Nothing can be more frustrating during a duck hunt than spending hours watching and waiting only have the ducks fail to commit at the last minute. There you sit analyzing your each and every move trying to figure out exactly what went wrong. Was it poor concealment? Or maybe the dog moved? All reasonable explanations but experienced duck hunters will tell you the most common reason for ducks failing to commit is your decoys.
Waterfowl Decoy Patterns
Your first reaction will probably be to move your decoys around and spread them in one of two ways, an organized pattern or a disorganized pattern depending on your level of despair. No matter if it is desperation or lack of experience each of these scenarios will probably result in a disappointing fly-by.
The experienced and knowledgeable staff at Republican Valley Waterfowlers recommends the following tips to help you beat the odds the next time you set out on a duck or goose hunt!
• Does the appearance of your decoys make them look unnatural? – The easiest way to correct a problem is to examine everything before you start to eliminate possible variables. By utilizing realistic decoys and taking size and species into consideration, you will ensure that nothing looks strange or out of place. If the area you are preparing to hunt has large numbers of mallards, then mallards will be your best choice. If large numbers of small breed ducks are common then consider choices such as teal or pintails in your selection.
• Your decoys are spread in a dangerous position – When hunting an area that has large bodies of water with islands mingled in, it is extremely likely that these areas have been hunted by other bird hunters. The ducks will avoid these areas so it works to your advantage to conceal yourself in minimal cover, rather than setting up in the places that everyone else has utilized.
• Overestimating the flight path – the knowledgeable staff at Republican Valley Waterfowlers are experienced when it comes to decoy placement especially in loafing areas where small numbers of birds take refuge. It is always better to hunt these areas with a few decoys; rule of thumb is less than a dozen. If you place too many decoys, the ducks will continue flying overhead without making a commitment to land.
• Your decoys are overly flashy – Spinning decoys can be especially effective to encourage ducks to get started in your direction, but there is always the chance that the flashy decoy will turn the birds away on their approach. The professionals at Republican Valley Waterfowlers recommend placing your decoy in thin reeds or buck brush so you can still take advantage of the flash but the ducks have a harder time keying in on them once they are in range. You will be surprised at the results you can achieve using this method.
You can hide in the thickest cover available, be as quiet as a mouse and use duck calls at the perfect moment but if you make mistakes with the decoys you might as well pack up and move on as chances are you will end up going home wet, cold and disappointed!
