Setting Duck Decoys

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.