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Decoy question #6520203 10/31/16 08:35 PM
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M Wilson Offline OP
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Question for those of you with experience.
i need to add some decoys to my spread. its only my second real season hunting with my own gear, but i have 1 dozen mallards, and half dozen greenwing teal. what should i get next to add some depth to my spread?
keep in mind i am cash handicapped and probably wont buy a bunch of new ones, maybe just another dozen.


Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520219 10/31/16 08:44 PM
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I'm not an expert, but something I've always believed in is that you want to add some color/contrast.

I like to use the GHG Oversized Shovelers in my spread. I think they stand out from a long distance with the bright white breast. Pintail work great for this as well. Wigeon also work well.

The last couple of years I've been getting into hunting in the bay. I've added some Goldeneyes and Buffleheads to my spread just for visibility.


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Re: Decoy question [Re: yakinthebox] #6520229 10/31/16 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted By: yakinthebox
I'm not an expert, but something I've always believed in is that you want to add some color/contrast.

I like to use the GHG Oversized Shovelers in my spread. I think they stand out from a long distance with the bright white breast. Pintail work great for this as well. Wigeon also work well.

The last couple of years I've been getting into hunting in the bay. I've added some Goldeneyes and Buffleheads to my spread just for visibility.


I would go with pintails or shovelers based on what you see on your lake...

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520345 10/31/16 09:51 PM
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I've hunted over painted plastic bottles, carved wood, and carved foam. None of them qctually looked like a duck. But they all worked just fine.

If you're going to buy decoys, Flambeau Storm Fronts are cheap and durable. If you want pretty decoys for a little more denaro, Avian X.



Re: Decoy question [Re: aerangis] #6520550 10/31/16 11:51 PM
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I would get some pentails. I use mallards and pentails in my spread because those are the ducks I like to shoot. I used to never shoot pentails until someone gave some pentail deeks one day, then I started shooting pentails.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520590 11/01/16 12:12 AM
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I think it depends on where/how you like to setup. Are you hunting areas where there are ducks? Or are you blind hunting areas where you hope to get some ducks attention? For the former, use whatever is cheapest. The latter...use the advise above, get some decoys that stand out.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520896 11/01/16 02:40 AM
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man, I remember when Guy was just starting out with all his posts and excitement. Sorry if I stole your thread, but this site is cool.

I would add some movement! shakers, pull cords, etc... don't need too many deeks depending on what type of water you're hunting


"wack 'em, stack 'em, pack 'em
Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520906 11/01/16 02:44 AM
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We get a pretty big variety around here but not a lot of Mallards.

Started out with mallards and pintails but have added gaddies, wigeon, gwt and half a dozen big GHG cans for really good visibility. I think I'll get some spoonies next.

Last season I think adding in just 2-3 of the cans seemed to help. It just added a splash of color and the big white bodies are really visible.

Last edited by BradyBuck; 11/01/16 02:48 AM.

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Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6520918 11/01/16 02:48 AM
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Coots, the black on white contrast will help a lot in the pattern.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6521155 11/01/16 12:17 PM
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M Wilson Offline OP
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This is all very helpful thank you all.


Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6521226 11/01/16 01:09 PM
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gadwall, black ducks, widgeon, a few jacks and pintails.... ive got a couple dozen avian x fully flocked black ducks that will scare you they look so real on the water

Last edited by Pintail711; 11/01/16 01:10 PM.
Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6521659 11/01/16 05:01 PM
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MS1454 Offline
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Get a bunch of coot decoys


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6521748 11/01/16 05:46 PM
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I added a 6 pack of the tanglefree migration series(magnum) and they really stick out. I love em

Re: Decoy question [Re: Nathan Nelson] #6522002 11/01/16 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: Just Nate
Coots, the black on white contrast will help a lot in the pattern.


I do use Coot decoys as well. I like the contrast!


If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready!
-Anonymous
Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6523054 11/02/16 12:43 PM
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Coots and pintails!

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6523176 11/02/16 01:37 PM
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for fillers just get whatever's cheapest Keep an eye on ebay for a good deal. My early season spread is a bunch of old worn out random decoys with little or no paint.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6525601 11/03/16 05:07 PM
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M Wilson Offline OP
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i just grabbed some shovelers on sale and a pair of butt up feeder mallards.
now ill continue to watch craigslists for any good deals


Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6526505 11/04/16 04:03 AM
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Agree with other posts pintails or widgeon for the color contrast. Or add a 4 pack of feeders and sleepers to change up the presentation. I also use a quiver tool to create motion in the water when it is still.

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6527502 11/05/16 12:18 AM
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GHG oversized butt feeders and skimmers on a jerk string are deadly too

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6533618 11/08/16 11:53 PM
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Got half a dozen Canvasbacks that I use when I'm not in the woods. I think they work great because ducks don't see them that much. I take em out of the spread later in the season and only use the species I plan on seeing. Like the others said...pintails, spoonies, coots...anything different.


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Re: Decoy question [Re: yakinthebox] #6533805 11/09/16 01:17 AM
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scoters, lots of scoters

Re: Decoy question [Re: M Wilson] #6544020 11/15/16 03:11 AM
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I painted a few of my mallard hens and turned them into canvas back drakes and Mexican black ducks. I hunt muddy lakes and ponds, so the white canvas backs and black ducks show up very well against muddy water from a long distance.

Re: Decoy question [Re: Bluesea112] #6546560 11/16/16 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bluesea112
I painted a few of my mallard hens and turned them into canvas back drakes and Mexican black ducks. I hunt muddy lakes and ponds, so the white canvas backs and black ducks show up very well against muddy water from a long distance.


Cool! Would you mind posting pics?

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