The Duck Hunting Blind » Duck Decoys and Duck Decoy Spreads http://acrylicduckcalls.com A site dedicated to the great sport of duck hunting Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:06:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Ebay Duck Decoys http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/ebay-duck-decoys/624 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/ebay-duck-decoys/624#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:41:33 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=624 When it comes to buying anything online you would be remiss in not checking out to see what is available on Ebay.  It seems that pretty much everything can be found there.  This is no different and if you search for Ebay duck decoys you will find that there is a wide variety of styles, brands and prices waiting for you.  Below is a quick snapshot of what is there right now:

As can be seen this runs the full gamut from great brands like Greenhead Gear, Herters, Flambeau, Carry Lite, G&H among others.  This of course is only talking about working decoys, not the collectible duck decoys that are also very popular to collectors and hunters alike.  You can find a wide array of those available on Ebay as well.  And let's not forget the different species available.  Heck, when it comes to varieties I have seen just about any type of duck out there available on Ebay for sale from puddle ducks like gadwall, mallard, teal, and pintails to diving ducks like buffleheads, canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills and ring necks to sea ducks like eiders, scoters and the like.  The beauty of Ebay is the diverse variety of things available.

Oh, and don't forget the key reason many people go to Ebay.  The price.  Often these are die hard duck hunting fiends that supplement their love of shopping for duck hunting equipment by selling the great deals that they find when they are shopping Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops and the like during their end of the year clearance sales.

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/ebay-duck-decoys/624/feed 0 Setting Duck Decoys http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/setting-duck-decoys/608 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/setting-duck-decoys/608#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:58:06 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=608 In the duck hunting world perhaps nothing is argued about more than setting duck decoys. When it comes to duck hunting it is rarely the case that your duck decoy spread has no impact on your success in the field. Getting ducks to relate to your spread in such a way that allows them to naturally go to places that afford high quality shots is an artform and at the exact same time imperative to put more birds in the bag. This post is aimed at trying to get the decoys in your spread to get that up and close action that every waterfowl hunter lives for.

The most important thing to remember when setting duck decoys

I see it over and over again and I know I hard on this constantly, but please, please, please people learn to set your farthest decoy within a reasonable range.  If you don't you had better have a darn good reason to have them more than 35 yards out.  One reason I will accept and seen work to perfection is a diver line that goes out 100 or so yards.  Besides that you are going to run into ducks that are landing at the edge of your decoys and lending to horrible shots.  I prefer to keep my farthest decoy out 30 or so yards.  I'll get them even closer if the wind is strong and I think that the birds will be out of range quickly after the first shot.  I have seen ducks for decades stop short of decoy spreads.  Accept it as a fact of life out in the duck blind, it is going to happen.  Given that, make sure that your decoy spread allows for this phenomenon to occur and still the opportunity to harvest birds at a reasonable range.

What pattern should I use when setting duck decoys?

This is where I think many spend too much time.  The actual pattern likely doesn't matter that much other than to accomplish one thing, get the duck to attempt to land in a close distance to your boat or layout blinds.  Things to keep in mind, ducks don't like to fly over other ducks.  If you have some decoys between yourself and where you want them to land you are sunk.  Leave a clear path that allows the ducks to land into the wind and have no decoys in their path.  Speaking of wind, if you have any reason to expect a change or the wind is light and variable, leaving multiple options and paths for which the birds can fly is imperative.  Don't let a quick wind shift turn your perfect decoy spread into a disaster.  Plan ahead and leave a couple of lanes for which the ducks can use to land in your preferred kill zone.  A good pattern in this situation is a "plus" sign with four groups of decoys.  The plus sign is the landing lanes you set up and the decoys make the lanes.

When it comes to building your water spread remember that the entire reason you are putting the birds out there is to get the ducks to commit and come into good range for a clean kill.  Always ensure that your spread exudes confidence and is attractive to passing waterfowl.  Keep cognizant the fact that you want shots that are within 30 yards to allow for easier, higher quality shots which will breed more success.  If you use these tips, setting duck decoys will become second nature to you and your success in the field will show.

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/setting-duck-decoys/608/feed 2 Wind Duck Decoys http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/wind-duck-decoys/522 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/wind-duck-decoys/522#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:47:07 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=522 Wind Duck Decoys.... Where do I start.  Ok, before I begin just be ready for diatribe here.  The things flat out don't work.  The wind never seems to blow fast enough for them to truly work as they should, and even when it does it doesn't seem to blow constantly.  On top of that, when it it blowing that hard it is about the last time you actually need to have one out in your duck blind.  Granted, this is a good way to find a cheap motion duck decoy.  The problem of course is that you get what you pay for in this case.

And trust me, I have seen a lot of people try to get them to work.  They sand down the place where the wings contact the body to remove all but the smallest amount of friction such that the wings work well.  Unfortunately, this still doesn't work.  I hope the reason you are considering using a wind duck decoy is because you don't want to spend the money on a battery powered mojo duck decoy or lucky duck decoy.  That is a reason that I can relate to.  However, if that is your end then you should be looking into the Mojo Dove.  The Mojo Dove is a great cheap duck decoy, and it works wonders.  The problem being that they use AA batteries that you need to replace every 2nd or 3rd hunt in my experience.  Or perhaps the place you are hunting it is illegal to use motorized duck decoys.  Another good reason, but instead of going with a Wind Duck Decoy I would go with a simple jerk string duck decoy instead.  Cheaper and more effective anyway.

What are your thoughts on the Wind Duck decoys?

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/wind-duck-decoys/522/feed 0 Jerk String Duck Decoy http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/jerk-string-duck-decoy/501 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/jerk-string-duck-decoy/501#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:52:36 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=501 For those that haven't used a jerk string while duck hunting you are really missing out.  This is a great way to add motion to your duck decoys, especially on those calm days.  The concept is pretty simple, but seeing it in action is very helpful.  Here is a good video on the subject (forgive the blatant advertisements at the beginning, the content is pretty good but the in your face advertising leaves a bit to be desired).

The guy in this video uses three decoys, but I have found that even using just one duck decoy can be very effective.  I think going more than 3 is likely overkill and will only lead to headaches with no further benefit.  Some keys to remember is that this is meant to be a subtle yet very effective way to add motion to your duck decoy spread.  You only need the decoys to move enough to make a ripple.  You don't need to yank on the thing like it is your job.  Just subtle quick jerks that allow for the decoys to bob in the water and create a reasonable wake.  In addition it is best to do this while the ducks are flying away or sideways from your blind.  It is very similar to the old adage of calling to "tips and tails" you should be pulling the jerk string while the ducks are showing their tips and tails. There are times when this tactic is doubly as effective as a spinning wing decoy or similar.  It is admittedly low tech, but surprisingly effective.  It is somewhat of an "old school" tactic that the younger generation has not taken to heart as of yet.  Don't let the jerk string duck decoy stay out of your arsenal of tools while in the blind.  It is far too effective to not employ, especially on those calm days when your decoys look like the motionless pieces of plastic that they are!

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/jerk-string-duck-decoy/501/feed 2 It’s Raining Ducks – South Dakota Style http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/its-raining-ducks-south-dakota-style/339 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/its-raining-ducks-south-dakota-style/339#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:14:31 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=339 Here is a great video displaying duck hunting out in the field.  The second wave of birds shot in this video is pretty crazy, it is literally raining ducks.  Notice the great use of layout blinds and the proximity of the motion decoys to the blinds.  They do a great job of letting the birds work and getting them in their face for high quality shots.  You will also notice the way that they used the corn stalks to hide their blind and keep the key tenet of concealment.

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/its-raining-ducks-south-dakota-style/339/feed 0 My 2009 Duck Hunting New Year’s Resolutions http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/my-2009-duck-hunting-new-years-resolutions/293 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/my-2009-duck-hunting-new-years-resolutions/293#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:21:17 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=293 So it is this time of year that we all make new year's resolutions, I thought I would write a few of my own specific to duck hunting.  So without further adieu here are my new year's resolutions for 2009:

1. Pattern my shotgun with the load I am planning on using.  I normally do this, but failed to this past season.  I didn't see a huge drop off in terms of hitting and missing ducks, but it is always a good thing to do.

2. Hunt for ducks at least once with only a goose decoy spread.  After talking with some well informed individuals and thinking it over myself I want to give this a legit chance at working.

3. Continue to hunt at least 3 new places each year to expand my horizons and increase spots to consider in all conditions.

I hope you all had a great 2008 and here's to an even better 2009!

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/my-2009-duck-hunting-new-years-resolutions/293/feed 0 Adjust Your Decoys To The Wind Direction http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/adjust-your-decoys-to-the-wind-direction/186 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/adjust-your-decoys-to-the-wind-direction/186#comments Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:27:24 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=186 Here is an Interesting video on adjusting decoys to wind direction.  The basic premise is to use your decoys as blockers and funnels to get the ducks to approach as you would like.  In the case in the video he is hunting a bend in a stream and places his duck decoys all the way across so that the ducks will stop and land right in front of the blind.  A similar strategy would be to place your duck decoys in a funnel type patter to get the ducks to fly where you want.

Do you have any good advice for placing duck decoys acording to the wind direction?

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/adjust-your-decoys-to-the-wind-direction/186/feed 0 How Many Decoys Should I Use? Match Your Spread To The Duck You Are Targeting http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-many-decoys-should-i-use-match-your-spread-to-the-duck-you-are-targeting/190 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-many-decoys-should-i-use-match-your-spread-to-the-duck-you-are-targeting/190#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:26:00 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=190 In addition to matching the species within your duck decoys (i.e. if pintails are common in your area make sure to have pintail decoys in your duck spread) you should try to match the size of your decoy spread to the types of ducks you are targeting.

For instance, diving ducks such as bluebills, ring necks and redheads often are seen in large flocks of 100+ ducks. When you are hunting diving ducks having a large spread in front of your duck blind is a good idea. On the other hand if you are hunting wood ducks it would not be uncommon to see only a handful of ducks in a given spot. In this instance having a half dozen wood duck decoys likely would match what they are used to seeing and put them at ease.

The Ducks Unlimited video below speaks about the same concept. When we are in the field we always want to appear as much like the natural habitat as possible, including matching our decoy spread to the way ducks relate to each other.

What are your thoughts on decoy spread size?

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-many-decoys-should-i-use-match-your-spread-to-the-duck-you-are-targeting/190/feed 0 How to rig your decoys without ruining their paint http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-to-rig-your-decoys-without-ruining-their-paint/239 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-to-rig-your-decoys-without-ruining-their-paint/239#comments Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:35:00 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=239 It is an age old problem.  You rig your duck decoys with the strap weights and when it is time to bring them in your wrap the weight around the neck of the decoy.  Works great for transport, but over time it really wears on the paint and look of your decoys.  It definitely leads to more purchases over time.  Given the price of decoys these days, this is not a good combination for your checkbook.

Enter the best way to rig your decoys out there.  The Ace Decoy Anchor system.  The simplicity of this system along with the fact that it attaches below the water line is what makes it so great.  The premise is that the anchor itself is shaped like a hook to attach to the keel of the decoy.  This allows for the achor to hold tight, but not effect the look of your decoys.  A rubber band allows you to stretch them tight for superior stability during transport.  This is by far the best way I have seen to rig decoys.  Check them out and see for yourself.  Cabelas has a great supply of both the regular and large varieties of these anchors.

]]> http://acrylicduckcalls.com/duck-decoys-and-duck-decoy-spreads/how-to-rig-your-decoys-without-ruining-their-paint/239/feed 0 Edge Expedite Lucky Duck Takes A Bath and Keeps Working http://acrylicduckcalls.com/motion-decoys/edge-expedite-lucky-duck-takes-a-bath-and-keeps-working/228 http://acrylicduckcalls.com/motion-decoys/edge-expedite-lucky-duck-takes-a-bath-and-keeps-working/228#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:15:04 +0000 John http://acrylicduckcalls.com/?p=228 Thought I would write quickly today about an incident I experienced yesterday while in the duck blind.  In about 3 feet of water I placed my Lucky Duck in a sandy bottom.  With the wind and waves over the course of 3 hours constantly beating the stake, my decoy ended up tipping completely over and sinking to the bottom of the lake.

I assumed for sure that was the end of my spinning wing decoy ever working again.  Low and behold, after rescuing it from the bottom of the lake and spilling out all the water I flipped the switch and it working exactly like it always did!  After allowing it to fully dry over night I checked again to make fully sure and the same result ensued.  My Lucky Duck works as good as the day I bought it.  I doubt that Edge Expedite will be willing to cover this in their warranty when you purchase one, but to me it cements that this motion decoy is made to perfectly handle the hard condtions we all face while duck hunting.

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