Homemade Silhouette Decoys
Homemade silhouette decoys are a classic project for wildlife photographers and hunters. Silhouette decoys are typically effective for doves, crows, geese and other birds. The decoy is made from plywood and is either hung from a tree to attract doves, crows and smaller birds. Decoys for larger fowl such as geese are attached to a wooden stake, which is driven into the ground. The function of the decoy is to draw the wildlife close enough to photograph or hunt. Silhouette decoys are inexpensive and effective.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Plywood panel, 3/4-by-24-by-48-inch
- Pencil
- Flexible curve ruler
- Band saw
- 120-grit sandpaper
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Drill
- Fishing twine, 12-inch length
- 1-by-2-inch wooden stake, 18-inches long
- 4 wood screws
- Screwdriver
- Decoy paints
- Paintbrush
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the plywood panel with the 24-by-48-inch side flat on a work surface.
-
2
Draw the silhouette of the bird onto the plywood panel with a pencil. The animal should be close to the actual size, although a larger than life silhouette can be effective if placed in combination with other sized decoys. Refer to a wildlife book if you are not familiar to the silhouette of the bird you seek to make. Use flexible curve ruler to assist in making the flowing lines of the silhouette.
-
-
3
Cut out the silhouette following the pencil lines using a band saw.
-
4
Sand the cut edges of the silhouette with 120-grit sandpaper until they are completely smooth.
-
5
Drill a 1/8-inch hole through head or above the wing for a small hanging silhouette decoy using a 1/8-inch drill bit and drill. Thread the fishing twine through the hole and tie the ends together in a double knot.
-
6
Center the wooden stake in the center of the bottom of the silhouette decoy on a larger decoy such as a goose. The stake should overlap the silhouette by 6 inches, leaving 12 inches to stick into the ground. Drive four evenly spaced wood screws through the stake and into the silhouette with a screwdriver.
-
7
Paint the silhouette decoy with decoy paint to resemble the actual bird you are trying to represent. The basic color markings are more important than fine details. Allow the paint to dry at least 4 hours before handling and 72 hours before heavy use.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make a cardboard template if you plan to make several of the same decoy to save time.
Wear eye protection when working with wood.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit goose image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com
