Decoys, are they useful and how to set them up with rope/weights

[Steve Cornick]

Hello, first post on these forums, and my first year hunting birds/small game.  A little new to the whole hunting thing.  I bought some decoys and am wondering if they are even useful and how to set them up?

 

Any advice would be helpful.

 

Steve Cornick

Torbay

[Edward Smith]

Well Steve, Decoys are important for a variety of reasons. But, you can (many people do) hunt ducks without decoys. Decoys add a level to your experience. There is nothing like seeing a duck circle your spread, tuck their wings in and stretch out their landing gear and commit to landing. Decoys are basically your chance to attract ducks to you! they provide you with a better chance for a shot, by bringing the ducks closer to your position. But, combined that with calling, and it can make for some interesting hunts. Ones you won't soon forget! while having said that, Decoys are only successful when ducks are on the move. My suggestion is to scout out areas you wish to hunt for ducks/geese, and see where they fly from and set your dekes there. If you would like I can do a video on setting up your decoy from adding rope and weights to basic spreads. Let me know. Ed

[Peter Emberley]

I find decoys a pleasure to hunt over. I use 10' - 12' of line on my decoys, really half of that is enough. The long line make the decoy look more life like. I make my own weights. I buy lead from Dominion Recycling and melt it down. The number of decoys is up to you. I'd recommend some mallard hens and drakes, some blacks and a few teals. I also use a crow decoy for a confidence decoy. You can use all or even just 2 or 3.

I would recommend getting a call and learn just the basic quack. Walmart has them for $ 10. Hope this helps.

Good Luck
Peter

[Steve Cornick]

Thanks for all the advice. So one line for each decoy? What do most use for weights? How much weight should you use? I guess the amount of weight would depend on how strong the wind was? Also what kind of line do you use?
Sorry for all the q's, it's a learning process!

[Peter Emberley]

You can buy lead weights for decoys at the outdoor stores. You could buy lead weights from IMP, they seem to have good prices. I bought some black line there for $ 5.00, about 500' of # 18 black twine which is good. On the keel of the decoy is a spot to tie on your line. Make sure to tie it good, you don't want it to come undone. Tir one end of the line to your lead weight and the other to your decoy. Most weights are 4 oz up to 8 oz. IMP has lead bell weights, the cheapest I have seen anywhere. I make my own, but if I did not, I would get the ones from IMP. Also add an elastic band to your line by the lead weight and when you wrap the line around the keel. Place the rubber band over the keel and line. This stops the line from unwrapping from the keel and causing a tangle with your other decoys.

Hope this helps.

Good Luck
Peter

[Fred Woodman]

ideally your line should be approx 1/3 longer than your depth.( in 6 feet of water use a 9 ft line)
If using dogs its important that it not be too long as your dog may tangle on retrieves.
If setting your decoys on long lines I use 32 inch sids so dog can swim thru

[Fred Woodman]

I go a little different. I pick up the bell weight ( the one with hole thru it) I then get 300 lb catgut the bone they use in handlines. I run the line thru the hole in lead and put a loop on end big enough to place over decoy head. I use fox snare ferules to tie in the ends.Length you can decide for yourself.Unravel and toss lead will slide to end. To pick up slide lead to keel then wrap line around keel and place loop over head

[Steve Cornick]

ok, now in english?? :-)

[Fred Woodman]

ok sorry. i use 4 and 6 oz leads, the ones with holes thru them, they are called egg sinkers. Then I get 300 lb catgut the stuff they use for handling cod.Measure it whatever lenght you want. I use about 54 inches for ponds and 6 feet for tidal. water. Next get some ferrules ( they are ised to make fox snares.Put a loop and attach to keel of decoy, then insert line thru egg sinker then put another loop on other end big enough to put over head of decoy.wrap string around keel of decoy then put loop over decoy head until ready fore use. I am still away but if you want I will email you some pics when i get home tomorrow nite

[Fred Woodman]

here are a few pics they are supposed to be worth a 1000 words

[Fred Woodman]

https://www.rigemright.com/cart/product.php?pid=8

heres a rig that will give you the idea

[Steve Cornick]

ahh, now I understand, I need that visual aid to help me understand. So with the 4 or 6 oz weight, it won't drift out of place?
and Ferrules are like wire clamps, I gottcha now.

Thanks for the suggestions.
Steve

[Fred Woodman]

when I get home I will get a picture and email it to you.