The Benefits of Duck Decoys: Why You Need Them

by John Wren
The Benefits of Duck Decoys: Why You Need Them

Duck decoys are an integral part of any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal just like turkey decoys. They can help you attract and bag more ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. In this article, we will discuss why you need duck decoys and the benefits they provide. We’ll also cover how to choose the right decoy, the types of decoys available, the best brands, and tips for using them.

What are Duck Decoys?

Duck decoys are a type of hunting tool used to attract waterfowl while in your hunting blind. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made of plastic, wood, or foam. They are typically used to lure ducks and other waterfowl into a hunting area. The most common type of decoy is the floating decoy, which is designed to float on the surface of the water. These are great too if hunting from a kayak.

Decoys come in a variety of styles and colors, and they are frequently used in combination with calls, lures, and other hunting techniques to attract waterfowl. When used properly, decoys can be an effective tool for luring waterfowl into a hunting area.

Benefits of Duck Decoys

One of the most obvious benefits of duck decoys is that they can help you attract more waterfowl. Decoys can be used to create the illusion of a flock of ducks, geese, or other waterfowl. This helps attract more birds to your hunting area and increases your chances of success.

Another benefit of duck decoys is that they can help you conceal your presence. Ducks are naturally wary of predators, so using decoys can make them less wary and more likely to land in your hunting area. Decoys can also help you remain undetected while hunting, as they can obscure your silhouette and make it harder for waterfowl to spot you.

Decoys can also help you create a sense of realism in your hunting area. Ducks and other waterfowl are used to seeing other birds in their environment, so using decoys can make your hunting area look more natural and inviting. This can encourage more birds to land in your hunting area and make them less wary of your presence.

Finally, decoys can help you create a sense of movement in your hunting area. Ducks and geese are used to seeing other birds flying and swimming around, so using decoys can make your hunting area look more active. This can help attract more birds and make them less likely to suspect your presence.

How to Choose the Right Duck Decoy

When choosing a duck decoy, there are a few things you should consider. The first is size. Smaller decoys are better at concealing your presence, while larger decoys can help you create the illusion of a larger flock.

The second is material. Plastic decoys are lightweight and durable, but they can also be noisy. Wood decoys are quieter and more realistic, but they can be heavier and less durable. Foam decoys are lightweight and realistic, but they can be more expensive.

The third is color. Different species of ducks prefer different colors, so it’s important to choose the right color for the species you’re hunting. For example, mallards prefer brown and green, while pintails prefer gray and white.

Finally, you should consider the number of decoys you need. The number of decoys you need will depend on the size of your hunting area, the species of waterfowl you’re hunting, and the weather conditions. Generally, the more decoys you have, the better.

Types of Duck Decoys

There are several types of duck decoys available. The most common type is the floating decoy, which is designed to float on the surface of the water. These decoys come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made of plastic, wood, or foam. Don’t forget your duck hunting waders for these!

Another type of decoy is the full-bodied decoy, which is designed to look like a full-sized duck. These decoys are more realistic and can help attract more birds, but they are also heavier and more expensive.

Finally, there are motion decoys, which are designed to simulate the movement of a duck. These decoys use motorized wings and tails to create the illusion of a swimming or flying duck, and can be an effective way to attract more birds.

Duck Decoy Setup

Once you have your decoys, you’ll need to set them up in your hunting area. The first step is to choose the best spot for your decoys. You’ll want to choose a spot that is close to the water and in a natural-looking area. The spot should also have enough room for your decoys to move freely and not be too crowded.

Once you have chosen a spot, you’ll need to arrange your decoys. You’ll want to create a pattern that looks natural and inviting. Start with the full-bodied decoys, followed by the floating decoys and finally the motion decoys. You’ll also want to make sure the decoys are evenly spaced and not crowded together.

Duck Decoy Placement

Once you have your decoys set up, you’ll need to choose the best placement for them. When placing your decoys, you’ll want to make sure they are close enough to the shoreline to be visible, but far enough away to not spook the birds. You’ll also want to make sure the decoys are arranged in a natural-looking pattern and are not too crowded.

When it comes to motion decoys, you’ll want to make sure they are placed in areas where the wind won’t blow them away. You’ll also want to make sure the motion decoys are placed in areas where they will be visible to the birds.

Best Duck Decoy Brands

When it comes to duck decoys, there are several brands that stand out. Here is a list of some of the best selling ones out there.

Bestseller No. 1
Final Approach Last Pass Mallard Floaters, Decoy 12 Pack
  • Same rugged construction and durability as always!
  • New Carvings from 17 Time World Champion Pat Godin!
  • Perfect for adding numbers to your spread
  • Rugged one-piece design,
Bestseller No. 2
Flambeau Outdoors 8036SUV Storm Front 2 Mallard Decoys, Classic Floaters - 6-Pack
  • STORM FRONT 2 SERIES: A deadly fusion of what the birds need and the hunter demands—unsurpassed realism and unequivocal durability.
  • FLOATING DECOYS: These Flambeau Outdoors decoys float in classic Mallard posture for heightened on-the-water realism. Proprietary keel design features (4) tie-off points for versatile motion in...
  • PATENTED UVISION PAINT TECHNOLOGY: Paint scheme of unparalleled realism that reflects the real ultraviolet signature of waterfowl plumage to the eye of live bird for the most convincing decoy...
  • REALISTIC DESIGN: These decoys feature a high-definition Mallard paint scheme. Carved by renowned master carvers Tom Christie, Dave Van Lanen and Rich Smoker.
  • 6-PACK INCLUDES: 14'' Full Size Mallard Decoys - (2) Active Drakes, (1) Semi-resting Drake, (3) Semi-resting Hens.
Bestseller No. 3
AUSCAMOTEK Tangle-Free Texas Rig for Duck Decoy Hunting Texas-Style Waterfowl Floater Anchor 4 oz 36 inch
  • 【Real Tangle-Free Steel Cord】Auscamotek's Decoy Line Rig features a 2mm plastic coated steel cord decoy line, also known as the Texas-Style Decoy Rig, that eliminates the frustrating memory and...
  • 【Convenient Loops for Easy Picking】Designed with loops on the floater side, our Floating Decoy Rig, part of the Slide Decoy Rig system, enables quick and effortless retrieval of your decoys....
  • 【Fixed Weight for Decoy Protection】Our Duck Decoy Texas Rig allows the decoys to slide on the line instead of the weights, part of the Decoy Anchor System, preventing them from bumping into each...
  • 【Tight Loop Crimp and Durable Clip】The steel cord of our Rigged Decoy Line ensures a tight crimp at the loop collar, providing reliable attachment. The large loop design allows for easy handling,...
  • 【Choose Proper Weight and Length】Select the appropriate weights based not only on the size of your decoys but also on the wind and current speed of the water you are hunting in. Our Texas-Style...
Bestseller No. 4
Galashield Duck Decoys for Hunting | Floating Duck Decoy for Pool, Pond & Lake [Pair of 2]
  • MALLARD DUCKS – This package includes 1 male and 1 female lifelike plastic Mallard ducks. The female measures 15”(L) x 7”(H) x 6.5”(W) & the male: 16”(L) x 7.5”(H) x 5.5”(W). The ducks...
  • DUCK HUNTING – These hunting duck decoys are perfect for attracting live ducks and waterfowl. Ideally used for hunting, wildlife observation or as a decorative element.
  • FLOATING DUCKS - The bottom of each duck has an attached flotation piece to help the duck maintain its balance and to prevent it from tilting when it floats.
  • DUCK DECOR - Boasts a lifelike appearance that rivals the beauty of real duck. The intricate feather detailing, and natural pose make it a captivating and charming addition to any space.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Crafted from high-quality materials, our duck decoy is built to last. It is made to withstand outdoor elements such as sun, rain, and wind, ensuring long-lasting beauty and...
Bestseller No. 5
Montex Duck Decoy Spinning Wing with Remote Controller, New Upgraded Realistic Material for Duck Hunting (Spinning Wing with Remote)
  • 【Remote Control】Powered by 4 AA batteries, duck decoy comes with a remote control that offers a range of up to 500ft. Ensures that you can control the decoy's movements without giving away your...
  • 【Premium Quality】Crafted from high-quality PE material, our duck decoy is built to withstand the harshest hunting conditions. Its durability and crack-resistant properties ensure that it remains...
  • 【Professional Duck Decoy】Our revolutionary duck decoy is designed to improve your success rate while providing a realistic and thrilling hunting experience
  • 【Realistic Appearance】Every intricate detail, from the feathers to the beak, has been meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance of a real duck. The vibrant colors further enhance the...
  • 【Great Customer Service】Please Contact Us If You Have Any Issues Or Inquires, Our Customer Service Team Will Get Back To You Within 24 Hours. Refund Or Replacement If Any Issues With The Product
Bestseller No. 6
Flambeau Outdoors 1812DPK Masters Series Mallard Decoys, Classic Floaters - 12-Pack
  • MASTER SERIES MALLARD: Durable, classic Mallard decoy with heightened feature detail and sand-filled keels for reliable realism season after season.
  • REALISM THAT GETS RESULTS: Based on carvings by Master Carver Roger Desjardins. Detailed winter plumage paint scheme.
  • PATENTED UVISION PAINT TECHNOLOGY: Paint scheme of unparalleled realism that reflects the real ultraviolet signature of waterfowl plumage to the eye of live ducks for the most convincing decoy...
  • FLOATING DECOYS: These Flambeau Outdoors decoys float in classic Mallard posture for heightened on-the-water realism.
  • 12-PACK INCLUDES: 14” Full-Sized Mallard Decoys – (6) Active Drakes, (6) Active Hens.
Bestseller No. 7
MOJO Outdoors unisex adult 4 oz (36" length) Texas Style Decoy Rig, Black, - 36 US
  • 12-Pack; No more hassle: The ultimate easily-transportable, quickly-deployable, and tangle-free decoy rigging system on the market
  • Hunt anywhere: Especially useful for hard-to-reach spots where easy transport is absolutely essential
  • Flawless design: Connect decoys with a simple snap to heavy-duty (400#) mono line which allows the decoys to slide naturally to the weight when picked up
  • Easy to set up: Loop at the upper ends of lines allows for lines to be secured together with a simple carabineer
  • Save yourself time and frustration: Forget wrapping cumbersome decoy cords and weights around your decoys-the Texas Style rig is a far-superior alternative to traditional rigging systems
Bestseller No. 9
Lucky Duck - Agitator HDI
  • Realistic duck butt with lifelike motion
  • Throws water to simulate an aggressive feeding mallard
  • Removable exhaust tube for easy transportation
  • Easy access battery box with charging port
Bestseller No. 10
Greenhead Gear Pro-Grade Duck Decoy,Pintails,1/2 Dozen
  • Ultra-realistic carvings and paint schemes 
  • Highly durable Pro grade decoy
  • Thumb loops for easy pickup up and storage
  • No more unwrapping & wrapping decopy lines
  • Strong and long lasting

Popular Duck Decoy Accessories

In addition to decoys, there are several accessories that can help you attract more birds. The first is a decoy bag, which can help you transport and store your decoys. Decoy bags come in a variety of sizes and styles and can help you keep your decoys organized.

Another popular accessory is a decoy line, which can help you set up your decoys in a neat and orderly pattern. Decoy lines come in a variety of lengths and can help you create a realistic-looking pattern.

Finally, one of the most popular accessories is a decoy retriever. Decoy retrievers are designed to help you quickly and easily retrieve your decoys from the water. They come in a variety of styles and can help you save time and effort when retrieving your decoys.

Tips for Duck Decoys

When using duck decoys, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. The first is to make sure your decoys are placed in a natural-looking pattern. Ducks and other waterfowl are used to seeing other birds in their environment, so arranging your decoys in a natural-looking pattern can help make them less wary of your presence.

The second is to make sure your decoys are visible. Ducks and other waterfowl are used to seeing other birds in their environment, so making sure your decoys are visible can help attract more birds. You’ll also want to make sure your decoys are placed close enough to the shoreline to be visible, but far enough away to not spook the birds.

The third is to use motion decoys. Motion decoys can help create the illusion of a swimming or flying duck, which can help attract more birds. You’ll also want to make sure the motion decoys are placed in areas where they will be visible to the birds.

Finally, make sure to change up your decoy setup from time to time. Ducks and other waterfowl are used to seeing other birds in their environment, so changing up your decoy setup can help make your hunting area look more natural and inviting and can help attract more birds.

Conclusion

Duck decoys can be an effective tool for luring waterfowl into your hunting area. They can help you create the illusion of a flock of ducks, geese, or other waterfowl and can help you conceal your presence. They can also help you create a sense of realism and movement in your hunting area and can help attract more birds.

When choosing a duck decoy, there are a few things you should consider, such as size, material, color, and the number of decoys you need. There are several types of duck decoys available, including floating decoys, full-bodied decoys, and motion decoys. When setting up your decoys, you’ll want to choose the best spot and create a natural-looking pattern.

Finally, there are several accessories and tips that can help you attract more birds. Make sure to choose the right brand, use motion decoys, and change up your decoy setup from time to time. With the right decoys and accessories, you can increase your chances of success and bag more ducks and geese.

Duck decoys can be an invaluable tool for any waterfowl hunter. They can help you attract more birds and increase your chances of success. With the right decoys and accessories, you can bag more ducks and geese and enjoy a successful waterfowl hunting season. So, why wait? Get the right duck decoys and start hunting today!

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