Late season duck decoy spreads. Can't believe the season is winding down already.

Late season duck decoy spreads I sit closer to the single bird because I use a mallard hen call, and ducks expect noise from her. Dec 22, 2020 · Running MOJO’s can be a great season-long tool to add to your duck spread, use these tips to find more success in late season hunts! Dec 22, 2020 · Running MOJO’s can be a great season-long tool to add to your duck spread, use these tips to find more success in late season hunts! Jan 10, 2024 · Late season ducks are wise and the smarter you hunt them, the more shooting opportunities you’ll have. Smaller and lighter birds such as teal, wood ducks, and widgeon are a good possibility in your decoy spread during the early season. Phillips Mossy Oak Waterfowl Pro Barnie Calef from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a leading authority on waterfowl hunting and has won three World Duck Calling Championships. Scout carefully to pinpoint where the birds want to be, and get there before they do! For these local ducks, you don’t need many decoys. Jan 7, 2025 · Late-season ducks have made their way through the migration, which means they have probably heard a duck call or two along the way. com Today I run through 3 duck decoy spreads that I like to use. Mar 5, 2025 · Master effective decoy strategies for early and late season success. Instead, they were designed to attract ducks to an area where you have deployed a decoy spread. (Photo credit: Scott Haugen. Whether it's a big spread for West coast Cacklers, or carry in spreads for early season giants, manipulating a group of Canada Geese to When we scoout durting late season, it seems to be 50/50; we see very large groups of ducks hanging out together, and smaller groups of less than 12. Jan 7, 2025 · Discover expert tips for hunting late season mallards, including decoy strategies, calling techniques, and ideal hunting conditions to outsmart seasoned ducks. With that said, late-season ducks can be especially wary of a duck caller who is just hammering away at them. Dec 20, 2024 · Master decoy placement with expert tips from M. Many states offer late goose hunting opportunities. Mimic their feeding chatter with Oct 14, 2016 · Small Snow Goose Spreads That Kill Why You Should Be Using Confidence Decoys for Duck HuntingRead Article Silhouette Tactics That Kill Read Article Small Spreads For Late Season Duck Hunting Read Article Advertisement Dec 29, 2022 · Late-Season Waterfowl Video: Solo Mallard Limit Over Minimal Decoy Spread This video is proof you don’t need tons of expensive gear to be a successful duck hunter. Jan 26, 2021 · How to use small decoy spreads when duck hunting, whether in the early or late season these method can be a great waterfowl tactic. (Photo/Brian Lovett) Jun 11, 2025 · Into the Mist: How to Hunt Late-Season Ducks on Public Water When most hunters have packed up decoys and waders, the hardcore duck chasers are just getting warmed up. During the latter part of December and into January, with various species of migrating birds coming and going, what species of duck of decoys are you putting into your spread and how many of each? Mallards, Blacks Feb 1, 2025 · Most regular duck seasons are either closed or about to close. Oct 14, 2025 · Spread Size: Smaller groups of 6–12 decoys often outperform massive spreads, especially in confined late-season water. Oct 13, 2023 · Discover five deadly decoy strategies for classic waterfowl habitats. In thick cover, spreads should be small, and hen-and-drake pairs should be scattered broadly with plenty of room Waterfowl hunters need to adjust their calling, decoy spreads and locations as January arrives and the end of the season approaches. By tracking weather events you’ll be able to understand, even predict where ducks will be, and when. Decoy Where The Ducks Will Be The most important aspect of decoying wood ducks is being where they want to be or in other words, on the X. Try using no more than a couple of dozen decoys to replicate a small group of ducks loafing or feeding in a quiet area. Weather Conditions: Wind, temperature, and precipitation can affect duck movement and their willingness to land in a specific location. Far from the regular season opener crowds, hunters can target teal in relative solitude. Any . Nov 11, 2025 · The early-season chaos—the chatter of flocks, the restless motion, the careless swings over open spreads—fades into silence. calefcalls. "You shouldn't just sit back and watch ducks reject your setup without trying something new," he says. But 1. Calef travels the nation teaching waterfowling seminars for many of the nation’s leading outdoor companies. Discover tips for success in challenging conditions. Seek good vantage points to glass large areas of open water during various wind conditions. The opener signals the annual kick-off to mornings in the blind, good times with friends, and whistling wings working the spread. Jan 15, 2013 · Late Season Decoy Spread? Jump to Latest Follow 4K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by hnt&fsh Jan 22, 2013 T Dec 28, 2009 · Set a realistic decoy spread Like calling, late-season decoy spreads should be tailored to different hunting situations. When we scoout durting late season, it seems to be 50/50; we see very large groups of ducks hanging out together, and smaller groups of less than 12. Sometimes I put out dozen, sometimes the full 2 Laying the perfect Canadian goose decoy field spread may be the trick you need this season! Learn how to achieve perfection with this helpful guide. This decoy set can Jun 21, 2025 · A Quick Overview Understanding Duck Behavior Daytime and Evening Hunting Tips Late Season Duck Hunting Tips Decoy Tips for Duck Hunting Duck Hunting In the Rain Duck Hunting Shooting Tips Duck Hunting On Public Land Duck Hunting From a Kayak Duck Hunting Calling Tips Tips for Duck Hunting Alone Conclusion Dec 15, 2020 · As we get ready to begin the second split of Louisiana’s duck season, here’s an important tip to put more ducks on your lanyard. The key is recognizing where small decoy spreads will work and having the confidence to use them. Tips for Using Duck Decoys Switching up decoy spreads is one way to maintain realism. Dec 15, 2012 · I've had a nagging feeling that my decoy spread is missing that special something. Overloading an area with decoys might cause suspicion among ducks that have seen similar setups throughout the hunting season. This is important for all waterfowl but even more so for wood ducks. When it comes to decoys, Friendy says there are three dynamics that come into play in the late season: "One, the ducks are in full plumage. Elevate your hunting game with expert tips and perfect setups. On this Decoy Masterclass Joel answers many questions for you about decoys. Jan 6, 2025 · At the start of the season my duck spread consists of all shapes, sizes and colors of floating decoys. That’s decoy shyness—an adaptive behavior cultivated over time, pressure, and pairing instincts. Nov 21, 2024 · By applying thoughtful late season decoy adjustments, like downsizing your spread, using lifelike decoys, adding subtle motion, and mixing species, you can create a setup that appeals to even the most cautious ducks and geese. Twelve to eighteen decoys is more than enough of a spread this time of year. By now, you might think you have your duck game dialed in—your calling is tuned up, your Instead, late-season success often comes from a small, subtle decoy spread placed in secluded, hidden potholes or small water bodies where ducks seek refuge. Jul 14, 2025 · First Impressions of Avian X Topflight Floating Decoy The Avian X Topflight Floating Decoy, a six-pack of floating coot decoys, promises to add realism to your waterfowl spread, especially during late season hunts when coots are prevalent. Goose flags in the hands of a few hunters can make a big difference Apr 10, 2025 · Tip: During late-season hunts, use larger decoy spreads and focus on attracting groups of ducks with realistic sounds. Familiarity with current waterfowl use of an area is critical to success with small spreads. (Photo/rodimovpavel/Adobe Stock) When it comes to decoys in the waning weeks of the season, less is more. Enhance your success this fall with Ducks Unlimited hunting tips. Nov 17, 2025 · Have you thought about your duck decoy spreads? Learn the best duck decoy hunting spread setups, including the J-Hook, U-Spread, and more. Jun 24, 2025 · 10 Smart Strategies to Fool Decoy-Shy Ducks: Expert Tips for Late-Season Success, as the season progresses, ducks grow wary. Editor’s Note: Barney Calef of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who has been hunting ducks for 48 years, is the owner of Calef Calls Inc. " Larson also advises late-season hunters to experiment with different calling and decoy tactics when the birds become cautious. In fields and open areas, hunters should set large spreads with more drakes than hens. If you want a more realistic decoy spread this season, here are 7 motion duck decoys that will bring your decoy spread to life. Choose a spot between the single decoy and the main spread. ) When targeting late-season geese, it’s not a bad idea to dump the trailer and run big, loose spreads with multiple pockets for them to key in on. That means learning the different behavior patterns Aug 1, 2008 · But I'll tell you, one or two dozen decoys can make an awesome spread, especially late in the season. D. You do - here’s our guide. net) that produces duck and goose calls. Whether it's a big spread for West coast Cacklers, or carry in spreads for early season giants, manipulating a group of Canada Geese to On this Decoy Masterclass Joel answers many questions for you about decoys. " Early season duck hunting tips and tricksEarly Season Duck Shot Shells and Choke Selection Early season duck hunting generally provides the highest likelihood of a mixed bag hunt. Make use of diver decoys in areas where large concentrations of birds are likely to congregate. |How to use small decoy spreads when duck hunting, whether in the early or late season these method can be a great waterfowl tactic. Jun 4, 2022 · If you’re hunting geese late in the season, you might wonder if you need late season goose decoy spreads and diagrams. May 5, 2016 · Recommended Why You Should Be Using Confidence Decoys for Duck Hunting Silhouette Tactics That Kill Read Article Small Spreads For Late Season Duck Hunting Read Article Small Snow Goose Spreads That Kill Read Article Advertisement Aug 4, 2023 · As avid waterfowl hunters, we understand the allure of the river dance—the graceful and hypnotic movements of ducks gliding along the currents. Nov 3, 2021 · Try these top 5 duck and goose decoy spreads for hunting waterfowl: favorite layouts to attract coots, mallards, wood ducks, Canadas, bluebills and more. Here’s a look at the best motion decoys for late season ducks. Discover practical tips and strategies in our latest article! Dec 22, 2022 · Here’s a late season tip that may work for you: According to Terry Denmon, the owner of MOJO Outdoors, the spinning wing decoys they developed were not designed to land ducks. Where you hunt. Mallards might respond better to a few decoys in a tiny pothole more readily than they would to 300 decoys spread around a blockhouse blind. Sep 26, 2024 · The key is to stay flexible and be ready to adapt to the conditions in front of you. Dec 14, 2023 · Duck, Duck, Goose! 3 Killer Decoy Spreads to Dupe Quackers and Honkers Here is a three-pack of rigs that are effective throughout the waterfowl season. This can make it more difficult to entice them into range, but with the right strategies and tactics, it is still possible to have success. (www. Two, they're Nov 17, 2025 · Early season ducks might be more naïve to decoys than late-season birds. Dec 4, 2023 · Scouting, proper blind placement and concealment, a realistic decoy spread and top-notch calling are factors impacting the success of late-season waterfowl hunting. 1. Remember, preparation is everything—whether it's choosing the right gear or perfecting your decoy spread, sometimes every detail counts. Scout, pay attention, set decoy spreads to mimic what you’re seeing and don’t over-call. Either they work me for a long period of time (just circling and circling) and make a few attempts to commit, or they slow down, take a peek and keep Jan 28, 2016 · Ducks Unlimited: You can't blame late-season ducks and geese for being skittish. Johnson. Forget the duck decoys, as mallards and their brethren decoy wonderfully to goose spreads. “I like having variety in an early-season spread,” notes Crowson. Jun 15, 2017 · Small spread: Big-water gunning for bluebills, redheads, canvasbacks and other diving ducks typically screams for lots of decoys. The ducks that remain have survived weeks of pressure. Personally, I felt two of the largest contributing factors to my failures were stale birds in the area and warmer temps. LATE SEASON DUCK SPREADS by Joseph Albanese Mario grew up in Pennsylvania, but now lives on the Left Coast where he serves as Vice President of Brand Innovation for Final Approach Waterfowl and owner of Columbia River Decoys, Inc. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, ducks tend to group up and become more selective in their feeding and resting areas. Dec 2, 2020 · Killer Decoy Spreads Tailored for Unlimited Waterfowl Success Employ these custom decoy rigs to take more ducks and geese this season. Nov 3, 2010 · When this starts happening, I immediately up my spread from the 24 to 30 decoys that worked so well in the early season and hunt with a minimum of 120 decoys to duplicate gathering patterns. An avid waterfowler, he mainly targets puddle ducks in shallow potholes in the lower Columbia River basin. While there are things he misses about the East, 107 days of duck season sure helps ease Make sure your decoy spread includes several spinning-wing models when January arrives. Calling is important, but just having the call isn't good enough. It didn't matter the spread size or pattern; they would simply pass over like there was a Dec 12, 2024 · Late-season ducks and geese are challenging birds to hunt, but provide the most satisfaction when everything falls together for a perfect adventure. This provides a natural look for both migratory flocks and unpaired males. In past it was always 12 mallards out with 4 geese floaters off to the side while hunting ponds on state land. However, river duck hunting presents unique challenges that require a mastery of decoy spreads and strategies to lure in these elusive birds successfully. If the ducks are educated he might toss out a few decoys or run a jerk cord with only five or six decoys on it. Nov 21, 2024 · Pressured ducks and geese tend to fly higher, approach slower, and circle longer before deciding to land. These birds have been hunted for months, and have seen practically every decoy spread imaginable. (Russell Graves image) Small spreads - we'll call them One-Truck Rigs - work on late-season geese for several reasons. The colder the weather, the more sleepers and resters you should mix in. Find summer success with these three sets that won't break the bank, or your back. I cart out 2 dozen decoys, 1 dozen mixed (pintail, widgeon spoons and teal), 1 dozen mallards and a jerk line. Dec 9, 2013 · Enhance late-season waterfowl hunting with creative decoy spreads. Here’s how two guides face late-season challenges. That way, you’ll be within range of ducks landing in either spot. Enhance your hunting game with practical tips. Discover how many decoys to use, avoid mistakes, and find the best duck decoys for success. Aug 25, 2025 · For the seasoned duck hunter, early season teal hunting can’t come soon enough. When ducks aren’t working the decoys, hunters can tend to think maybe they aren’t helping. " When setting a small spread, Cochran usually places the decoys a few yards away from his layout blinds. Dec 1, 2022 · Sure, fresh birds might charge your decoy spread like kamikazes, but those migrators get stale after about two or three days and begin to act like local ducks. Jun 9, 2021 · Showing 3 duck decoy strategies that will put more ducks into your spread. I am definitely no master of of the perfect decoy spread, but I tend to set up my decoys dependent on the pond size and weather conditions. Expectations are soaring. Late-season duck hunting on public water isn’t about comfort—it’s about challenge, reward, and cold-weather strategy. How do guides handle decoy-shy birds late season? Counterintuitively, guides reduce spread sizes, consolidating remaining decoys into tight clusters directly in front of blinds. Decoy Sparingly Late-season puddle ducks will often steer clear of big decoy spreads. Jan 7, 2022 · As the duck season comes to an end, scale back your approach to finish more birds over the decoys. Jan 8, 2023 · Late season decoy spreads Late-season duck hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience for waterfowl hunters. Hunters face a frustrating dance: birds seem committed—then veer off, refusing to commit. Dec 15, 2015 · Late-season geese are challenging, as any experienced waterfowl enthusiast can attest. ) While small spreads are often a big part of early-season duck hunting, there’s also a time and place for them in the late season. Nov 7, 2025 · Master compact duck decoy spreads for kayak and solo hunting. This is where some well-thought-out late season decoy adjustments can tip the scales in your favor. Used right, silhouette decoys can be a game changer when late-season hunting. We place the decoys indiscriminately, but we leave a landing spot where we want the ducks to come to, so we can get our shots. The late hunts Jan 10, 2019 · Zink is meticulous about his decoy spread and blind setup, whether he's hunting early-season specklebellies on the Canadian prairie or late-season honkers back home in Ohio. New strategies are required to decoy birds, stay concealed, and coax the waterfowl to give up their apprehension to join your decoys — whether on ground or water. Aug 1, 2008 · But I'll tell you, one or two dozen decoys can make an awesome spread, especially late in the season. Dec 22, 2010 · 4. This video explains in detail the philosophy I use to consitently decoy late season Canada geese. It’s rare to see a duck decoy spread without at least one Mojo duck decoy. Dec 18, 2015 · Thanks for the entertaining early morning read. Motion decoys can be incredibly beneficial but more important than quantity is using the right type of motion at the right time. By this time of year they've seen lots of decoys, heard plenty of Setting a late season spread for Canada geese hunting does not have to be hard. It’s also one of the more challenging times to find success, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done! There are some things you can do to increase your chances, such as using a decoy spread that will attract birds from afar. Late-season ducks are often seasoned veterans, making it essential to replicate their natural environments as closely as possible. Use decoys that match the dominant species in an area. Perhaps the best late-season trick in the book is the use of a lone hen decoy. Here are the three tried-and-true types of decoy spreads you should try when waterfowl Consider utilizing a smaller decoy spread during late season hunts to mimic these pairing ducks. Read the article for expert insights! Feb 17, 2025 · If ducks are looking but not finishing, make changes in your decoy spread or tidy up gaps and edges of your blind. Jan 7, 2025 · Master the art of using decoy spreads to improve your waterfowl hunting success. How many, what species and how to arrange, plus helping you decide which style of spreads should work better for you Just like the birds themselves, Canada goose spreads come in all different shapes and sizes. They’ve seen hundreds of decoy setups, heard every variation of a mallard call, and learned the difference between real waterfowl and hunters hiding behind brush. Set a humble spread of a dozen or so decoys, and have one or two hunters tucked in natural cover. These decoys are designed with a realistic paint scheme and a large keel for stability. Are there segments of this loafing area they prefer in general, or favor in certain types of weather Sep 6, 2022 · Master early-season hunts with expert decoy spreads and strategies. You can tailor spreads for specific hunting and put more ducks and geese on the strap. The birds haven't experienced a lot of hunting pressure yet, so they can be susceptible to the trickery of decoys and calling. I'll be hitting it pretty hard the next few weeks until the "split" on the 5th, so I guess Ill see if it holds up. “In tight areas in the flats during the late season, wary ducks will shy away from big spreads,” he points out. Nov 25, 2009 · Enhance your goose hunt with expert tips on early, mid, and late-season decoy spreads. Using bigger decoy spreads late in the season to run traffic can be an excellent way to pull the birds from the flight path and into your decoys. Silhouette decoys also add greater visibility to your decoy spread and won’t scare any ducks away at the same time. Jan 3, 2013 · The lake will be anywhere from 6in-maybe 3ft deep in the area i will be hunting. Oct 13, 2020 · These are four of the most commonly used and popular duck decoy spreads out there, plus insight as to how they work. Hunting tactics that were successful at the beginning of the season are often far less effective as highly educated waterfowl become more elusive and harder to fool The late season for waterfowl hunting is often the most rewarding time of year. Late in the season, fewer duck decoys can often be more effective. Moreover, they have certainly seen a handful of plastic decoy spreads as they have traveled south. This blog post will discuss critical considerations for setting up a successful late-season duck decoy spread. Jan 1, 2024 · The closing weeks of the season are a mixed blessing for waterfowlers. Dec 18, 2013 · What do your late season decoy spreads look like? Around here I have more luck with diver looking setups this late. do you change decoy spreads for late season success? We mainly hunt large and small rivers all season so our decoy spreads are dictated by weather conditions and water level. Small spreads can be the ticket to successful hunts as the season progresses. However, many ducks are still gathered in larger flocks and your decoy spread should mimic this. There are a lot of factors to consider when setting up your duck decoys. Local family flocks of parent and juvenile honkers call for contained, natural-looking spreads that invite small groups of birds right in. Since many people prefer mallards, ducks can become wary of big green heads. The geese would play follow the leader and turn decoy-shy in a hurry. Learn effective strategies for duck hunting success, from wind setups to realistic spreads and motion. Still, you have to do your homework if you want to make the most of your hunting opportunities. If geese are using a 150-acre cornfield, are there certain places they like better than others? Suppose late-season mallards pile into a sheltered, shallow expanse on a modest river. With the final days of the season blowing in, nothing will stop a diehard duck hunter from hunkering down in a reed-covered blind for a mixed bag of goodies. Dec 11, 2015 · Master late-season waterfowl hunting with expert decoy spreads and strategies. Dec 22, 2024 · Here's what you need to know about hunting late-season geese even when you can't get directly on the X where geese are feeding. Once you locate the “X that marks the spot,” strategies for waterfowl hunting local ducks are relatively straightforward. But, you don't need a hundred decoys to make early-season Canada geese commit. Mar 25, 2023 · Duck hunting in the late season requires changing tactics to adapt to more wary ducks and changing conditions. Jan 13, 2022 · Dry Fields This is the trickiest late-season situation, as hunting ducks and geese in large ag fields is often a big-numbers game. Instagram photo from High Prairie Sportsmen Aug 28, 2007 · Master decoy spreads with expert tips for hunting ducks in diverse habitats. Can't believe the season is winding down already. But it’s not unbeatable. Dec 31, 2014 · Just looking for some opinions about late season duck decoy spreads. (Photo by Brian Lovett) Dec 6, 2023 · Begin with duck decoys and the ideal setup for setting up ducks! Read Mossy Oak's blog and elevate your game with tactics that draw your target nearer. (Photo credit: Corey Mulhair. Movement: Add motion decoys, spinning wings, or jerk cords to simulate feeding and preening. "On cold days in January, when ducks are feeding in dry fields along with specklebellies, we'll kill a lot of mallards that way. Does anyone have experiance with late season duck and geese on a lake, and have bigger or smaller spreads seemed to work better? I have about 5 1/2 dozen duck decoys, and with the decoys my buddies have we will have access to an additional 3-4 dozen duck decoys. The high-pitched ziiiiiiip ziiiiiiip of drills boring holes into the frozen ground to accommodate full-body decoy stakes sounds more like an Indianapolis 500 pit stop than the business of setting a decoy spread. Dec 29, 2014 · But as long as they're showing interest in my spread, I'll remain quiet. Jan 18, 2023 · In the late season, it’s all about motion in the decoys to fool wary waterfowl. In addition, decoys with whiter bodies, like pintails, wigeons, shovelers and scaup, show up better to ducks farther off. Oct 13, 2016 · Boost your decoy game with five creative combo spreads for hunting ducks and geese. Jan 16, 2015 · A small spread can provide a look late-season geese aren't used to seeing. Expert layouts, placement strategies & proven micro-spread techniques. In this post, we delve into the world of river duck hunting and explore the art of decoy On this video Joel shares some of the top proven decoys spreads that you can adapt for your hunting situation so you can Manipulate Ducks! This is real Decoy Masterclass. Aug 30, 2024 · Motion decoys have revolutionized waterfowl hunting by adding lifelike movement to decoy spreads, making them more convincing to pass ducks and geese. Jan 8, 2023 · One crucial aspect of late-season duck hunting is the decoy spread. By January, the final push of ducks has arrived in North Carolina, and most of the surviving flock has practically earned a college degree in hunter Jan 9, 2025 · Late-Season Duck Hunting Guide: Decoy Tips Many waterfowlers use mallard decoys. Dec 20, 2013 · Late in the season, when geese become extra-cautious, Addy adjusts his tactics by scaling down his decoy spread. Dec 13, 2011 · The incoming ducks will often land with the single, because they’re just as cautious. Aug 18, 2014 · By Wade Bourne The early season can be a rewarding time for duck hunters. With smarter spreads, stealthier calling, and Sep 17, 2020 · Everyone likes to chime in with decoy spreads that work everywhere, and there are some that are generally considered to be the classic spread. Dec 27, 2024 · Expert advice on how to hunt late-season ducks and geese on rivers, creeks, and streams Nov 7, 2025 · Best Duck Decoy Spreads for Successful Alaska Hunting When it comes to duck hunting in Alaska, understanding the intricacies of natural duck behavior is key to creating effective decoy spreads. Jul 10, 2025 · Master the science behind effective duck decoy spreads. Dec 27, 2023 · The period of duck season should dictate decoying strategy. Jan 21, 2024 · CANADA GOOSE SPREADS This past honker season, we found several days of success and failure throughout the season. Make no mistake, though, when late season hits the game changes. Here are five spreads that I’ve used over the past 25+ years of hunting across North America that have actually worked. After migrating thousands of miles from one end of the flyway to the other, ducks and geese have seen and heard it all in terms of decoys, blinds, and calling. Learn tried-and-true strategies for success. Jan 10, 2023 · Many hunters recommend using fewer decoys late in the season when ducks may be paired up or in smaller groups. But I've experienced years when pressured late-season ducks — especially goldeneyes — responded much better to spreads of 12 to 18 blocks placed at strategic locations. Switch to a Small, Lifelike Spread Mario Friendy of Sherwood, Oregon, is the western regional manager of the Mossy Oak pro staff. Jun 2, 2023 · In late season, ducks often seek secluded potholes away from people where they can rest in security. "I use a lot of decoys early on, but when the geese start getting spooky, I reduce the size of my spread," he says. Enthusiasm runs high. Sep 6, 2020 · 4 Classic Duck Decoy Spreads You Need to Know While there are no guarantees when it comes to getting ducks to commit to a decoy spread, it helps to know some proven tactics when tossing blocks onto the water; here are four proven duck decoy patterns to get you started. Dec 15, 2020 · Decoy Spreads for Late Season Ducks with Barnie Calef provided by John E. In this article you will learn the best way to deploy duck decoys depends on the calendar and what influences the ducks at that time. Think in specifics. Teal, especially bluewings, are the first ducks to migrate, coinciding with an early September Jan 20, 2015 · When we’re not hunting mallards specifically, instead of putting out small decoy spreads, we’ll put out really-large decoy spreads - usually six dozen decoys or even 400 decoys when we’re hunting with a duck club. Enhance your success with strategic decoy setups. There are several decoy spreads and techniques you can use that will drastically increase your odds of harvesting these beautiful ducks. Any Jan 25, 2012 · To add extra realism to your spread, put drake and hen ducks together within the layout and use plenty of rester decoys to mimic sleeping ducks and geese that are conserving energy. Jan 12, 2014 · I was wondering what some of your suggestions was for decoy spreads this late in season. But […] Decoy Spreads for Field Duck Hunts Spinning-wing decoys are essential on a field hunt. Also, a few other helpful tips to keep in mind when duck hunting. While static decoys can work well in many situations, adding motion decoys often tips the scales in favor of a successful hunt, particularly in high-pressure areas or late in the season when Dec 22, 2023 · You need to use subtle tactics, decoy set-ups and calls the ducks haven’t heard or seen often to take late-season ducks. A decoy spread that worked wonders in early or mid-season can actually repel these cautious birds in the late season. I've noticed a trend when it comes to getting ducks to commit. Aug 30, 2017 · Optimize your waterfowl hunt with 5 effective decoy strategies from experts to attract more birds with less effort. X marks the spot Oct 30, 2025 · Professional guides emphasize that a dozen well-arranged decoys with diverse postures outperform thirty poorly positioned look-alikes. Placing silhouettes Jan 6, 2021 · "In late season, ducks get so leery of decoy spreads that we'll put out a specklebelly spread on a dry field," says Buster Cooper. Mix species and diversify your harvest today! According to champion goose caller and waterfowl fanatic John Vaca, hunting late-season geese comes down to three things: scouting, creative decoy placement, and high-quality, judicious calling. Waterfowl season is fast approaching and it's time to start scouting and strategizing. But location trumps presentation, so even a meager spread can work, provided it's squarely on the X. Matching your shotgun choke and shot size according to the type of hunting and the Jul 16, 2024 · What's the best way to set up your goose decoys this season? Check out our guide to the top decoy spreads for more successful goose hunts! Nov 17, 2025 · Have you thought about your duck decoy spreads? Learn the best duck decoy hunting spread setups, including the J-Hook, U-Spread, and more. The Duckmen explain how to make your decoy spread match your calling and look realistic to For business inquiries send email to: ksfisherman1@gmail. The Decoy Spread Silhouette Decoys For Visibility Besides being easily packable and extremely light weight, silhouette decoys can add a large number of birds to your spread. However, not every decoy spread works for every occasion and field. For your early season hunting gear, from motion decoys to blinds and dog kennels, check out Lucky Duck’s product line. When I’m hunting stale ducks during the late season, I use two types of decoy spreads. Boost your success rate with these proven tactics. Aug 27, 2025 · Learn proven duck decoy setups that attract more ducks. You’ll contend with freezing winds, educated birds, and wary flocks. I’ll put out smaller decoy spreads in a really-secluded … Nov 8, 2023 · An early season decoy spread typically won't work well for heavily pressured ducks and a late season decoy spread typically won't work as well for lightly pressured ducks. Learn expert strategies on positioning, patterns, motion decoys, and species-specific setups to dramatically improve your waterfowl hunting outcomes. Sep 22, 2025 · Waterfowl hunters need to adjust their calling, decoy spreads and locations as January arrives and the end of the season approaches. uujrug yezr fbyfl azihxs zuwhaxy wadb csqzmbn kuy wxsybtt oiuie gzubw ynf swcvj jbw mzqd