Hunting over decoys is the classic way to hunt waterfowl. Hunters place decoys in a spot likely to be used by waterfowl, hide near the decoys, and try to entice passing birds to within shotgun range (by using calls, for example). Don’t think you need lots of decoys and an elaborate blind to hide in to use this method.
How many decoys do you need for ducks?
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.
Why do you use duck decoys?
In the modern sense, decoys are usually fake ducks which are floated on bodies of water to encourage real ducks to land. These decoys are also used in the training of hunting dogs. Hunters use duck decoys to help trap the prey.
Which type of hunting usually requires the most decoys?
waterfowl
Decoys are life-like models of game used to lure animals toward a hunter’s position. They are typically used to hunt waterfowl—ducks and geese—and wild turkey. Decoys are most effective when used with scents and game calling.
What decoys to use for ducks?
Throwing a few floating goose decoys into the mix is also an extremely effective way to lure ducks within shooting range. Ducks respond well to goose decoys. For the best results, place your goose decoys together and a few yards away from your duck decoys.
When’s the best time to duck hunt?
Time of Day: It is believed that the best time to hunt for waterfowl is during the first hours of the morning after dawn. However that belief has been challenged by hunters who find their most successful hunts happen in the afternoon or early evening.
Where do ducks go during the day?
According to Stephens, ducks often use different types of wetlands during the day versus at night. “Mallards and pintails frequently use fairly open wetlands with little emergent vegetation as day roosts, perhaps because they can see potential predators better.
How far do you lead ducks?
A shooter needs to lead a duck by . 24-5.16 feet to make a clean shot. The two distinct variables that determine how far each duck should be led by are: How far away the duck is, and how fast the duck is flying.
Should you mix duck and goose decoys?
“I do mix duck decoys among the goose decoys, but I keep the duck decoys together within the goose decoys,” he said. “It’s not out of the question for ducks to spread out and mix in with the geese as they feed, but I want my spread to look like the ducks just landed.”
Can you use too many duck decoys?
Packing too many blocks in a small area won’t look natural. Just make sure decoys are visible and look relaxed. Use common sense for in-between scenarios. Two to four dozen blocks will probably work fine in marsh or river backwater situations.
Does duck decoy size matter?
Size – while you can find many decoys that are lifelike in proportions (referred to as “standard” decoys), there are also “magnum” or even “super magnum” duck decoys that are much larger than a real duck. The benefit of larger decoys is that flocks can see them from farther away than smaller decoys.
Do ducks like to land into the wind?
But here’s an inconvenient truth: Ducks and geese don’t always land into the wind. In fact, when the wind is light, they might approach from any direction. During those situations, you’re better off ignoring the wind and heeding an obvious but oft-ignored tenet of hunting: Keeping the sun at your back.
Where do you put duck decoys?
You want the flocks to see your spread. Decoyed waterfowl will invariably try to land into the wind, so you can usually predict their angle of approach. Decoys should be located so ducks attempt to land just as they get past the shooters, which sets up the best shot—when birds are closest and flying slowest.
Is it OK to leave duck decoys out?
It does not hurt to leave out. If having good success in one location then leave out.
How do you decoy ducks?
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 far should decoys be from blind?
How far should the decoys be from your blind? Well, the quick and simple answer is somewhere between 15-30 yards. Preparing your decoy spread can be fun and straightforward as long as you keep a few basics in mind. You want your decoy spread to appear natural.
How long should I duck hunt in the morning?
“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.
What do ducks do when it rains?
Ducks just love rain. They are quite happy to stay out in it, and they often preen their feathers and poke around in puddles. (The British refer to a rainy day as “a lovely day for ducks.”) They don’t even seem to mind snow or sleet, but they dislike cold and windy weather.
Is rain bad for duck hunting?
Rain and/or sleet intensifies their scramble for shelter, limiting and defining the places they are likely to be. More and more birds move into fewer and fewer areas. The savvy hunter is a step ahead of them, setting out decoys and preparing to shortstop their weather-driven migration.
Is it worth duck hunting in the evening?
Evening Water Hunts
Ducks typically get active during the final hour of daylight as they leave feeding or loafing spots and head to roost. Hunting your favorite lake, marsh or river during that golden hour can be extremely productive.
What time of day are ducks most active?
Ducks are typically active right before legal shooting hours and for an hour or two — maybe longer, depending on the weather — afterward. Geese are relatively late risers but almost always leave their roosts and hit ag fields to feed right around sunup.