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?

I promise not to ask for lake names or gps coordinates

check these out FowlFoolers

I'd just get a dozen cheapies until you find out how you like it.

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.

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.

What are yall's thoughts on Avian X quality? Mallard good type to go with?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Buy the best that you can afford. Trust me, you won't regret it.

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!

why the switch Merican?

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.

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!

Avian X are awesome get them and go murder some ducks!!

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.

Thanks for the info aggie.

If your area is dry and you have water you might have a hell of a season.