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.
Can you have too many duck decoys?
But generally, large spreads work best for big-water ducks or high-volume mallard and honker field shoots. A spread with 200 decoys isn’t out of the question in either situation. Conversely, when hunting streams or small potholes, a dozen or fewer suffice. Packing too many blocks in a small area won’t look natural.
How many duck decoys do I need?
If you are going to hunt ducks in a serious manner, you’ll usually need at least two dozen decoys to start out. And more is better, since for waterfowl there is safety in numbers. Unless you throw your decoys in a boat and haul them around that way, you’ll need a good decoy bag or two for carrying them.
Can you mix duck decoys?
As a new hunter interested in hunting puddle ducks, you’re in luck. Most of these species will usually approach a set of mallard decoys alone, so you don’t need to invest a ton of money right off the bat. But it definitely won’t hurt to mix a few other puddle duck decoys into your spread.
Does the size of duck decoys matter?
Re: Body Sizes Matter? Ducks find each other just fine. They dont need a decoy twice its size to see it. Buffleheads can just about fit in your hand and in the roughest of conditions they find each other perfectly fine.
Is it bad to leave duck decoys out?
The birds will wise up over time and realize the decoys are not real. Depending what brand decoys you have leaving them out will be real tough on the paint, GHGs have a tendency to fade and discolor. IMO it is better for you to just pick them up and reset them if at all possible.
Should I buy wood duck decoys?
Yes, you can actually decoy wood ducks . These quirky birds are notorious for snubbing decoys and calling, but that’s often the result of where, rather than how, you’re hunting. … But if you’re waiting for woodies at their final destination, they might fall right into your decoy spread like a flock of mallards.
What time of day is best for duck hunting?
“The best shooting is usually in the first three hours of the morning. After that, we don’t get much action.” I bit my lip and kept quiet, but I wanted to say, “You might be missing some of the best shooting of the day.” Sometimes the midday period offers spectacular action.
Is a dozen duck decoys enough?
On smaller, confined waters, a spread of six to 36 decoys should be sufficient. On larger waters or dry fields, hunters should put out as many decoys as practical. I never heard of anybody scaring ducks or geese away because they used too many decoys. Typically, the more, the merrier.
What is the best decoy spread for ducks?
Here are five downsized decoy spreads that just might help you put more birds in the bag this season with a lot less work.
- Shallow-Water Dabblers. VETERAN WATERFOWLER. …
- Green-Timber Greenheads. VETERAN WATERFOWLER. …
- Prairie Pothole Puddle Ducks. VETERAN WATERFOWLER. …
- Backwater Mallards. …
- Cold Combo for Late-Season Geese.
Do you need decoys to Duck Hunt?
You could probably shoot a few ducks without decoys, but where’s the fun in that? Decoys can get expensive, but here’s the good news: You don’t need oodles of them, nor do you need multiple species. Get a dozen mallard decoys. That’s that.
How do you put out duck decoys?
10 Surefire Decoy Strategies
- Make Your Spread Visible. …
- Keep Water Open around Your Decoys. …
- Set a Floating Spread for Canada Geese. …
- Use Goose Decoys for Ducks. …
- Spread Out Decoys in Flooded Timber. …
- Deploy the Ultimate Diver Spread. …
- Give Geese Room to Land. …
- Deceive Dabblers with Coot Decoys.
How do I attract more ducks?
3 Ways to Attract More Ducks to Your Pond
- Increase water clarity. Clear water encourages aquatic plants, aquatic snails and several aquatic insects, which are primary foods of migratory ducks. …
- Reduce disturbance. Human activity near a pond can scare away ducks, causing them to relocate elsewhere. …
- Add duck food plants.
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Why are duck decoys so expensive?
“The reason valuable decoys are so valuable is because 90 percent of them were repainted or had their heads broken off, so the ones that are left in good condition are the best ones and go for high prices.” According to Guyette, most of the decoys he sees in appraisals are worth about $100.
Will mallards decoy to diver decoys?
Puddlers will sometimes decoy to diver setups, but they usually just fly over them and land outside the spread. So, it’s never a bad idea to put a few mallard blocks to the side of your diver decoys. You won’t spook any divers by doing so, and you might get a bonus greenhead with your bluebills.
What makes a good duck decoy?
There are several elements to consider when it comes to the best duck decoys for your spread selection: hunting style, hunting location, and conveyance to and from the blind.