterfowl habitats on your property, get in touch with Gabe Goodson or your local Land Professional today!