I want to do more field hunting for ducks and all of my decoys currently are water decoys. So I want to get some decoys specifically for field hunting. For those of you who field hunt a lot, two questions....1) what brand/style of duck decoys do you prefer, and 2) since ducks and geese often feed in the fields together, would I be smarter just to get some field goose decoys (god forbid Branta, did I say that? :yikes: ) and then just use mix in my existing water duck decoys with them in the stubble?
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just ducky
We have tried it all for ducks in the field. We always use some sort of goose decoys because they show up better. For ducks, we use a Roboduck, a dozen Real Mallard Silo's, and the decoys with keels on them placed so that they sit evenly on the ground. I even go as far as to cut the keels off of decoys with holes so that they sit evenly on the ground. If I were you, I would look into the GHG mallards that have the removeable keel. You could leave the keel and weights on them for water hunting and take everything off for field hunting. Good Luck with whatever you choose. Zak
Knew you'd see the light sometime! 
run your goose dekes - ducks will readily work to them.
But it's always better to run some duck decoys to sit 'em right where you want to.
On a budget? using water keel dekes as suggested is cetainly one way to go. Personally, I'm not that fond of it just because we're usually in knocked down corn fields around here and the visibility can be quite poor.
Outlaw or real geese skinnies work nice in this situation and the best thing is that unlike typical goose rigs, if you're running anything more than a couple of dozen duck dekes ... it's just overkill (but you can never have enough goose decoys!)
I run duck skinnies some time, but my favorite low water , wet/dry field duck decoy is the carrylite duck shell. pretty hard to find nowadays, but I think discount decoys (do a internet search - I think this is it) still carries them. probably $70/dozen, you can pack two dozen into a std size backpack (I know this!) for humping deep into a field and they have two stakes to make them extra long if necessary.
If you're thinking what to use out west in nodak or provincial pea or wheat fields, you just don't use the stakes (this is where water keels would work well too). this is also one reason why I like them a little better than skinnies; very versatile and if the grounds hard or even frozen - doesn't matter. anyone that's tried to get a plastic outlaw stake into frozen or rock hard soil knows what I"m talking about!
G&H has shell ducks as well. just more expensive.
run your goose dekes - ducks will readily work to them.
But it's always better to run some duck decoys to sit 'em right where you want to.
On a budget? using water keel dekes as suggested is cetainly one way to go. Personally, I'm not that fond of it just because we're usually in knocked down corn fields around here and the visibility can be quite poor.
Outlaw or real geese skinnies work nice in this situation and the best thing is that unlike typical goose rigs, if you're running anything more than a couple of dozen duck dekes ... it's just overkill (but you can never have enough goose decoys!)
I run duck skinnies some time, but my favorite low water , wet/dry field duck decoy is the carrylite duck shell. pretty hard to find nowadays, but I think discount decoys (do a internet search - I think this is it) still carries them. probably $70/dozen, you can pack two dozen into a std size backpack (I know this!) for humping deep into a field and they have two stakes to make them extra long if necessary.
If you're thinking what to use out west in nodak or provincial pea or wheat fields, you just don't use the stakes (this is where water keels would work well too). this is also one reason why I like them a little better than skinnies; very versatile and if the grounds hard or even frozen - doesn't matter. anyone that's tried to get a plastic outlaw stake into frozen or rock hard soil knows what I"m talking about!
G&H has shell ducks as well. just more expensive.
I've got a dozen mallard silos and a dozen full body mallard Flambeau enticers. I sometimes take a dozen full body geese for visibility. I also run a spinner or two.
Dry fields are about the only place I use spinners anymore. I have done pretty well many times packing in my Xlander with just a single spinner on an extended pole (10+ feet) for visibility.
Dry fields are about the only place I use spinners anymore. I have done pretty well many times packing in my Xlander with just a single spinner on an extended pole (10+ feet) for visibility.
Well if you are looking for just a field decoy the Full Body "Enticer" Mallards are a good way to go. They are light, look good, fairly inexpensive, and you can fit a couple dozen into a large decoy bag. If you are looking for a universal decoy then buy the "Pontoon Perrimeters" they also are good decoys that can be used both in the field and they work especially well in shallow water where other decoys sit on there sides. Yes they float.
Both of these decoys are made by Flambeau and I use both of them in my field set-ups along with some Big Foot goose decoys.
If I had to choose one over the other then the "Pontoon Perimeters" are the way to go, just make sure you glue the heads on it will save you some headache in the long run.
Thumbnail pictures of these decoys......
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Both of these decoys are made by Flambeau and I use both of them in my field set-ups along with some Big Foot goose decoys.
If I had to choose one over the other then the "Pontoon Perimeters" are the way to go, just make sure you glue the heads on it will save you some headache in the long run.
Thumbnail pictures of these decoys......
lwingwatcher said:
Sucked me in.... Let's see a pic!
anyone seen the new Final Approach decoys? Heard they were coming out - just haven't seen or heard anything (other than they look like a cross between BF's and GHG's)
Branta,
As a matter of fact I saw the new final approach decoys today at Gander Mountain in Novi. They look really good they must have just came in because they were the only decoys on the floor....
As a matter of fact I saw the new final approach decoys today at Gander Mountain in Novi. They look really good they must have just came in because they were the only decoys on the floor....
Thanks for all of the input guys. The visibility issue is my main concern. Out in ND stubble fields, the super mag water duck dekes work well, and are pretty visible in barley/pea stubble. But in a picked cornfield, I expect they would disappear. So I guess after reading all of your comments that I'm leaning toward getting a few dozen goose dekes. Who knows, I may even stoop to hunting the stinking things someday... :yikes:
Can't believe I'm saying this, but if anyone sees any pre-season sales on.....GOOSE DECOYS, let me know. :evilsmile
Can't believe I'm saying this, but if anyone sees any pre-season sales on.....GOOSE DECOYS, let me know. :evilsmile
In Saskatchewan, we sometimes use 3 dozen stackable flambeau duck shells (dont even know if they make them any more). They are like 24-30 inches long.
My experience out west, have goose decoys, the ducks will come. Dont even use the duck shells that much any more.
These days dad doesnt like to break down a big spread. All we do is set out goose decoys with one duck spinner. Sit back and be prepared to be s**t on. Turn the spinner on and prepare for the tornado to begin.
My experience out west, have goose decoys, the ducks will come. Dont even use the duck shells that much any more.
These days dad doesnt like to break down a big spread. All we do is set out goose decoys with one duck spinner. Sit back and be prepared to be s**t on. Turn the spinner on and prepare for the tornado to begin.
My hunting partner and I hunt fields as much as possible, which luckily translates into alot. Usually run one or two spinning wings, about 2 or 3 doz Mallard and Black silos, some full body Flambueas, and always have some full body geese. Usually a couple of family groups of geese seperated from, but relativley close to the ducks. The geese aren't too keen on the spinners, but the ducks are all over them on dry land.
Matt....
Matt....
anyine used a texas rag spread? I hunted fields a few years ago with a friend and we put out a rag spread of blues and canadas along with about two dozen mallards ( used herters mag blacks and mallards 21" bodys). The ducks were all over them. I was thinking a rag spread with some goose skinnies and a dozen mag mallards would be a good combo. out wesyt I'm thinking use snow rags rather then all dark geese. What do you all think?
I put out a dozen Big Foots, 1.5 doz. enticers and probably another 2 dozen standard decoys. By standard I should explain that I've taken what remaining plastic I had (that which leaked) and using a bandsaw cut off the lower half. Thereby allowing the deke to sit on the ground properly and lowered the weight a little.
I also use some old Northwind mallard socks for movement.
Carpe Diem
I also use some old Northwind mallard socks for movement.
Carpe Diem
stacemo said:
My Gawd!! Am I THAT predictable?! :lol: :lol:
You hit it right on the head!! heading over in 20...
(I gotta see these things!)
It will depend upon how you are transporting decoys to the field. If you have to walk in I would pick up the outlaw mallards and canada decoys and/or some of Jim Jones custom windsocks.
If you can drive in then some full bodies would be great, GreenHead gear mallards and Canadas. Also check out the Hardcore mallards, they look great.
You don't need very many mallard decoys if you are running the spinners. Sometimes agressive calling will also help.
If you are going out west then use a few hundred snow/blue windsocks with the mallards. This will really get the mallards attention.
Good luck
If you can drive in then some full bodies would be great, GreenHead gear mallards and Canadas. Also check out the Hardcore mallards, they look great.
You don't need very many mallard decoys if you are running the spinners. Sometimes agressive calling will also help.
If you are going out west then use a few hundred snow/blue windsocks with the mallards. This will really get the mallards attention.
Good luck
870_hunter said:
Funny you should say that, because I just got done reading that article not 15 minutes ago, and it is helpful.
Okay, one other "what if" for all of you goosers. Since I do plan to take these new goose dekes to North Dakota as well, and space in the vehicle is VERY limited already, I don't think I can physically fit 2 or 3 dozen full body dekes in to take with us :yikes: We don't take boats, so I can't carry them there either. I hadn't thought that little problem through until someone mentioned carrying them. Sooooooo, I definitely have to conserve space here. Are the stackable shells (don't know brands) a worthwhile investment, or am I better off getting silouettes or just rags?
Signed,
Confused wanna be gooser :evilsmile
JD, given you have limited space, I'd run all the skinnies you can bring and then I'd get 1-2 dozen good motion shells (My personal pref are higdon stackables). the skinnies will give you volume + they're good to use as blind blockers. the 1-2 dozen shells on motion stakes or the higdon stackers will give you dimension and movement throughout the rig.
If you took the stakes off for the trip out there, I wouldn't doubt that you could get 4-5 dozen sils into the area of a small suitcase.
Personally, I'm not as fond of wind socks for this situation. think they're great... in the right conditions and when used just to enhance a large spread, but by themselves.... I'm pretty underwelmed.
or...... just get a bigger trailer!!
If you took the stakes off for the trip out there, I wouldn't doubt that you could get 4-5 dozen sils into the area of a small suitcase.
Personally, I'm not as fond of wind socks for this situation. think they're great... in the right conditions and when used just to enhance a large spread, but by themselves.... I'm pretty underwelmed.
or...... just get a bigger trailer!!
Branta said:....or...... just get a bigger trailer!!
Trust me, our "convoy" of gear going out is loaded to the max now :evil: But thanks to everyone for all of the advice on the dekes, and I'll let you know what I come up with.
Just Ducky, I think I have a couple dozen mallard Outlaws in the garage I'd part with. Shoot me a pm if interested.
JD,
here's a (bad) pic of those decoys I was talking about.
I can pack 2 dozen into the back pack shown (stacking bodies, 1/2 heads in, 1/2 heads in the two side compartments).
![Image]()
These are the carry lite shells and they seem to be hard to come by now, but I know Knutsons used to have them. (and just how would I know that?.... )
the drake is on one of the 15" stakes that come with it. You actually get 2/decoy , the other is an extension that I think you can put these dekes into 2.5 ft of water if needed.
so the stakes are good for wet/flooded fields or getting the dekes over the corn.
If the grounds too hard, hunting ice or pea fields? just throw them out as shells.
and that ugly hen shown is really just an UGLY Black Duck! (one of my custom jobbies! -You decoy guys don't laugh! that bird and his 5 other buddiess have lured many a black to their demise!)
here's a (bad) pic of those decoys I was talking about.
I can pack 2 dozen into the back pack shown (stacking bodies, 1/2 heads in, 1/2 heads in the two side compartments).
These are the carry lite shells and they seem to be hard to come by now, but I know Knutsons used to have them. (and just how would I know that?....
)the drake is on one of the 15" stakes that come with it. You actually get 2/decoy , the other is an extension that I think you can put these dekes into 2.5 ft of water if needed.
so the stakes are good for wet/flooded fields or getting the dekes over the corn.
If the grounds too hard, hunting ice or pea fields? just throw them out as shells.
and that ugly hen shown is really just an UGLY Black Duck! (one of my custom jobbies! -You decoy guys don't laugh! that bird and his 5 other buddiess have lured many a black to their demise!)
Use the Texas Rags (~250) along with 3 dz very old fiberglass Herters geese that I repainted as Mallards. Ducks may not always try and land but they will swing by to at least check it out. Also will pull some of those high flying Blues and Snows from time to time in early November, Canadians can't leave them alone but they also know they can't be shot at either. Sometimes think the ducks believe that it's a bunch of domestic birds, there are a couple of farms with 75-100 ducks/geese within a few miles of my fields and they are just looking for an easy meal.
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