HUNT
WISE
OPTIMIZING
A DECOY SPREAD
BY SIMON O'CONNOR
"DUCKS VIRTUALLY NEVER LAND RIGHT IN AMONGST
THEMSELVES AND THEREFORE IF YOU HAVE A SWAG
OF DECOYS CHOKING UP YOUR OPTIMUM SHOOTING
SWEET-SPOT, YOUR DUCKS WILL LAND ELSEWHERE
AND POSSIBLY OUT OF RANGE."
HUNTING & FISHING NEW ZEALAND, MANAWATU
uch of my hunting has been on large farm ponds, then last season |
accepted an invitation from Chris Scully to join a crew hunting the
big water, namely Lake Ellesmere, an experience that added a new
dimension to my waterfowling. When it came to decoy setting in
this environment, it was great to be picking up tips from some of NZ's most
M
Next consider the mix. The selection of postures and colour
variations decoys are manufactured in these days is awesome.
Take advantage of this by having plenty that look relaxed, because loafing,
sleeping ducks signal that all is well and there is no danger about. That
Decoys are the tools to gain the ducks initial attention, convince them all's said, a few swimmers and alert (heads up) decoys will represent the more
good, then 'finish' them when they're too close to call to. A good trickis to set socially engaged birds. Every drake enjoys a party! It's recognized that the
mallards introduced to NZ were from an English park, and not pure wild
mallards. Couple this with the subsequent interbreeding with grey ducks
and we have a mixture of plumage to replicate, particularly for drakes. Some
flight path is not visible from your maimai, or if you're 'busy' looking down like have almost hen-like 'ectipse colours' others the stunning feather detail of
the pure mallard green-head. Avery GHG Grey (US Black) Ducks and Avian-X
coloured (grey duck) decoys or magnums for the ultimate long-range visibility. Early Season Mallards are your go-to for the eclipse 'NZ duck' variation. The
investment in qualityis a big recommendation as the Avery XD and Avian-X
Cunning mallards will'spot the fraud' if there is an unrealistic size variation in Mallards are manufactured from a higher grade, more flexible plastic that
holds its paint well, extending the life of the decoys. Posture and colour
detail is amazing, but other advantages include a superior keel design to
enhance swimming action. They even have crafty features that give you
setting options that keep the weights secure to prevent pre-dawn tangles. For
more casual hunting we've negotiated a HOT DEAL on the Essential Mallards
from Avery. You get 12 (6H/6D) mallards in a great mix of postures all for the
experienced duck hunters.
a few decoys out in the open in a position that is visible from long distances,
chances are the ducks will have already hooked on these before you even
know they've arrived. Decoys set in this way can be really handy if the duck
when making a coffee and don't spot the birds on their first pass. Use darker
If using magnums, keep them separate from your regular sized decoys.
your spread.
You've got their attention, and they are circling checking things out,
looking for danger. Now the lay-out of the rest of your decs will be coming
under intense scrutiny. A key to the pulling power now becomes replicating a
natural scene. The best way to plan for this is to sneak into your spot prior to
the season and observe the ducks habits and rituals in a natural undisturbed
fashion. Watch where they like to land and make a mental note to LEAVE THIS
AREA OPEN IF IT IS IN SHOOTING RANGE! Ducks virtually NEVER land right
in amongst themselves and therefore if you have a swag of decoys choking
up your optimum shooting sweet-spot, your ducks will land elsewhere and
possibly out of range. So, leave the sweet-spot open, apart from a pair of
mallards with heads-up. We call these 'landers' and their job is to replicate
ducks that have just arrived so birds 'following' will see this as an appropriate
place to head for. You don't want to be a one trick pony, so if you've seen
other species such as swans, geese, paradise ducks or shovellers in the area,
adda few of these as 'confidence decoys, the bonus will be more variety to
your bag. Apart from swans which can be scattered throughout a spread, keep
other decoys in their own species groups.
excellent price of just $109.99.
Last but not least, consider motion decoys. They attract attention from
afar, then become a great distraction for the incoming birds on their approach.
The ducks will be looking at them, not noticing you in the maimai preparing
to shoot. Some move water, others just flap, so talk to us in-store for the best
advice on the model most suited to your hunting location.
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HUNTING