Hey there hunters and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best duck hunting decoys to attract some feathered prey with this year. When it comes to duck hunting, decoys can form an important part of success hence it is critical to make choices that will effectively attract your target.
So for those of you looking to get yourself a decent decoy for your duck hunting needs, I have had a good look around and come up with three options below.
Let’s check them out…
My three recommended duck hunting decoys
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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$126.84
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$249.99
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What are duck hunting decoys?
A duck decoy is a device used to attract wild ducks or other birds into your hunting area. During hunting season, ducks tend to look for a safe place to rest hence when they see another duck floating or sitting in the water then they are more likely to join it.
Some come with fake sounds and moving feathers for realism and can also be used to train hunting dogs as well.
Check out these: Duck Hunting Whistles
What should you be looking for?
The following factors should be considered as you look for a good decoy to meet your duck hunting needs.
- Species
- Size
- Anchor
- Decoy bags
- Additions
Species
Duck decoys are available in a variety of species and many are so lifelike that you can’t tell them from the real thing from afar. Puddle ducks (dabblers) include mallards, teal, wigeons, and pintails, and a fine pair of mallard decoys will work well in most conditions.
If you are into diver decoys, I suggest you space them out. This approach is more effective in luring diving ducks (divers). When seeking both mallards and divers, a mix of mallards and a few dives is usually effective as well.
Size
Most duck decoys are the same size as a regular duck of the species they intend to imitate and have traditionally been the go-to decoys for duck hunters.
While many decoys have lifelike dimensions (known as “regular” decoys), there are also “magnum” or “super magnum” duck decoys that are significantly larger than real ducks. The advantage here is that flocks can see them from a greater distance than smaller decoys. The disadvantage is that they are more challenging to transport and you cannot pack as many in a decoy bag.
Anchor
In short, when you lay your decoys in the water, the anchor sinks to the bottom and keeps it from floating away. It is advised that anchor weights be powerful enough to hold the decoys in place but not so heavy that carrying the bag becomes problematic. They should also be built such that they do not become tangled in weed beds etc.
Decoy bags
Based on experienced waterfowlers, you’ll need at least two dozen decoys to increase your chances in duck hunting. The more birds there are, the safer the area is for waterfowl.
Large mesh bags are ideal for transporting many decoys while allowing excess water to drain. Some have decoy compartments, while others do not. Whatever you decide, you’ll almost certainly need more than one bag.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Motion: Ducks move around even when they’re lazing on the water. A good duck decoy will “swim” naturally in the breeze or current. There are also motorized motion decoys that add movement to your spread.
- No-glare: Duck decoys with glare are counterproductive. On a sunny day, ducks will notice it from afar and avoid your spread because it does not appear natural. As a result, choose a glare resistant option.
- Number: This factor is affected by various elements, including birds, wind, and pressure. Perhaps start with a dozen mallards and working your way up.
FAQ
Do duck hunting decoys work?
As with anything to do with hunting or fishing, this is determined by the day and conditions but in general, absolutely they do. Make sure you have a good spread of between 6 and 36 and place them in an area where they are highly visible to flying prey. Motion decoys in particular work much better later in the season where ducks have been spooked by hunters as well.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. MOJO Baby Mojo Mallard Spinning Wing Duck Decoy
My first decoy duck offers a very realistic design and movement. Made by a reputable brand, the duck decoy is made to perform and comes at a very affordable price. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Mojo
- Species: Mallard
- Type: Flying
- Weight: 5.36 pounds
Other inclusions:
- External charging port
- Flying motion
Why have I chosen it?
This decoy has a natural body and wings that spin 360 degrees at actual duck wing speeds. It includes a factory-installed remote receiver plug, allowing the hunter to transform the duck decoy into a remote-controlled unit quickly.
The manufacturers included an external charging port, which allows the hunter to charge the battery without disassembling the decoy. It also has a battery bracket that secures the battery and eliminates the possibility of vibratory noise as well.
2. Avian-X Topflight Pintails Durable Ultra Realistic Floating Hunting Duck Decoys
My second product consists of 6 effective and realistic duck decoy floaters which are slightly oversized so that your prey can quickly recognize it from afar. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Avian-X
- Species: Mallard
- Type: Floating
- Weight: 10.34 pound
Other inclusions:
- True-to-life postures
- Realistic coloration
- Realistic movement
Why have I chosen this?
The decoy is made to resemble the real thing with paint that is shiny where it should be shiny and flat where it should be matte and dull. These duck decoys’ body shapes and profiles are similar to how real ducks behave in water and made of extra durable rubberized material as well. And finally, according to the rule of six, this set includes two low-head hens, two feeder drakes and two low-head drakes.
3. Lucky Duck Spinning Wing Decoy
My last duck decoy has proven itself to bring ducks within your hunting zone. You can control it remotely and it is also waterproof so submerging it into the water is not an issue. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Lucky Duck
- Species: Mallard
- Type: Flying
- Weight: 8.25 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Magnetic wings
- 18+ hour running time for battery
- Decoy bag
Why have I chosen this?
This decoy is made of a special blend of highly durable EVA plastic that will last for years. To provide consistent power, the decoy is powered by a lithium-ion battery and equipped with a foam-filled body to achieve buoyancy, which allows them to stay out on the water for longer.
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
5.0
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Primary Rating:
4.5
|
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$126.84
|
$249.99
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Conclusion
There you have it, my three best duck hunting decoys. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
