Decoy Species: All-Mallard or Mixed?
The primary function of a decoy is to fool birds into thinking they’re landing among their own kind. So it’s beneficial to match your decoys to the predominant species in your hunting area. However, there are nuances.
For instance, mallards are common in many waters. So in many scenarios, an all-mallard spread is a good starting point. However, using a mix of duck species to make a more contrasting spread can increase visibility and realism and, thus, your chances of success. Add several pintails or black duck decoys to your mallard spread and watch what will happen.
On the other hand, if you target a specific species like Wood Ducks, having more wood duck decoys than mallards in your spread can significantly increase your chances of attracting them.
When it comes to divers, simplicity is key. If you’re focusing on a particular diver species, your spread should match the natural environment and species in your region. Add puddle duck decoys if they are also frequent in your diver area.
Tip: Understanding the migration patterns and local populations of your hunting area will inform your selection process. It’s not uncommon for hunters to conduct pre-hunt scouting to gauge which species are currently in the area.
Gender matters too. Most duck species exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, with males sporting more vibrant plumage than females. A spread that reflects the natural male-to-female ratio can make your decoy setup more convincing to flying flocks.
As for mallards, a good practice is to run half drakes and half hens. In the late season, running more hens than drakes – 6-8 hens and 2-3 drakes – can be effective.
Decoy Size: Standard vs. Magnum
Decoy size plays a significant role in your hunting strategy. Oversized decoys can be seen from farther distances, making them ideal for open water or large fields. On the contrary, smaller decoys excel in creating a more believable scene up close, especially in dense cover or smaller waters.
Decoy Materials: Plastic vs. Foam
The material of your decoys determines not only their durability but also how easy they are to transport and how affordable they are. While wood and cork have been traditional decoy materials for many years, now the market belongs to manmade materials.
Plastic Decoys: Molded plastic is the most common and versatile material. It holds paint well, is easy to carry, and offers a high level of detail. The trade-off is it’s more susceptible to stray shots due to being hollow.
Solid Foam Decoys: These are virtually indestructible and impervious to shot. They’re the choice for permanent spreads, but their heaviness and price tag make them less suited for the mobile hunter.
Decoy Keel: Solid vs. Hollow
Decoy keels affect how your spread is set up and maintained. It’s a choice that directly impacts ease of use and the type of hunting environment.
A decoy’s keel can be solid, with weight sealed inside, or it can be left hollow to be filled with water for ballast. For those who set and pick decoys frequently, solid keels offer convenience, while water-filled keels are a one-time setup, ideal for long-term arrangements.
Number of Decoys: How Many Is Enough?
The size of your spread really depends on a few things, like where you’re hunting, how easy it is to get to the hunting spot, and the birds themselves.
When you’re dealing with smaller waters, it’s best to keep your spread conservative – maybe around 6 to 36 decoys should suffice. But if you’re out on a big lake or river, being flexible is key. You might end up using as many decoys as you can handle.
Decoys in a portable spread should be manageable in size and weight for ease of transportation. However, balancing this against the potential competition from fellow hunters can be tough. In crowded spaces, more is typically better.
Other Types of Decoys
Alongside traditional decoys, there are non-conventional types that cater to specific situations or are designed to trigger certain behaviors in ducks.
Silhouette Decoys: These are perfect for field hunting or in shallow waters. They offer the realistic side profile of a bird in its habitat.
Stand-Ups: Full-body stand-up decoys offer the most lifelike representation but are bulkier. They are best for field hunting or as permanent fixtures in water.
Motion Decoys: Solar or battery-powered, motion decoys can be especially effective on calm days when the lack of wind leaves decoy spreads lifeless.
Inflatables and Soft-Foam Decoys: These are the most portable and can be used for a quieter hunt in sloughs or beaver ponds. They are less detailed but their movement in the breeze can be highly effective.
Confidence Decoys: Adding non-waterfowl decoys such as crows or gulls to your spread can create a more convincing scenario, especially when setting up in a multi-species environment.
