Choosing The Best Duck Decoys
Duck decoys are more than just lifeless blocks of wood. They are often one of the most important items for any duck hunter, which is why choosing the best duck decoys is such an important task.
Every duck hunter hopes for duck-filled season, and much of this relies on the the use of duck decoys. The success to a good hunt also relies on many other factors, like the hunter himself, to other contributing factors such as the climate, flock of birds, etc. Since climate can never be controlled, the best way to increase the chance of a good hunt is to increase the number of birds. Decoys serve this purpose of creating a natural and relaxed environment to trick ducks into landing at the required area or water body. The types of decoys used have varied with the breeds and functionality over the ages.
There are a few basics on how to choose a duck decoy that gives the maximum effect. First, it is important to look for ones that are of natural colors and shapes. The paint job should be well done and should not have a glossy finish. The sun glare created by a glossy finish can make it easy for any overhead ducks to tell apart a real duck and a decoy. Also, it is advisable to look for duck decoys that do not bob up and down in the water. This gives an unnatural look, as real ducks never bobs in water. Usually light weight duck decoys are the ones that will bob in water. The trick is to buy ones that are light weight enough to float, but not to bob in water.
Duck decoys with jerky and sudden movements put other ducks in alert mode and may also scare a some of them off. A better idea would be to look for duck decoys that are remote controlled to prevent reflection of jerky hand movements via cord on the decoys.
Duck hunting can sometimes demand real patience and waiting for hours to get a good catch. Duck decoys that are remote controlled should have good battery power. It would be a disaster if an animate duck decoy suddenly loses power and stops in the middle. Duck decoys having realistic head movements or flapping of wings add a realistic touch to the decoy environment.
Duck decoys that change positions can be a little heavy on the pocket, but they are worthy in creating a natural environment. The best position would be the sleeper position as this position conveys security and content to other ducks. This serves as a body language signal to the birds, assuring safety and comfort.
Other than the actual duck decoys, other swan or crane decoys can also be placed to create the mood and bring confidence to the setup. These are also known as confidence decoys. These are decoys of docile birds that are easily scared and hence do not settle at any place unless it is safe. These birds also fly at the slightest doubt of safety. Placing these birds your setup will bring a sense of reliability to the hunting area.
Any good water fowler will realize the importance of the maintenance of their duck decoys. Those that have lost color, or possess marks of stray shots, should be repainted and repaired. Use paints that are recommended for a natural finish and those that give the decoy protection from rain and other climatic changes. However, be sure not to use any paint that will leave a glossy finish.