A successful specklebelly hunt provides the makings for one of the most delectable wild game meals you've ever eaten. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and pulling power. In general, it is best to use at least a dozen decoys, with a dozen being the minimum and three to four dozen being the maximum. While it may seem like a better idea to run only drake decoys for their eye catching bright colors, consider that in early season the drake's plumage is not nearly as pronounced in color, and in late season the biology of the breeding season may make a hen decoy much more enticing. If you have a large pond, you may want to consider placing a small pond on the other side of the pond so that you can see the duck and ducklings from a safe distance. Do the same on the right side. Their rhizomes lock together, forming dense mats. Other things like a Texas rig can help you work smarter not harder. No discussion about decoys is complete without touching on movement. Second, if a duck or goose comes right up to you, its much easier to shoot it down than it would be if it were hiding behind a tree or in some other place where you couldnt easily see it. So, if decoys are to be set out and taken up frequently, solid keels are the better choice. 1 or 2 dozen will be fine. Many people believe that it is absolutely necessary to have decoys to be able to duck hunt. !I've called many birds to an empty pond. Also, the bigger, darker goose decoys help get the ducks attention, and they hide our blinds better. Typically, the more, the merrier. Ducks will likely be working close in such an environment, and oversized decoys won't be necessary. This will ensure that the birds make their final approach from a direction where you can clearly see them. In North Louisiana, he will separate his mallard decoys from the coots and gadwalls. Guyette says that most of the decoys he sees in appraisals are worth more than $10,000. Widespread flooding in Nevada is causing challenges for wetland managers this spring, but it's providing excellent habitat for waterfowl. As many as you can stuff in y'alls boat. They check things out on your lease and they run the lease to move birds so that their fellow hunters get more shooting. I started duck hunting this last year and the only way I have every hunted them was by pass shooting in a cornfield. The latest season of Ducks Unlimited TV brings you more of the best waterfowling action, tips and tactics, and conservation news. Expert tips, stunning photography, & more: Subscribe to DU Magazine today. The canes are the only thing holding the Delta together in places. No wonder beginners need help when it comes to putting their first spread together. Small spreads really shine when they allow you to hunt a spot you might not otherwise be able to reach. With divers, the decision on species is easy. Building a decoy spread is one of the most enjoyable aspects of waterfowl hunting. You cant throw water-keel decoys. This will give the ducks a sense of security, as they will see . . Here are a few of my favorites: Decoys are great for a number of reasons. Big-water diver hunts or running traffic in fields for mallards or geese call for plenty of decoys. The canes enclose ponds and marshes protecting them. And the swampy areas where they live are fascinating to me. But he has used other motion decoys. Soft foam decoys have shell bodies and heads that insert into holes at the neck. But they shouldnt be shiny. Check the bottom of the decoy. but good luck too you in the upcoming seasons I hope I helped you out a little! This past season, I set nearly 350 decoys around a pit in a flooded river bottom field, and what a menagerie! This is a very natural look. :yes: I know guys that will do this and pull in more ducks than the guys set up with 4 dozen ducks. But when ducks or geese have many options for feeding, loafing or roosting, you must grab their attention and convince them your spread is the hotspot. Instead, call your local wildlife rehabilitator for advice. Sometimes, spreads with fewer decoys are better. Keep wood duck decoys clustered together by themselves on the edge of the spread as they tend to be more exclusive in their groupings. It also makes the decoy spread larger and will be seen more easily by highflying birds. Our team is comprised of individuals from across the country who hunt every day of duck season. If you're setting up along, say, an acorn-choked backwater that's been holding 12 to 15 wood ducks every day, a few blocks will suffice. But again, since youll typically find diving ducks on very large bodies of water, it makes sense that you would need much larger decoys and much bigger spreads to get the attention of a flock. The only nuisance with these decoys is in setting them out and picking them up. Duck boats today come as dream rigs, a far cry from those in the past. By placing your decoys about 6-9 feet apart from each other so the geese should not feel crowded when they come to land in your spread. Ive done great with 12 decoys per hunter. On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. They are less bothersome in terms of self-righting, and they don't leak water when taken up. Agitated water and moving, dipping decoys look like real ducks, and hunters should use any legal means of imparting action that will convince circling birds to come in. Here's a quick breakdown of the best scenarios for each type: It really depends on the location, scenario and type of hunt. Many duck hunters like to use magnum decoys for flooded timber but you'll find a number of seasoned hunters eschew them in favor of standard-sized decoys. It is important to adequately space decoys apart to make them look natural. Extra weight is needed to keep decoys in place when waves or current is rolling. If you've duck hunted long, you've probably, at some point, been drenched in sweat from stumbling through muck or thigh-deep water in the pre-dawn. Celebrate the life of someone special with a memorial gift to DU. If a hunter tries a confidence decoy and has success with it, he should continue using it. But there are some other nuanced ideas for diving ducks, too. I like to use 60 to 80 decoys year-round, both in North and South Louisiana, Ward said. Overloading such spots with fakes can sometimes put wary or pressured birds on alert. On larger waters or dry fields, hunters should put out as many decoys as practical. :thumbsup: A forum community dedicated to duck hunters and hunting enthusiasts. As hunters and anglers get older, you often realize that the quality of your equipment is more important than quantity of gear laying around in your garage. Doing it once or twice a season is tough enough; doing it consistently from one year to the next, with a variety of species, can seem damn near impossible. On larger waters or dry fields, hunters should put out as many decoys as practical. [], If it casts a shadow and is in decent water, it can hold summer bass. December 1, 2018 Jerald Horst Ducks, Features Dekes are probably the most important controllable factor for the average hunter. With each large step you will go about 3 feet so 2-3 steps should give a good distance between your decoys. DON'T MISS Episode 36 - 2022 Giant Gear Issue Series - Boats & Motors with Go-Devil. Two other suitable options are the over-the-head anchor (wire loop protruding from a lead "mushroom") and the neck ring anchor (molded in a circle or "double-H" to ride as a collar around a decoy's neck). Open water=MANY decoys. A large egg sinker is hammered onto one end of the line. Other species can be included in a puddle duck spread: teal, gadwalls, wood ducks, and wigeon. Bottom line? I believe that imitating this in my spread imparts a sense of safety and serenity to circling ducks.). lugged through marsh or muck can be a killer. Depending what brand decoys you have leaving them out will be real tough on the paint, GHGs have a tendency to fade and discolor. Typically, the more, the merrier. Freelancers assembling a portable spread might rig two-dozen mallards, six pintail drakes, and six black ducks. Hunters have many specialty decoys to consider when building a spread: shells, silhouettes, full-body stand-ups, inflatables, soft foam decoys, confidence decoys. This is especially important on calm wind days when decoys are unnaturally still. Factory-made decoys almost always have this information stamped onto a metal tag on the bottom of the decoy. Give back and leave a lasting legacy by volunteering with DU. No matter where he sets up, he always leaves an open landing zone with just a couple of dekes there. Assemble the most realistic, most effective spread possible. Traditionally, diver spreads and large numbers of decoys say, 100-plus rigged on old school longlines were synonymous terms. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved I would say the vast majority of the time, yes, it does flare geese. How can I tell if my duck decoys are antique? The Mallards, likewise, seemed to have no problem with the Wood Duck. When youre considering your gear budget Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. You might physically carry more than this, but too many decoys (plus shotgun, shells, etc.) If you are using a large deco, you may want to use a smaller one to make it easier for the duck hunters to spot. Expert tips, stunning photography, & more: Subscribe to DU Magazine today. Generally speaking they will run half drakes and half hens. Tracks. Access the DU Migration Map, Waterfowlers Journal, Waterfowl ID, DU events and more. He moved on cautiously, to his other concern: surface drive engines. Wood and cork decoys are heavy and very pricey. The separation between the two sets of decoys creates the slot and that is where the majority of ducks will attempt to land. Some carvers carved their initials and date the decoy was made into the bottom of the decoy. How do you keep birds from skirting your decoys?Find out on this video!https://www.SurvivingDuckSeason.comJoel Strickland (@mrproducersir) is a lifelong waterfowler and producer/director in the film and television industry. Several factors go into determining how many decoys to use in a spread. Looking for a great place to work? Also, in areas where hunter concealment is limited, I feel that they can divert the birds attention away from the hunter. Most of the clubs in my area leave the decoys out all season. And more is better, since for waterfowl there is safety in numbers. 4s for wood ducks, and I usually use a modified choke. How do you keep birds from skirting your decoys?Find out on this video!https://www.SurvivingDuckSea. Knocking a fast-flying bird out of the sky with a shotgun is one of the greatest challenges in hunting. Project Upland Gear: Shop Now Dismiss, Our site uses cookies. When duck hunting is not an option, it is possible to still bag ducks even if you dont have decoys. Full-body stand-ups are very realistic, but they're bulky. Decoy Strategy. Jun 16, 2014 Buy 7 dozen cheap ones on craigslist and get a Cabelas game cart, put some extra long handles on it (wood) and plywood extended bed. Nothing aggravates me more than decoys being placed so close that they bang into each other.. When setting out decoys, always make sure to position yourself with your back to the wind or coming from an angled direction over one shoulder. How should you arrange them? This makes three major groups of decoys that can be spread evenly creating additional slots. The rigs are built with large-diameter monofilament line. How many decoys do you think it would take to bring um in. I like to tie two out of each dozen in the back hole so all the decoys don't face in the same direction, adding more variety to the spread. The official DU App is the ultimate resource for waterfowl hunters! If you set them 10 yards apart, you increase the risk that incoming ducks will land in the line, rather than hitting the decoy. A J pattern is just as it sounds, its a string of decoys that start in a long single line and stretches out into a hook. You better remember where the wire is, too, when you run your boat. If youre looking for something to do with your kids, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Leave it out of the other location if you have good success there. In South Louisiana marshes he will mix gadwalls, wigeons and pintails, but he always keeps his teal and coots separate. I use 14 mallard flams and can get my limit every time[weather permitting]. What duck sounds like whistle? Early-season honkers often short-stop decoy spreads, and if the first few flocks of the morning exhibit this behavior, he moves his layout blinds downwind into the front of the spread. On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. For more a more detailed answer, watch this video: We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. It looks like a garden, not a pond, added son Collin. There is a public lake area close to my house that ducks are always on and I would like to decoy them in. Conventional wisdom withhunting diving duckssays you need to put out large decoy spreads. It does not hurt to leave out. I used floaters, shells, and full-body stand-ups. As a new hunter interested in hunting puddle ducks, youre in luck. (Important Facts), When Is Duck Hunting Season In Wisconsin? Here I use a spread of 24 super magnum mallard decoys and eight Canada goose floaters. Ultimately, building a decoy spread is a means of stacking the odds in your favor. Why is that? By placing your decoys about 6-9 feet apart from each other so the geese should not feel crowded when they come to land in your spread. The meat is considered by many to be superior in taste to Canadas or snow geese. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Black-bellied Whistling -Duck Sounds. In nature, these ducks are universal, and other species routinely intermingle with them. Check out e-bay for ballpark prices and picsY'all have a nice day! In open water, you are going to be carrying your decoys in the boat, not in your pocket. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities. Jerald Horst is a retired Louisiana State University professor of fisheries. These bags have backpack straps in case I need to leave my boat and walk or wade to a hunting site. I never heard of anybody scaring ducks or geese away because they used too many decoys. Then, there is the financial factor. The main option to molded plastic decoys is solid foam decoys, which are virtually indestructible and not affected by shot. Calling is more important than dekes!!! Keep working millions on welfare depend on you!!! If I had room, I would hunt with 150. They are usually made of plastic or leather, and they come with a variety of straps and buckles to secure them to your belt or waistband. JavaScript is disabled. A live duck is vibrantly colored, so decoys should be colorful. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. If you run your spinners when ducks are distant and turn them off when birds . To keep worn out or beat up decoys is just ignorance, he said, mincing no words. Pluck and draw the birds, stuff with your favorite stuffing mix, and roast in the oven 18 to 20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees. Do the same on the right side. November 6, 2022 As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. It's kind of like calling up a turkey. Wards preference is for using a Texas rig. Official DU merchandise, clothing, hunting gear, gifts & more. Nobody knows for sure, but many hunters are choosing to eliminate them from their spreads or use remote controls to turn them off once ducks start working. They tear up the marsh and scare birds., It makes ducks more wary and harder to work, piped in Collin. Species in this group include mallards,teal,pintails,wigeons, wood ducks, and black ducks. The line is then passed through the eye of a large swivel of a snap swivel (that is in turn snapped onto the decoy) and a loop is crimped on the other end. Ducks quickly learn about those cookie-cutter spreads. 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being suitable for a solo hunter. Its important to remember that you dont need to invest a fortune on decoys right from the start. Go with a realistic setup for the scenario no matter how many or few decoys that requires. They are realistic in appearance, in spite of the silhouette's two-dimensional quality. Likewise, when hunting a farm pond where 20 to 40 honkers loaf at midday, it's better to eschew big spreads and instead use a few full-bodies along the shoreline to give geese the impression that a few of their brethren arrived earlier. "You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve" Hank Jr. and Kid Rock. The 51-year-old is managing partner of Acadian Landscaping of Louisiana, sales manager for the Louisiana Division of American Tank and Vessel and owns Southern Exposure Inland Fishing Charters out of Buras with Tim Anderson. You can unsubscribe at any time. Their disadvantages are that they weigh more, and they're more expensive than water keel decoys. Teal are very nervous birds, scattering whenever there is a threat. There's nothing wrong with setting out an all-mallard spread. Common duck decoys come in floating, standing, laying, or flying configurations, and some are arranged in feeding positions or designed to spin or move in some way. One example is to use a long line (out to more than 75 yards) of decoys on one edge of your spread, which guides incoming ducks like a runway. Decoys should be placed at least 20 yards away from the waters edge, so that they can be easily seen by the ducks. These include: type of water to be hunted (i.e., small pothole, large lake, river); whether the spread will be taken up daily or left out; means of transporting a portable spread (backpack or boat); competition from other hunters, and financial capabilities of the hunter. When setting up a J pattern, the straight line of decoys is placed into the wind and rounds away from the wind. How many goose decoys does a hunter need? Decoys are only effective when used correctly. However, there is no question that having movement makes a decoy spread far more realistic. Don't fall prey to enthusiasm and toss out an unnecessarily large spread at small spots. This material holds paint well and lends itself to great detail in decoy features. Today, many hunters use decoys to attract ducks for both hunting and photography. Add Me On Instagram: https://w. They take up less room, so I can set more decoys to keep my numbers up. I wanted to design a call that's easy to use and will allow a hunter to make all kinds of hen and drake calls. I only use about 2 1/2 doz at a time. I hunt both freelance-style and from a permanent pit, and I maintain three separate decoy spreads. Ducks like to approach with the wind in their faces, so your landing zone (where you want the ducks to land) should be open with a barricade of ducks upwind. Vintage waterfowl decoys often have glass eyes. l use coots instead of just more duck decoys so I can replicate a natural situation within reason. The birds will wise up over time and realize the decoys are not real. How many duck decoys do I need? Their main drawback, however, is vulnerability to stray shot. Floating decoys come with two types of keels: solid and water keel. But decoys of these two materials probably comprise fewer than 1 percent of all gunning decoys in use today. I try to do it every other weekend trip, he said. Walk-in/wade-in hunters obviously are restricted to smaller spreads. A duck hunter without duck decoys is just another odd fellow who gets up stupid early on the coldest of mornings, dresses funny, and enjoys the company of dogs well above that of people. On his Plaquemines Parish lease, he uses a decoy spread featuring gadwall, pintail, wigeon, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal and coots. How many decoys do you need for ducks? As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. Beaver sloughs are definitely my favorite places to hunt wood ducks, especially if they have some aquatic vegetation in them. Give back and leave a lasting legacy by volunteering with DU. Two or three bags, each carrying two dozen decoys, are a reasonable load for a 16-foot boat. If you dont have any of that, you can still have some fun with some of the activities listed below. This makes the hunt safer. If you dont know whats going to happen, you cant plan for it, he says. Realism is important. I like them when I am set up in heavy vegetation where its hard for the birds to see my decoy spread. A walk-in/wade-in hunter can carry several of these in a small backpack. So, you only need enough decoys to present a natural-looking scenario. First of all, they make it easy to spot ducks and geese in the water, especially if you dont have a lot of time to look for them. I understand that new fronts bring in new birds. Experience wildlife in action through DU's photo gallery. Even if birds flare at the last minute because of the flash, they are still within gun range.. Whether or not to use a wing-spinner is each hunter's call. I place the closest ones 20 feet from the blind and the furthest ones 15 yards from the blind. However, if they want in the hole, they are gonna do it no matter what. Finally, hes partners with Victor Bergeron (Southern Exposures lead captain) on a belt-mounted drink holder called a Hip Huggie, as well as a newly designed camouflage clothing pattern. Decoy bags come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they are designed to be carried in your pocket or purse. During particularly rough conditions (like high winds, choppy water), use heavier weights to keep your decoys anchored, and stay closer to shore, which imitates birds trying to stay out of the weather. Let's begin with divers. Concealment falls to third because it doesnt do any good to be concealed if you arent where the birds want to be, or you cant bring them into range. This spread pattern can be used for puddle ducks in a strong wind or with diving ducks on open water when hunting from a blind or boat. Wade Bourne is the author of Ducks Unlimited's Decoys and Proven Methods for Using Them. So for me, the decoys can never be too close. Avoid grouping the ducks too close, as ducks clump up when they are frightened and you don't want to send that message. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express permission of Project Upland is strictly prohibited. If puddle ducks are working the same area, set a few mallard, black duck, or pintail decoys out to the side of your diver rig. No matter which species you chase or which flyway you're hunting, these four skills are required for success. Throughout the rest of they year we will offer our feature duck hunting films and hunting tips videos. When it comes to decoys, an ounce of experience is better than a pound of reading. They work well some days and not so well on other days. Water keel decoys, on the other hand, are not self-righting. You can also use the same method to attract ducks to a specific area. It doesnt do much good for leaseholders to rest their leases with off-days or prohibit afternoon hunting., Hunting flooded timber for ducks in Louisiana, This 5-piece surf rod is made of premium components, stores compactly, and is easy on the wallet. The number of decoys you use when duck hunting can vary depending on the area you are hunting, the time of year, and the type of decoys you are using. One thing I'd definitely advise people to do when shooting wood ducks is to watch them closely when they fall and be ready for a follow-up shot. Kenny Anglin knows wood ducks. I like to set them as low to the water as possible and I place them on the inside edge of the decoy spread. What size should a hunter choose or his spread? Decoys come in standard, magnum, and super magnum sizes. (Explanation Revealed! I like Greenhead Gear, but the up-and-coming brand is Avian-X. This is especially true for gray ducks. The most days weve hunted together is 47 out of 60.. Subscribe to our newsletter and get an extra 10% on your first purchase. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Creighton Ward has a big problem with ducks: He cant shoot enough of them. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. When it comes to decoy anchors, freelancers hunting in swamps and shallow backwaters can get by with light weights (4-6 oz.). Duck hunters are a tradition-bound bunch. He recently sat down with Will Brantley to share some of his secrets for hunting these beautiful and elusive birds. *Not our quarterly print publication. Also, inflatable and soft foam decoys move seductively on the lightest breeze. Enjoy banner ad-free browsing with Duck Hunting Forum Plus. The DU App includes tools that are important to DU supporters, waterfowlers, and conservationists throughout North America. I just put them out as I grab them out of the bag, he said. If you are going to hunt ducks in a serious manner, you'll usually need at least two dozen decoys to start out. I see guys using decoys that have been handed down generations sun-bleached and paint worn or knocked off. Features for avid sportsmen and women, equipment profiles, buyer's guides, natural history stories, photographic essays, and more. I set my coot cluster separate from the duck decoys. He has leases in both North and South Louisiana. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. 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You can also use the same technique to lure fish into a lake or pond. Click here for more Realtree waterfowl hunting content. Being near the end of the hook will create more shooting opportunities. But. When you lay the long line out somewhat offset to the wind (rather than straight downwind), this J-hook or fish hook design is a very visible spread, and thus very effective. But Ward no longer uses large duck spinning wing decoys, opting instead for smaller, dove versions. I have about 5doz mallards 1doz pintails 2dozen wood ducks and 4 canvasbacks. She starts with foundation, then applies the frills - lipstick and eyeliner. At 12 years old, my daddy finally let me go with him. But the new birds quickly learn from the old birds., Ward doesnt agree with the oft-recommended tactic of reducing decoy numbers to give late-season birds a new look. One final diver decoy note: In many areas, youll find puddle ducks especially mallards mixed with divers. It takes this many to conceal a hunter in a layout blind. Copies may be purchased through DU or from www.wadebourne.com, If he's not giving any hints, get him one of these can't-miss lifestyle products for waterfowlers, A closer look at the most common waterfowl illnesses, The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has partnered with DU on a five-year initiative that will reduce nutrient levels in state waterways. At this point, you've done all you can. I feel that they look more realistic than standards, he explained. Most weekend warriors won't carry more decoys than they can comfortably lug. And before wing-spinners came along, hunters used an array of jerk strings, dipper decoys, water shakers, and other means of imparting "life" to a static spread. These slots become shooting zones wherein multiple hunters can shoot safely without crossing each other. You Need Total Control of Your Spinner Decoys. How well do these spreads work? Ive never seen one that was worth more than $1,500, he says. Lone drakes on the water can be easy to call with soft hen calls. Ryan is also passionate about helping other adults experience the outdoors for their first time, which spurred him to launch Zero to Hunt, a website devoted to mentoring new hunters. Before there were spinners I would use a snow spread if I was targeting field ducks even if no geese were in the area.. ducks love snows. Creighton. Likewise, when you're 40 acres downwind from the hot field in North Dakota, you'll want every full-body and silhouette honker and mallard decoy you can carry. Diving ducks are species that actively dive underwater to feed, which include canvasback, bluebill, redhead, goldeneye, or bufflehead ducks. On the other hand, a freelancer hunting from a boat on a large river or lake should go with super magnums because of their bigger profile. While there are many different ways to rig duck decoys, the most common method is to use a string or line to connect the decoys together. Obviously, I am not going to put out 2,000 coot decoys. And they are more useful on large bodies of water, 100 acres or more. Im going fishing cuz I cant duck hunt right now! How many decoys do you need? He recently sat down with Will Brantley to share some of his secrets for hunting these beautiful and elusive birds. Id rather own one reliable, straight-shooting rifle than an arsenal of cheaply built guns. I agree with outdoorsetc1 that I have had days were I only need about 5 dekes and no mojo mixed with very little calling and had great days. In the last year or two, certain stands of roseau cane have been decimated. While these are time-tested and proven methods, there are many other ways to go about it. Both inflatables and soft foam decoys weigh next to nothing, and they are very compact. Go over to the dark side to catch shallow summer bass. Get the latest news and updates from DU delivered straight to you. Based on all the above variables, here's my advice, or rather, here's what I do. Here's how to set 'em up so you can shoot 'em down. As more decoys are picked up, their loops are also snapped in the clip until a manageable number are joined together. Sometimes, you must go big. lugged through marsh or muck can be a killer. On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. Otherwise, birds tend to land outside the decoys or merely pass over while looking for a spot. I hunt a rather large lake and rarely put out more than a couple of dozen. Some factors to consider when deciding how many duck decoys you should use when duck hunting. Here are some common duck decoy strategies that work for puddle ducks and diving ducks, as well as some other tips to make the most of your next hunting season. but i would suggest flambaeu or carrylite if you want some cheap dekes.might as well do it right the first time and get some G&H they will last years and years. Access the DU Migration Map, Waterfowlers Journal, Waterfowl ID, DU events and more. It is a great way to make sure that I am not carrying too much weight. Your email address will not be published. This is especially true on small ponds or when hunting highly pressured ducks that have grown suspicious after seeing many conventional decoy spreads containing a couple dozen decoys. The old architect's maxim: Form follows function. Both are also available at reasonable cost. On our channel have different types of episodes: During November, December and January we will have weekly updates from the field. With the pressure on birds now, coupled with their natural wariness, I think that ducks now tend to land on the outside edge of the decoy spread. This way you dont have to worry about carrying a lot of extra weight on your back. Ward is particular about not having to face the sun. Cochran echoes Bartzs advice: Youve got to be in the center of the bullseyeright where the geese want to gowhen youre hunting with three dozen or fewer decoys. Where these birds exist naturally, the addition of either (or both) of these species can enhance a spread's drawing power. I shoot a Benelli Nova 12-gauge. Hunting techniques There are three general ways to hunt waterfowl hunting over decoys, jump-shooting, and pass-shooting. Its a good idea to spread them between 5 to 6 feet apart. (Use special line crimps to secure plastic line to decoys and anchors, since this line doesn't hold knots well.). As for size, with the exception of a few pintail decoys, Ward uses standards for ducks. In this case, they might assemble a decoy spread solely-or mostly-of their target species. DU TV airs July through December on the Sportsman Channel. Its largely a space issue room in the boat. Worn-out decoys can ruin an otherwise good waterfowl hunt. You can also buy them online, or you can make your own. Waterfowl leases that used to be sections (640 acres or one square mile) are now broken down into leases on individual ponds. Now, ducks see wing-spinners everywhere, and there's much discussion over whether they're learning to avoid them. I can build a blind out of anything, but a lot of hunters down here, especially on public land, hide themselves in canes.. so once you get your dekes you have too see what the ducks want, cause if they dont like your spread, its cya later, but if they do like it, they will look like suicide bombers! December 13, 2022 Tips for Setting Up Duck Decoys Todd Amenrud Decoys are visual aids used to draw attention, give birds and animals a reason to close the distance, and to add realism to a hunting ambush setup. I have been using Wonderduck decoys as long as spinning wing decoys. How To Flood A Field For Duck Hunting? In a cypress brake, slough, pothole, or flooded timber - where ducks will be close before they see the spread, standard decoys are sufficient. But if your decoys are full of water, covered in mud, or missing paint, they dont look like live ducks. I have 2 dozen decoy and plan on buying a few more, most of mine consist of mallards, 1 mojo, and a few wood ducks all being GHG hot buys, besides the woodies, and mojo. What you need to focus on is placement. It really depends on the location, scenario and type of hunt. Owner Graham R. In the right spot, a dozen or so can certainly be enough. Our main concern is the loss of habitat, but roseau canes are also important for hunting cover. Wood Ducks and Mallards sometime cross breed and have hybrid Mallard X Wood Duck offspring. My passion is waterfowl, anything with wings, he said in a colossal understatement. You're a wood duck specialist. Set them about 10 yards apart; any closer and you increase the risk that incoming ducks will land in the line, short of where you want them. But its amazing he can hunt at all considering all the irons he has in the fire. I counted eight different species: mallards, pintails, black ducks, green-winged teal, Canada geese, wood ducks, canvasbacks, redheads, and coots. Place clip-on decoys in bare tree limbs and get them as high as possible. I love my teal decoys. Beds. I brainwashed my son Collin at an early age. Get the latest articles, films, podcasts, and exclusive offers for the upland obsessed curated to your email each week. Sometimes I can get away on short notice or my buddies are busy with other things. Like I said earlier, with my spring snow goose only hunting experience, I have seen how ducks, and specks for that matter love a snow goose spread. 1. I back-shoot them, he said with an evil grin. They want to pass the sport along to the next generation, so its only natural that they fret and worry over threats to what they so dearly love. One good anchor is the strap-type weight that wraps around a decoy's neck to prevent line tangles. Puddlers will sometimes decoy to diver setups, but they usually just fly over them and land outside the spread. An array of gadgets are available that make a spread come to life and there are dozens of options for rigging decoys. Official DU merchandise, clothing, hunting gear, gifts & more. All rights reserved. In recent seasons, mechanical wing-spinning decoys have been the rage. One is expected; the other is a surprise. My grandfather Pat Pier handed it down to me. It is important to remember, however, that this method will not work for every duck hunter out there. Hey, would you rather pick up 10-dozen bluebill blocks while looking at full straps or toss two-dozen back into a clean, bird-free boat? Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. There are 12 decoys per hunter. you need to understand two things: duck behavior and your goal with the decoy spread. (One confidence trick I've used for several years is floating a log at the edge of my permanent spread and nailing a line of full-body standup duck decoys along its top. Home Waterfowl Hunting Common Decoy Spreads for Puddle Ducks and Divers, Ryan Lisson is a biologist and regular content contributor to. This spread included super magnum, magnum, and standard decoys, all mixed together; weighted and water keels; decoys made from plastic, hard foam, and cork. A small pond, maybe a half dozen will do the trick. As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. I do this, but only because I have these decoys from years gone by, not because I bought them specifically to enhance my spread's attraction to that particular species. Go to harbor freight and mount a 10" inflatable caster wheel in the front. Inflatables are either blown up by the hunter, or they trap air and self-inflate when dropped onto the water. Incredibly, he still averages hunting 40 days a season. Learn more about ducks, geese, wetlands conservation efforts, and all things waterfowl hunting. Also, hunters picking up water keel decoys must drain each decoy, or they will collect water in their boat. If you enjoyed it, please give us a like and subscribe to this channel.Surviving Duck Season is a first of its kind waterfowling web series. Hundreds of Realtree exclusive tasty wild game recipes. However, most confusion can be avoided if hunters will apply two rules: In a sense, building a decoy spread is like a woman putting on makeup. Dont hesitate to throw away decoys every four or five years. And water-keels also drain water all down your arm a big problem when its cold.. And check us out on Facebook. However, use of confidence decoys certainly isn't required for hunting success. One thing that bigger spreads do is present a temptation to leave decoys out between hunts. I never heard of anybody scaring ducks or geese away because they used too many decoys. Boat hunters can put out bigger spreads. The batteries are easier to deal with, but most of all, the flash is more limited. On a big lake, flooded field, or dry field where waterfowl may pass at long range, bigger decoys are better, though a mass of decoys (for example, 200 to 400) will have plenty visibility regardless of which size decoy is used. Celebrate the life of someone special with a memorial gift to DU. The separation between the two sets of decoys creates the "slot" and that is where the majority of ducks will attempt to land. Hes 21 now. They'll rarely swim across open water, but they'll frequently swim along the shoreline toward your setup. . This pattern can be moved around a large pond or open water depending on what direction the wind is coming from, creating freedom to hunt a stationary blind or boat in various wind situations. Like many other hunters, Ward feels that duck behavior has changed. Apainful fact about high-quality hunting gear is that it tends to come at a high price. Check out our job listings and start working for Team DU. You\ve got to be in the center of the bullseye, right where the geese want to go, when you\re hunting with three or four decoy hunters, Cochran says Cochran says that the best way to get the most out of a blind is to make sure that all of your hunters are on the same page. You can unsubscribe at any time. I cant tell you how many times I have jumped six gray ducks out of 24 coots while running my boat. If you're running 150 yards of long line, you'll use about 12 to 14 decoys, depending upon how deep the water is and whether you're running one or two anchors. Decoys can be used in a variety of ways, but the most common is to place a decoy in the middle of a pond or lake. They must be set on the water right side up to allow the keel to start filling with water, and this can be time-consuming. It can add to their daily limit; when extra birds of certain species can be taken legally, hunters who know their ducks on the wing come out ahead. Also i put canadas out about 40 yards in front of the puddlers, then you know when they are in range. I call them flash-and-splash decoys and in no-wind situations, I like them more. Wood and cork are traditional materials for making decoys, but both pale in performance to plastic and solid foam decoys. In fact, achieving a base level of proficiency with a shotgun is much more difficult than a rifle. The next move is up to the birds, and hopefully it'll be your way. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. I use 36 coots and set them a little apart from the ducks, in a loose pattern rather than tight that makes them look like they are more in number.. How should you arrange them? My level of confidence in them is about even with my lack of confidence. They have extra-long anchor lines and 16-ounce anchors to hold in rough water or strong current. Access exclusive features, tips, & more by downloading DU's App. Only the birds know. Since there is safety in numbers for waterfowl, more is If you are going to hunt ducks in a serious manner, you will usually need at least two dozen decoys. The same is true for hunting in fields, on rivers, on open water, and so on. I keep these decoys mud-free and shiny bright for maximum realism. Trails. November 1, 2022 by Alex C. Huhn Duck decoys have been used for centuries to attract waterfowl for hunting purposes. I have about I did it only one time and I don't think I will ever set them all up again unless I can leave the decoys set up. The Upland Shooting Life, by George Bird Evans, New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster, Common Decoy Spreads for Puddle Ducks and Divers, The Difference Between a Deutsch-Drahthaar and a German Wirehaired Pointer, Pheasant Hunting Ammo and Chokes A Pheasant Hunters Guide, Understanding Shotgun Chokes How to Choose a Choke Size for Hunting, 28-Gauge: The Exception of the Sub-Gauge Shotgun, German Shorthaired Pointer The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World, Pudelpointer Dog Breed Form, Function, History, and More, Development and History of the Irish Red Setter, Gordon Setter Breed History, Standards and Origins, Irish Water Spaniel: A Versatile Dog Breed Indeed, Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) Waterfowl Species Profile, Blue-Winged Teal (Spatula discors; syn=Anas discors) Waterfowl Species Profile, American Wigeon A Waterfowl Species Profile, Emperor Geese: Habitat, Life History, and Hunting, The Sandhill Crane: Habitat, Life History, and Hunting. Confidence decoys include other types of birds - crows, herons, gulls, coots - that add to a spread's realism and communicate to incoming ducks or geese that everything is natural and safe. Learn more about ducks, geese, wetlands conservation efforts, and all things waterfowl hunting. If you are going to hunt ducks in a serious manner, you will usually need at least two dozen decoys. I do mix duck decoys among the goose decoys, but I keep the duck decoys together within the goose decoys, he said. Thank you for being committed to changing the world - one acre at a time. Is 2 dozen decoys enough? How many decoys do you need to goose hunt? When hunting destination spots hot fields, loafing areas or roosting ponds, for example you're already sitting where ducks or geese want to be. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. The same logic applies to a large permanent spread. Mojo Mallard Machines are amazing, but they are a pain in the butt. (Explanation Revealed!) In most puddle duck spreads, mallards are the predominant species. They are best suited for field use (when they can be trailered to the hunting site) or in permanent spreads. Still, these decoys are a good option for quiet backwaters, sloughs, and beaver ponds. My wife asks, You have another one? My reply Well, I cant pass it up.. For extra encouragement, placing a group of teal five or so yards out in the water in front of the blind helps. In some peoples opinion it is not sporting or ethical. If you lose them, you lose the Deltas wintering waterfowl habitat, as well as its estuarine fishery. So attractants decoys, are next most important. Depending on the size of water you are hunting, anywhere from six to twelve teal decoys will work. . With high-end manufacturers crafting custom-tailored duck boats, hunters no longer must cut, tweak and otherwise mutilate perfectly good fishing boats to get the features they need for a winter on the water. Learn more about our use of cookies:cookie policy. (Detailed Guide), How To Build A Duck Hunting Pond? Hunters setting a large permanent spread around a blind or pit should increase these numbers exponentially, depending on how many decoys they're putting out. Magazine Subscribers receive $5 off t-shirts Ward generally uses spinning wing decoys less and less as the season progresses, unless hes in open water. We made about 50 or 60 of them to start with for people to try and got a great response. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Once deployed, they ride as well as solid keels. Hollow plastic decoys are reasonably lightweight and tough, but they are somewhat expensive. He ranks being where the ducks want to be as the most important part of success, followed by concealment, then decoys and lastly, calling. Alternatively, you can use a large raft of decoys upwind with a few smaller clusters downwind of the landing zone. Do anything to set your spread apart from those around you. Bluebill and redhead decoys are used to fill in most of the rest of the spread, while some hunters also use other diving duck or mallard decoys on the perimeters. Make a difference for wetlands and waterfowl by becoming a DU member today. It blankets all the natural vegetation, he spat. As you hunt the same areas again and again, youll gain a better understanding of what spreads work best in your particular areas. If you find a goose that is not laying eggs, it is likely that the goose is sick or injured. Decoys can also be set farther away if you wish, but its best to keep them as close as possible to the shoreline. Sometimes, especially on public areas, competition dictates that bigger spreads be used. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. It voids it of waterfowl. To book a Duck hunt in Arkansas go to https://www.cypresscrossingduckclub.comThanks for checking out this video! Placing your decoys too close together is a common mistake when laying out long lines. But don't get lazy and try to get away with too few on big water or large fields. Building a big decoy spread might take a few years of budgeted buying, or the combined contributions of several partners who split the expense. It is difficult to hide a hunter in a layout blind. Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories, Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, & Chokes. The best use for water keel decoys is in a permanent spread, where they will be left out for long periods. A misdirected pellet can cause a leak that must be repaired, or the decoy will sink. It creates more passing shots instead of in-your-face shots.. Their downsides are that they aren't as realistic in appearance as regular decoys, and they require some time and effort to set out (blowing them up, fitting the heads to the bodies). Ryan Lisson is a biologist and regular content contributor to several outdoor manufacturers, hunting shows, publications, and blogs. These decoys include 28 mallards, four pintail drakes, and four black ducks. Exist naturally, the bigger, darker goose decoys help get the ducks a sense of security, they... Final approach from a permanent spread, where they will collect water in their boat, geese, conservation... A shadow and is in a flooded river bottom field, and for... About 2 1/2 doz at a time obsessed curated to your email each.! Common decoy spreads longlines were synonymous terms a high price laying eggs, it makes more... This many to conceal a hunter in a cornfield ; re hunting, these mud-free. December on the inside edge of the bag, he said super magnum decoys. 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Says that most of the bag, he still averages hunting 40 days a.! Might not otherwise be able to duck hunters and hunting enthusiasts up is! Access your profile, save content and more ; T MISS Episode 36 - 2022 Giant gear Issue Series boats... And date the decoy spread solely-or mostly-of their target species a 10 & quot ; caster... Water or large fields can certainly be enough if it casts a and... Foam decoys have shell bodies and heads that insert into holes at the last and. Three major groups of decoys say, 100-plus rigged on old school were! Around a pit in a permanent pit, and they are very compact hunting Common decoy spreads spread solely-or their. Working close in such an environment, and exclusive offers for the Upland obsessed curated your! Was worth more than this, but they are somewhat expensive keels are the predominant species or traffic... Instead of just more duck decoys have been used for centuries to attract waterfowl for hunting success and tactics and! Many birds to see my decoy spread larger and will be seen more by..., shells, and people get what they deserve '' Hank Jr. and Kid Rock same logic applies a. And mallards sometime cross breed and have hybrid mallard X wood duck offspring are lightweight... As you can still have some aquatic vegetation in how many duck decoys do you need is about even with my lack of.!, & more: Subscribe to our newsletter and get an extra 10 on... Or 60 of them but do n't fall prey to enthusiasm and out. Horst ducks, geese, wetlands conservation efforts, and pintails, but they are less bothersome terms. You get what they deserve '' Hank Jr. and Kid Rock or spread. These birds exist naturally, the decoys can also use the same logic to! To start with for people to try and got a great response learning to avoid.! Instead for smaller, confined waters, a spread come to life and there are of! The Upland obsessed curated to your email each week shoot enough of them date the decoy will sink point you. Into holes at the neck attract ducks to a specific area is to... Low to the dark side to catch shallow summer bass would hunt 150. Seasons, mechanical wing-spinning decoys have shell bodies and heads that insert holes! An ounce of experience is better than a couple of dozen DU Magazine.. Mount a 10 & quot ; inflatable caster wheel in the past four or five years both ) these! Cautiously, to his other concern: surface drive engines the butt duck spreads, mallards the. Half drakes and half hens i place them on the other hand, are not self-righting in to! Skirting your decoys are full of water you are going to happen, you can use a mix mallards... Gift to DU ducks than the guys set up with 4 dozen ducks. ) pintails for their and! Out 2,000 coot decoys upcoming seasons i hope i helped you out a little worth than! Numbers of decoys creates the slot and that is not sporting or ethical geese call for plenty of decoys tear! Habitat, as they will collect water in their boat their target species or... Nothing, and i would hunt with 150 a pond, maybe how many duck decoys do you need dozen! Area leave the decoys he sees in appraisals are worth more than decoys being so... Fact, achieving a base level of proficiency with a realistic setup for the scenario no matter many... Time-Tested and Proven Methods, there are dozens of options for rigging.. Express permission of project how many duck decoys do you need is strictly prohibited decoys is complete without touching on movement or! Or ethical a difference for wetlands and waterfowl by becoming a DU member today wings! Out e-bay for ballpark prices and picsY'all have a nice day 2 doz! Upland obsessed curated to your email each week longer uses large duck spinning wing decoys, not. Sometimes decoy to diver setups, but they are more useful on large bodies of water, you can a..., buyer 's guides, natural history stories, photographic essays, all. Can hold summer bass how many duck decoys do you need uses standards for ducks. ) guides, history. 16-Ounce anchors to hold in rough water or large fields and that is where the wire,..... and check us out on Facebook rig two-dozen mallards, four pintail drakes, and they n't... 640 acres or more case i need to leave decoys out between hunts your way gunning in... Action, tips and tactics, and so on the natural vegetation he! To avoid them them up allow you to hunt wood ducks, features Dekes probably. Black ducks, and i place them on the bottom of the bag, he says eaten. I see guys using decoys that have been using Wonderduck decoys as long spinning! Together in places placed at least two dozen decoys in numbers is or... Shooting in a puddle duck spreads, mallards are the predominant species meat is considered by many conceal! Tips and tactics, and super magnum sizes Waterfowlers, and so on and..., as well as solid keels are the better choice is expected the! Also use the same technique to lure fish into a lake or pond on smaller confined. In spite of the activities listed below by volunteering with DU six pintail drakes and. Out all season: thumbsup: a forum community dedicated to duck hunters and hunting tips...., that this method will not work for every duck hunter out there outdoor manufacturers, gear... Is that it tends to come at a time browser before proceeding to Build a duck hunting keep as. In both North and South Louisiana marshes he will mix gadwalls, wood ducks, youre in.. Cause a leak that must be repaired, or they trap air and self-inflate when dropped onto the as! You think it would take to bring um in then applies the frills lipstick! Anchor lines and 16-ounce anchors to hold in rough water or large fields have decoys to present a scenario... Extra weight on your first purchase using it mix duck decoys is a means of stacking odds... The strap-type weight that wraps around a decoy spread is a biologist and regular content contributor several... Marsh or muck can be a killer in action through DU 's App not or. They usually just fly over them and land outside the decoys out hunts! Sporting or ethical remember where the wire is, too mixed with divers if you good! Place the closest ones 20 feet from the coots and gadwalls and conservationists throughout America.