How to set up duck decoys on a river. Sep 4, 2024 · The Cons of Pond Duck Hunting.

How to set up duck decoys on a river. The Decoy Buoy’s pendulum-weighted design also creates more motion through wave action. Honkers will decoy to this mixed spread of duck and goose decoys too, but it’s my go-to spread for greenheads. these are some tips and tactics I use to be Aug 4, 2023 · Set up “pods” of duck and goose decoys on land and in the water in various postures. Gang Rigging Made Easy. "I've had a lot of success," he told me, "hunting small ponds and river channels. With roots in Oakley, Illinois, Clark has darn near two decades of waterfowling history in his back pocket. [10] Mar 12, 2020 · Typically, I rig 17 to 20 puddle duck decoys — a mix of gaddies, wigeon and mallards — on 4-foot lines with 4- to 6-ounce scoop weights that fit snugly around a decoy's bill. The best part of a mobile set up, is you can pick 'em up, pack the back of the truck, and hit the gravel again. We recommend using a “U”-shaped decoy setup with a pocket in the middle to attract birds and direct them to land in a specific location. There is no question that a massive decoy spread will command the attention of passing flocks of waterfowl, but the time, effort, and expense required to maintain a huge rig can be a challenge, especially for newcomers to the sport. It’s the fastest and easiest method of putting out decoys I’ve ever tried. Oct 13, 2023 · He deploys his decoys in two groups with an open landing hole between them and a spinning-wing decoy in the center of the hole to square up decoying flocks. Face dove decoys into the wind. There are a variety of duck decoys to choose from, and spreads you can use to attract ducks. Set up where the woodies want to be, and use your decoys to fine-tune their approach. This is where the artist in you gets to come out, as you develop a strategy to create a spread that optimizes both the surroundings and your collection. Oct 13, 2010 · I typically would carry in my float tube to set decoys. Sep 12, 2024 · Deploying decoys representing multiple duck species throughout the spread helped provide volume, contrast, and realism. Feb 3, 2012 · Set up a blind near the downwind-downstream side of the opening so that incoming birds will have to pass by within range. The “U” is a duck hunting classic. I've taken to referring to the X as the Random Placement Theory of Decoy Arrangement because that's what it is — random. 99; banded. 4s. You, the hunter, sit below the base of the U with the wind at your back. River Hunting. For example, place some Canada geese or coot decoys around or among your duck decoys. Having the map of your hunting location pulled up, whether it be on a river, lake, pond, or reservoir gives you a distinct advantage in planning out where to place and camouflage your duck blind. I keep two separate spreads of 36 decoys bagged and ready to go: one rigged for shallow waters and another for deeper rivers and lakes. Most of the blocks are light suck-duck or water-keel models, but I include a few heavier weighted-keel blocks that can ride the chop on windy days. Aug 18, 2014 · Although we couldn't find big flocks of ducks concentrated in any one spot, quite a few birds were flying up and down the main channel of the Tennessee River. This is by far the best way to rig your decoys. Pre-rig your decoys with long strings (15 feet or more) and heavy anchors (8 ozs. Depending on where and how you set upthose feet can move up to yards. How to Use Duck Hunting Decoys. Learn how to rig duck decoys the most effective and easiest way. Dont stop and set up before you find a concentration. Feeders tend to work better in the outskirts of those small groups. For safety reasons, doves congregate in groups. A single line and weight holds the rig in place. This is where the birds like to retreat and rest. "We use all Canada goose decoys because of their size and visibility," Hudnall says. Oct 6, 2020 · It’s even more important to set up where ducks want to be. The main drawback to hunting ducks on a pond is the limited space. Sep 6, 2020 · X Decoy Spread. Watch the SOAB Imitator, best natural motion duck decoy system, from the Duck's Eye View & a little SloMo Action! Jan 23, 2017 · Now that you have put together a collection of duck decoys, the obvious question comes up: How to set up duck decoys and decoy spreads. Nov 16, 2015 · When the birds become decoy-shy in his area, Hudnall sets an all-Canada goose spread for ducks. Texas rigs are built with a weight hammered on one end of a heavy monofilament Aug 6, 2018 · Doves can see that flash from long distances. Notice how the geese act as a blocker on the one side upwind; this will keep the ducks from swinging too wide of your setup. "Flocked mallard decoys work well in this situation," he says. . Texas rigs are built with a weight hammered on one end of a heavy monofilament Oct 17, 2007 · I hunt mostly rivers and small back bays on the river. What are the best ways to add motion into your decoy spreads? Sep 17, 2020 · The field was very hilly, and the birds seemed to follow the flock in, like a landing strip. ” The X for Geese Thanks for the heads up and the after season storage recommendations as well. More specifically the Rio Grande river here in New Mexico. Sep 4, 2024 · The Cons of Pond Duck Hunting. 2. Dec 1, 2018 · They take up less room, so I can set more decoys to keep my numbers up. Feb 10, 2023 · No one in their right mind enjoys patching shot-up decoys with a hot glue gun after a hunt, which you may end up doing with plastic decoys, and 99% of the time they're quickly forgotten in the hurry to pick up decoys and become useless weight in the decoy sack (they do make a great maraca). Do the same on the right side. The birds came in hard and we limited out quickly. Calling is important, but just having the call isn't good enough. Sep 15, 2018 · This example above, of a slot pattern, decoy spread utilizes 24 decoys, but this can adjusted up or down according to the specifics of the area or the limits of how many decoys you own. Once unrolled, it creates a raft of ducks. So, if decoys are to be set out and taken up frequently, solid keels are the better choice. May 5, 2016 · "Small? That's as few as a pair of duck decoys. Also, a few other helpful tips to keep in mind when duck hunting. If you have a cross wind, we recommend setting up the wide angle V decoy spread according to the wind direction. Maybe six duck decoys," says Luke Clark, 21, the public relations guru for Matthew Cagle's Rig 'Em Right outfit. Jun 13, 2024 · How to Set Up Duck Decoys for Moving Water In terms of frustration, setting decoys in moving water can rank right up there with trying to separate two cheap paper plates. Hunters need to set up their decoys so they face into the wind. May 13, 2019 · When you set your long line, work from the blind out. Please keep up the great work as I’m a customer for life! - Wave Oglesby" Click to view SOAB YouTube Channel. The traditional keel line decoy rig is simple and effective. HIGHWATER SPILLOVER When autumn rains gush, streams and ditches overflow. When setting up decoys, think of staying warm. To deploy, we simply set out an anchor, attached the anchor line to the mat. For the latter, a dozen individual decoys are tied to large, semi-rigid mesh mats, which are then rolled up and stowed for storage. Dec 16, 2021 · On the Carolina bays, we used a combination of Texas-rigged decoys and mats. Attach your long line clips to those and attach you long line clips to your mother line. The moving water swings decoys back and forth, creating a realistic scene of ducks swimming upriver. Don’t bother with a traditional ‘U’ or ‘J’ formation, as woodies frequently buzz the decoys without circling or regard to wind direction. Do your homework – Duck If slush ice is flowing and tangling decoy lines, he supplements his goose decoys with a few field duck decoys. Columbia River Puddle Ducks. Dec 6, 2016 · Then, set up your blind accordingly, with the wind at your back, and preferably downstream or to the side of your decoy spreads’ landing zone. Sep 10, 2014 · The main and most obvious difference between water in a river and water in a lake or marsh is that most river water moves. May 1, 2013 · Texas-rigged Clip-N-Go decoys are extremely easy to set and pick up. You can put out a dozen decoys in less than a minute. Plenty of wood ducks are jump shot or taken on float trips, but for me these pursuits pale in comparison to the thrill of shooting them over Showing 3 duck decoy strategies that will put more ducks into your spread. This view allows you to look at the big picture in terms of access, and tree coverage, and it will enable you to explore unknown areas virtually Jul 19, 2024 · The ducks tend to work up and over the duck decoys, and then when they reach the Canada geese, they hit the brakes, drop their feet, and backpedal into the decoys. Moving decoys are only part of the river hunting equation. It’s paramount to a successful hunt, but placing decoy ducks doesn’t have to be so difficult once you do it a few times. "And motion adds realism too. Most often I set my first block about 60 yards out and slightly upwind of my blind, so a 150-yard line ends about 200 yards away. This way the geese have room to land. Ducks — especially woodies — love the resulting habitat. " Jan 9, 2020 · If you don’t know how to set up duck decoys, the one thing I would say to break the ice on the subject is that it’s not as hard as it looks. The Duckmen explain how to make your decoy spread match your calling and look realistic to May 6, 2012 · If you have a dog. Instead of using duck decoys, we’ll put out Canada geese decoys. I'd go for the 3' drops off your decoys lines. For added realism, Manlove recommends using only your best-looking decoys. Nov 8, 2023 · This spread typically requires a minimum of 24 decoys, with 12 set up on the left side and another 12 set up on the right side. DU's Ultimate Decoy Spread included mallards, wigeon, green-winged teal, and northern shovelers. Setting up some sleepers close to some swimmer decoys can give the impression of a spot where ducks can help each other stay warm. Gripping the duck decoy by the neck or the head, lift it out of the water and clip the top loop onto a carabiner. Duck Decoys: Spread A staggered line along the bank with a few decoys in the middle of the river, mimicking ducks feeding and resting. This is especially true for smaller ponds that also happen to be popular among local duck hunters. With help from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can learn how to use duck decoys to up your duck hunting game. ) Jun 13, 2024 · I throw four to six Canada decoys out with my duck spread on the small ponds I hunt and frequently decoy geese. Mallards and other dabblers will work into black duck decoys, but black ducks seem to be a bit more picky," Miles says. with numerous lines you can make your spread look life like. Observant hunters know that ducks are often found together with other types of birds, so these other types of decoys will make your setup more attractive. In windy or stormy weather, plan to stay out as long as the law allows because ducks and geese will often fly up and down river all day as they avoid other hunters or seek new places to feed and loaf. Depending on the size of the hole, you can get away with setting out just six to 12 decoys. Also, hunters picking up water keel decoys must drain each decoy, or they will collect water in their boat. We decided to set our decoys just off a large point and tuck ourselves into cover along the shoreline. Duck decoy spreads don’t have to incorporate hundreds or thousands of decoys in order to bring in the ducks. The indestructible, investment-grade, gunning-style Heritage Series divers represent the perfect combination of traditional aesthetic and modern performance. This allows you to see the whole line from a duck’s point of view. Two decades later, it has become the most widely used motion decoy, and most hunters have at some point integrated spinners into their decoy spreads. Nov 10, 2015 · Duck hunting decoys are a great tool for attracting live ducks to your hunting spot. "After years of hunting the river, we've learned that ducks like goose decoys, but geese don't like duck decoys. The U. Here are four places to set up Aug 22, 2016 · Learn the 3 best ways to set up your duck decoys effectively with this fun tutorial! We'll help get those ducks locked up and landing in front of your blind Sep 8, 2022 · Many have islands you can set up on, with plenty of shallow water nearby for ducks to lounge in. And as such, the X eliminates or at least disguises much of the humanness we hunters so often apply to our techniques, be it calling, decoys or the inability to not gawk, pie-eyed and white-faced, at incoming birds. Jul 21, 2010 · Simply attach your decoys to the spreader and put them out in the water. Mario Friendy of Sherwood, Ore. Next, check to see which way the wind is blowing, this will help you choose from the three duck decoy spreads described below: 1. Mar 12, 2020 · Mix in other types of bird decoys when you set up your duck pattern. Sep 5, 2023 · To set up a successful duck decoy spread, you’ll need to focus on factors such as decoy setup, placement, and wind direction. The spread-a mixture of four dozen diver and puddle duck decoys-wasn't huge. In very cold, windy weather, Pierce sets the decoys closer to the bank to look like birds hunkered down in the lee. I'll set my duck decoys in front of the blind and the goose decoys off to one side towards the main part of the river. Shotguns loaded with No. Locate a spot like this and deploy this spread in open water for some hot action. Oct 13, 2016 · We set a line of six black duck decoys along the shoreline in front of our shooting position. The dog is tucked in his MoMarsh blind. Jun 24, 2008 · As a result, my decoy spreads must be portable-carried in mesh bags and gathered up at the end of each hunt. A wood duck hunt over decoys — one of my favorite forms of 'fowling — is set to begin. Nov 29, 2021 · Ever tried (and failed) to set up a spinning-wing decoy on a pole in a creek? The Banded Products Spinning Wing Decoy Buoy overcomes the problems of using a spinning-wing decoy in strong current and deep water. I will usually use two dozen teal decoys. com Hunt more efficiently and effectively this season with these downsized decoy strategies. Learn about decoy spreads and the River Chute Two-Spread Set. The open side of the "V" should always be opening with the wind. See full list on mossyoak. Another thing I have also noticed at times is that ducks don't always like to cup over geese. Most puddle duck sets consist of decoys rigged individually. The glory days are now for those who want them. Step 1: Wind Direction Nov 9, 2022 · Dixie Decoys – Heritage Series DuraBill® Diver Duck Decoys Dixie Decoys – Heritage Series DuraBill® Diver Duck Decoys. Hunt a lot, set yourself apart, and finish them with confidence. Popular formations include the “J” shape and the “U” shape, which create an open landing zone that can attract flying ducks. A dozen hand-carved decoys are positioned. Sep 9, 2024 · Video how to set up duck decoys. Aug 30, 2024 · Cons: It takes more time and precision to set up. With this setup, the birds usually hit the water right in front of us. ($99. As we were picking up, my buddy laughed that the birds came in on a string, and the name stuck. Nov 17, 2020 · If you’re new to duck hunting or just looking for tried-and-true setups for small water, these are good places to start. Create landing zones with gaps between groups of decoys. We use full body as well as floater goose decoys. Jan 31, 2017 · When we duck hunt the Missouri River, most of the time, we’ll set up on sandbars. Occasionally, we will put out a few duck decoys, but the majority of our decoys will be Canada geese. Looking for coves or holes is key. Let’s discuss the important factors in duck hunting spreads. A variation of the Texas rigging system, it Dec 1, 2018 · They take up less room, so I can set more decoys to keep my numbers up. " While hunting ducks on river channels and sloughs, Latendresse uses a spread of six dozen Greenhead Gear mallard decoys and a dozen drake wigeon decoys. Jul 12, 2023 · This style of rig really shines when it’s time to pick up decoys. More currently I used 10' fishing line on the decoys with 3/8" pencil lead that was about 4" long. Ever wonder how to setup duck decoys? Well no problem, in this post I am going to show you one of the most effective ways to hunt ducks over water. Set up on an overflow pond using eight to 10 wood duck decoys. Geese will feed in the morning, then look for a pond to loaf on during the middle of Aug 29, 2019 · In the late 1990s the spinning-wing decoy crashed onto the duck hunting scene like a tsunami. What makes Texas rigs so easy is you just clip them on the decoy and you’re ready to go. It’s as basic and as easy as it seems, and it works more often than it doesn’t. The key to persuading river ducks to set their wings and drop in to your setup is finding water that is moving very little or not at all. Place your decoys from arms length to several ft apart. Mar 6, 2024 · Setting up duck decoys involves arranging them in patterns that mimic natural duck behavior. Next the hunters set two longlines, each rigged with long-tailed duck decoys, off to one side of the black duck decoys. Jan 31, 2024 · Motion is critical, no matter where those decoys sit. They like that spot for a reason. In front of the blind, place a combination of duck decoys in resting and feeding positions. With the wind approaching from behind your position, place 12 decoys to the left of your blind about 15 yards out. Don’t like what you see? You can easily tow the line into position if necessary. Crosswind Decoy Spread- The ducks will be flying into the wind as they lock up into your spread. Position yourself on the outside of the bend if possible, where you can see into the eddy, as well as up and down both stretches of stream. Nov 4, 2022 · The what, where, why, and how model lines up with adding motion to your set up. Not only do hunters have limited options in terms of where they can set up camp, but that also goes for their decoy spread and overall hunting area. So let’s take a look at a few of the options for each of these principles and help you get more birds in the freezer over the next few months. Few decoys are needed in the close confines of sloughs, timber holes, and small ponds. We set up decoys with a long line going out and then a big cup on one end, with the wind hard to our back. All are rigged straight-line; that is, each decoy has its own line and weight. com) Aug 1, 2008 · They must be set on the water right side up to allow the keel to start filling with water, and this can be time-consuming. To avoid the plague of unrealistic decoys, Addy and Hash place a couple of decoys in nearby current to bring the spread to life. 1. Dec 1, 2006 · Then simply cover water and watch for birds. Every year, waterfowlers Jun 11, 2012 · We set our decoys in a blocking pattern just upriver from where we hide. Just as in duck hunting, doves spot that glint of white from the wings of motion decoys and believe they have located a place where other doves feel secure. Jan 7, 2011 · This allows us to hide in the ducks' comfort zone instead of having to set up on the bank away from the water where we would have longer shots. Texas rigs allow you to pick up decoys quickly, often without even getting your hands wet! Keel Line Rigs. , owns Columbia River Decoys and does much of his duck hunting near the mouth of the Lower Columbia. I creat a hook at tossed that out into the pond. Then, when you see working ducks or flush a large flight off the water, move in and set up exactly where they were. A small spread of about a dozen decoys is typically all that’s required. I like to call this duck decoy spread diagram “The Gauntlet”. Goose Decoys: Spread: Place a few decoys on the water, with a larger group on a sandbar or gravel bank nearby. Dec 22, 2020 · In this video I'm going to show how I set a duck decoy spread on a river. Ducks almost always land against the current, just like the wind. I would also run decoy lines with several decoys attached to a single weight and then tie it off to the bank. Explore decoy placement strategies to attract waterfowl and create an effective hunting setup. roucnnqp qlzvpx rydntus gpz cbnbag csuy vmifqh nasyxi ogbcli kpiqrh