How to Make Floating Goose Decoys

Goose hunting is a favorite fall activity and a tradition for families everywhere. As the weather cools, hunters and their families begin to look for signs of migrating geese. A good goose decoy flock is essential to attracting the migrating geese to your hunting location. Purchasing decoys is easy but can be expensive, especially when simple floating decoys can be made at home. With a few easy to find materials, some time and patience, you can take pride in your own goose decoys for a fraction of the cost of store bought.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• foam blocks
• canvas fabric - heavy
• fabric scissors
• waterproof paints
• waterproofing sealant spray
• Exacto or other knife
• small grit sandpaper
• hot glue gun

Making the Decoy

1. Cut the foam blocks into 12-inch by 12-inch sections. Make sure they are not too small since these are the base of your decoy. Use a finished decoy to outline the body onto the foam or just sketch the basic outline by hand.

2. Using an Exacto or other like knife, follow your traced outline to cut down the excess to the basic decoy shape. Make sure the bottom of the decoy is as flat as possible and the foam weight is distributed evenly to ensure the decoy will float.

3. Use the small-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges of the foam. Don't oversand and remove too much foam or change the goose shape.

4. Place the foam goose on top of the heavy canvas fabric. Trace the foam shape and remove from the fabric. Now cut the fabric at least 4 inches bigger all the way around the outline to ensure you have enough fabric to completely cover the decoy.

5. Slowly glue sections of the canvas to the foam outline with the hot glue gun.Start at the top of the goose and work your way down. Make sure there is enough glue to provide a good tight bond and the fabric will not pull loose.

6. Start pulling one corner of the canvas down to the bottom of the decoy and hold with a dab of hot glue. Make sure it is cool and continue along the base of the goose body until it is covered. Make small folds in the fabric as necessary to fit the shape of the goose.

7. Use your waterproof paints to paint the goose into the species of duck you would like to hunt. When the paint is thoroughly dry, spray a coating of waterproofing spray over your decoy. Allow to dry throughly again.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a goose guide to help make sure your markings are correct.
• Always use a low-temperature glue gun whenever possible. Even low-temp glue guns can burn, so be careful when using one, especially around children.

Resources

• Goose Indentification Guide