duck decoy spread tips

[shoot4Boone]

anybody have good tips.  I've tried the v pattern, J pattern pretty good success, just switched over to the tanglefree line - love it -.  trying the air lucky duck this year. 

[Yummy and Tasty Animal]

you could try some jerk strings

[Wacenturion]

Whatever pattern you use.....leave a large opening in front of you within good gun range...at say 15-30 yards.  I usually have a good  tighter spread all around that opening in either direction with the outer limits within gun range, which naturally directs the incoming birds to land where it's not as crowded....right in front of me where I want them.

One thing I think most waterfowlers tend to do that makes it harder is using too tight of chokes...i.e. full...and mod. to some extent over decoys.  It it amazing how much easier it is to cleanly kill decoying birds with an improved or even a skeet choke if you let them commit and come in.  Also easier on the teeth when you eat them...lol. 

[sisu]

check out these links

http://www.carrylitedecoys.com/Articles/Waterfowl/DecoyPatternTips.htm

I hope this link works if not click on the next one and you'll have to allow pop ups to get the full image.

http://www.dccl.org/information/ducks/decoys-big.htm#Wind straight offshore:

http://www.dccl.org/information/ducks/decoys.htm

[pjb3]

All in a straight line (sea-ducks)

[ellsworth]

we've been going about 40 birds for a lake 100 meters wide.

Mallards, widgeon and teal, with some geese to the outside, i'm sure we're doing something wrong, but most every bird in the area takes a look and commits..

The problem is, we have had no wind lately, and even worse no birds, so it's hard no matter your set up.

[shoot4Boone]

Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated I'll try some out this week.

[stlhdr1]

Don't over think it....

First scout where you intend to hunt.  If you see ducks sitting in a corner of a pond be there the next morning set and ready.  If the ducks have been using the spot without being beaten on by hunters they'll decoy extremely well.

Most importantly don't pieface the ducks and keep good cover.  If anything looks out of place to them and they're the slightest bit educated (shot at before) they'll just pass by you....

Third, pray for more fresh birds to come into your area!  You can always tell the new ones to an area, they usually circle once and drop right in....

Keith