One of the most important factors in determining your success in the sport of duck hunting is knowing how to properly use duck decoys.
They will be your "fishing lures" and without them, chances are you're likely to come out empty-handed on your hunt.
Here I'll share with you the basics of setting up a decoy spread.
Knowing how to use them is something that comes with from years of practice and experience.
Just going to your favorite hunting grounds and throwing a couple duck decoys into the lake and hoping for the best isn't going to be very effective.
You need to know how to place them make them look as real and natural and possible.
Remember, ducks are animals that don't have any real defense mechanism besides flight.
Some people try too many different things when it comes to setting up their decoys.
More decoys doesn't necessarily mean you will attract more ducks.
You want it to look natural and if there is an unusually large number of decoys floating in the water, it's liable to trigger an alarm in any ducks flying overhead.
Instead, observe the sizes of duck flocks in the area and try to mimic their sizes.
Hunters will always argue what sizes of duck decoy spread work the best, but I would say a small spread of 4 to 6 typically works better than large ones, as this is usually the size of a family of ducks.
Another thing you'll have to consider when setting up your spread is the type of duck decoy to use.
Not too long ago, there were only a handful of choices available.
Now, though, there are literally hundreds of different types of decoys, ranging from complex motorized decoys to ones that are simply made of cork.
So, how to you know which ones are going to work the best? Aside from trial and error, simply observe the skies and find out what species of ducks inhabit the area.
If there are primarily mallard ducks, you should use mallard decoys.
If there is a mixture of species, use a mixture of different duck decoys.
Ducks obviously cant tell what material the decoys are made of, so don't worry too much about that.
When you get ready to place your decoys, don't just throw them out.
Placing them slightly upwind from your hunting position is going to be your best bet, as ducks will almost always land facing the wind.
Try to place the decoys in a circular pattern approximately 30-40 yards away from your position.
This will give you enough distance from the decoys to keep you hidden, but you should still be in shooting range.
Going duck hunting is a fun and rewarding sport that gives you a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
You'll learn through your experience that duck decoys are the most important tool you can use on your hunt.
Just remember to keep it simple and try to make your decoy spread as natural looking as possible.
With patience and determination, your next duck hunt is sure to be a success.
They will be your "fishing lures" and without them, chances are you're likely to come out empty-handed on your hunt.
Here I'll share with you the basics of setting up a decoy spread.
Knowing how to use them is something that comes with from years of practice and experience.
Just going to your favorite hunting grounds and throwing a couple duck decoys into the lake and hoping for the best isn't going to be very effective.
You need to know how to place them make them look as real and natural and possible.
Remember, ducks are animals that don't have any real defense mechanism besides flight.
Some people try too many different things when it comes to setting up their decoys.
More decoys doesn't necessarily mean you will attract more ducks.
You want it to look natural and if there is an unusually large number of decoys floating in the water, it's liable to trigger an alarm in any ducks flying overhead.
Instead, observe the sizes of duck flocks in the area and try to mimic their sizes.
Hunters will always argue what sizes of duck decoy spread work the best, but I would say a small spread of 4 to 6 typically works better than large ones, as this is usually the size of a family of ducks.
Another thing you'll have to consider when setting up your spread is the type of duck decoy to use.
Not too long ago, there were only a handful of choices available.
Now, though, there are literally hundreds of different types of decoys, ranging from complex motorized decoys to ones that are simply made of cork.
So, how to you know which ones are going to work the best? Aside from trial and error, simply observe the skies and find out what species of ducks inhabit the area.
If there are primarily mallard ducks, you should use mallard decoys.
If there is a mixture of species, use a mixture of different duck decoys.
Ducks obviously cant tell what material the decoys are made of, so don't worry too much about that.
When you get ready to place your decoys, don't just throw them out.
Placing them slightly upwind from your hunting position is going to be your best bet, as ducks will almost always land facing the wind.
Try to place the decoys in a circular pattern approximately 30-40 yards away from your position.
This will give you enough distance from the decoys to keep you hidden, but you should still be in shooting range.
Going duck hunting is a fun and rewarding sport that gives you a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
You'll learn through your experience that duck decoys are the most important tool you can use on your hunt.
Just remember to keep it simple and try to make your decoy spread as natural looking as possible.
With patience and determination, your next duck hunt is sure to be a success.
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