How to Hunt With Duck Decoys

Duck hunters have many tools available to them including calls, blinds and decoys. Like calls, the use of decoys requires knowledge of some general principles as well as the particular species you are hunting. Remember, your goal when using decoys is to interest ducks flying by in the location where your decoys are set up. This means your decoys need to look safe and comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Scout the area you will hunt to find a location where ducks land. There is no reason to set up your decoys where you know ducks aren't interested in spending time. If you aren't from the area and can't scout ahead of time, ask for advice.

2. Place decoys around your blind to conceal it. This will increase the effectiveness of your blind and camouflage.

3. Reserve a place for incoming ducks to land. Shape it like the letter "C" or "U" and make sure the space is open. Also place the decoys so that you have a good shot from your blind to the landing area.

4. Adjust the number of decoys to the species you are hunting. If you are hunting diver ducks, for example, use more decoys to bring them to you. Late season hunts also require more decoys.

5. Make sure your decoys are moving. If there is no wind to simulate motion, use a jerk string for water decoys or spinners for field decoys.

Tips & Warnings

• Face most of your decoys into the wind, but let some of them face other directions. When ducks feel safe, they let their guard down and go in search of food--even if that means facing away from the wind.

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