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Decoy help
#5373941
10/22/14 05:54 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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I'm new to this fellas... Take it easy on a fella Just starting duck hunting this season and I'm ready to buy my first decoys. Been doing lots of reading on here but I'd like some further advice. I've been looking at a few brands/types of decoys and have narrowed it down to a few. I don't want to break the bank since I need to ease myself into this and see if it pans out first. I'll be hunting on a small river and so no big water. I'm thinking mallard decoys will probably be the best all around to go with. I'm looking at GH, GHG and I found some Avian X I'm really digging but again I haven't the slightest experience with them. Thoughts? Here is the Avian X I really like. Its only a 6 pack and I think thats probably plenty for now?? I can always add if this is something I will continue to do. Reason being is my area is not known for ducks and the area is very very..did I say VERY limited with duck hunting options?
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373947
10/22/14 05:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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I promise not to ask for lake names or gps coordinates
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373958
10/22/14 06:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,278
Fooshman
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I'd just get a dozen cheapies until you find out how you like it.
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Re: Decoys help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373963
10/22/14 06:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
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Just starting out? Best bet is used....if buying new, get some 6 or 12 packs that the big box retailers sell for around $40-$60 a box.
If you have a chance to look at a selection of decoys from a retailer like Cabelas or Academy, you'll notice a significant difference in the quality (wall thickness of the plastic, paint adhesion, weight, rig attachment, keel, etc). Surprisingly, Flambeau Storm Fronts are inexpensive and surprisingly well made. I'm hard on dekes and bought some a while back as fillers. They're still going strong.
Last edited by aerangis; 10/22/14 06:06 PM.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373964
10/22/14 06:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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Fooshman I'm with ya bud. The Avian X above are what I think a dang good price. I have seen Academy have some for $39.99 but don't look anywhere as good as these and for a few bucks more I'd rather pick these up. Without seeing them in person they look quality compared to a lot of others i've seen online or in person at Academy. $59 on sale shipped.
aerangis....... Used is going to be impossible in my area. Just very very few duck hunters.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373969
10/22/14 06:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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What are yall's thoughts on Avian X quality? Mallard good type to go with?
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373984
10/22/14 06:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
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Fooshman I'm with ya bud. The Avian X above are what I think a dang good price. I have seen Academy have some for $39.99 but don't look anywhere as good as these and for a few bucks more I'd rather pick these up. Without seeing them in person they look quality compared to a lot of others i've seen online. $59 on sale shipped. Not sure what brand they were, but I had a keel snap off a duck butt decoy while looking around at Academy. There's a lot of variation in quality. If you're buying new, I'd suggest getting them from a retailer with a no questions asked return policy. If you're planning on hunting in below freezing conditions, you'll find out real quick if they're poorly made. Thin plastic won't cut it.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5373994
10/22/14 06:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
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Cabelas......Flambeau Storm Front Mallards. $49.99 for a dozen.
They are very well made.
Edit....tried to insert the link, page isn't displaying properly
Last edited by aerangis; 10/22/14 06:25 PM.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374018
10/22/14 06:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 351
southern_fowler
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2013
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I have 4 dozen of the avian x and they are awesome. I also I have a few dozen of the game winner and hardcore brands that are alright.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374024
10/22/14 06:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,574
Leonardo
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I have been upgrading my decoys to Avian X over the off season. I really like the way they are constructed and we will see how they hold up starting in a couple of weeks.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374027
10/22/14 06:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 629
Astater
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Tracker
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I have Avian X deeks and they are my favorite deeks I've ever owned. That said, I buy a dozen or two storm front decoys every year or two. They're cheap and I beat the he!! of out them...just buy new ones when needed and they have their place in the arsenal...especially when you need a big spread.
The things we do for ducks... NRA Life Member Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Lifetime License/Member
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374039
10/22/14 06:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 13,415
jdk1985
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I like the look of some of the new Avians. My brother had some Avian Geese that would crack and chip if you even thought about taking them out in the field. I guess everyone has a lemon now and again
Instagram @justinkingwoodworking
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374041
10/22/14 06:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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Thanks guys. I think I'll go with the Avian X. This might sound like a dumb question but......... Only read very limited reviews as theres not much available but the what I have gathered is people love them for realism and quality. The only complaint I've seen is how long the paint lasts. Has anyone ever ran a light spray of clear coat to help protect the paint on their decoys? Not much so that they becomee "glassy" but enough to help protect. I'll also be making my own Texas rigs.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374045
10/22/14 06:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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I really like the paint realism on the AX and I also like how they have multiple positions in this pack. Haven't seen any others that have active, feeding and resting all together like this or at least I haven't seen one.
Last edited by BuckRage; 10/22/14 06:56 PM.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374358
10/22/14 09:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 413
bluewingwidowmaker
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2007
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I love my Avians. Canadas, Mallards, Pintails and Wood Ducks. Going to get some teal at some point this season. When they come out with Gadwalls, my wife is going to be pissed.
They just don't leave anything to be desired. (Except the extra cash in my pocket)
I'd say get the 6 mallards for now. (Assuming you see mallards in your area)You won't need a ton of decoys on a small river.
I'm sure you've read it since you said you've been browsing through here but the best duck hunting advice is to scout. If you're on the X it won't really matter how crappy your calling, decoys, shiny face are. When they decide you're where they want to be, they're coming in.
Remember, (1)ducks land into the wind (2)You don't want to stare into the sun all morning-East (3)Hunt Safe, watch your swing
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374399
10/22/14 10:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14
Trej
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14 |
Buy the best that you can afford. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374435
10/22/14 10:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,850
Merican Duck Hunter
Pro Tracker
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I switched to Dakota's this year, and I've hunted over avian X blocks before and they were sweet, but I think your best bet would be some ghg hot buys. They come in a 12 pack and you shouldn't have a problem paying under $45 shipped to your door from anyone who caries them... macks, rogers, dicks, ect. I'd say that a majority of people on here have started out with some form of these. I know I did and we killed a lot of ducks over them!
Arise.Kill.Eat -Acts 10:13 I have read a bunch of stuff on the internet about Star Wars but that does not mean I can skin a deer with a light saber.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374438
10/22/14 10:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: Merican Duck Hunter]
#5374453
10/22/14 11:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
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I switched to Dakota's this year, and I've hunted over avian X blocks before and they were sweet, but I think your best bet would be some ghg hot buys. They come in a 12 pack and you shouldn't have a problem paying under $45 shipped to your door from anyone who caries them... macks, rogers, dicks, ect. I'd say that a majority of people on here have started out with some form of these. I know I did and we killed a lot of ducks over them! Another great choice. Dick's had GHG Mallard Hot Buy's for $39.99 a dozen. Try to get a couple dozen if you can afford it. If you plan on shooting over a spread you will want enough floaters to get flaring birds to land where it's more advantageous to shoot.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374459
10/22/14 11:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,850
Merican Duck Hunter
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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I got tired of the wear adding up on my old Pro-grades and decided that If I was gonna pay 140$ a dozen,i might as well be on the best of the best! The drake Dakota's are indisputably the best looking mass produced decoy out there!
Arise.Kill.Eat -Acts 10:13 I have read a bunch of stuff on the internet about Star Wars but that does not mean I can skin a deer with a light saber.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5374499
10/22/14 11:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 226
Moto382
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 226 |
Avian X are awesome get them and go murder some ducks!!
Samatis Baits Pro Staff
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5375119
10/23/14 05:31 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 51
aggiehunter15
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
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One thing to remember is shipping times. If you're trying to go for the opener you may want to make sure they'll arrive in time. And I agree with what others have said about starting cheaper to make sure you like it. When I first I wasn't overly successful and would've probably gotten frustrated if I had dropped a bunch of money into some dekes that "didn't work". In my opinion the Academy ones have come a long way in terms of realism. They still aren't the best but they should get the job done. I'd swing by the store, snag a dozen of these and you'll be sure to have them by Nov. 1.
To answer your other question, spray clear matte Krylon 1311 on the decoys to help prevent chipping the paint.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5375955
10/23/14 06:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20,988
BuckRage
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Thanks for the info aggie.
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Re: Decoy help
[Re: BuckRage]
#5376178
10/23/14 09:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,839
kdub
THF Trophy Hunter
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If your area is dry and you have water you might have a hell of a season.
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