Decoy Pricing

[Quimby]

Just curious as to what a fair price would be for Carry Lite duck decoys.  I have some that are inflatable with the screw on cap in the back.  Most have lead weights attached already to non tangle line.  They were made in 1992 and have no idea if that even matters.  Obviously I don't know anything about them, other than I want to get rid of them.  I didn't buy them brand new.  I tried to do some research but I am having a hard time nailing down a FAIR price.  I know I can trust all of you guys to steer me straight!     Thanks for the advice!

[h2ofowlr]

It depends what shape they are in.  Those used to retail for $40 something a dozen.  Carry Lite had a lot of paint issues on some of the duck decoys and it would flake off.  If they need touching up $2 a decoy is a fair price.

[Quimby]

It depends what shape they are in.  Those used to retail for $40 something a dozen.  Carry Lite had a lot of paint issues on some of the duck decoys and it would flake off.  If they need touching up $2 a decoy is a fair price.

 

Thank you for your advice.  The paint seems to be pretty good on them. 

Anyone else care to chime in??

[Bullkllr]

Sounds like you are talking about the rubber inflatables that Carrylite made, correct?

If so, those were pretty good dekes for what they are. I've used some forever. They don't ride in the water during higher winds well at all. And the shape is kinda weird. But they were made to pack into ponds and sloughs. The thing I like about them is you can throw them like a football and they always self-right. And the paint is basically permanent- unlike the early plastic Carrylites that shed their paint automatically.

That said, I don't think you could get a lot for them unless someone is looking specifically for inflatable rubber decoys. I'd maybe ask $35-40, but would take less. Used run-of-the-mill decoys for hunting are not worth a bunch when you can buy a dozen new ones for 40$ or less.

 I have seen standard plastic (and some exactly like yours) in antique/collectable shops for 10-20$ a piece. I have no idea if any actually sell for those prices.

Good luck; hope this helps.

[Bullkllr]

Sounds like you are talking about the rubber inflatables that Carrylite made, correct?

If so, those were pretty good dekes for what they are. I've used some forever. They don't ride in the water during higher winds well at all. And the shape is kinda weird. But they were made to pack into ponds and sloughs. The thing I like about them is you can throw them like a football and they always self-right. And the paint is basically permanent- unlike the early plastic Carrylites that shed their paint automatically.

That said, I don't think you could get a lot for them unless someone is looking specifically for inflatable rubber decoys. I'd maybe ask $35-40, but would take less. Used run-of-the-mill decoys for hunting are not worth a bunch when you can buy a dozen new ones for 40$ or less.

 I have seen standard plastic (and some exactly like yours) in antique/collectable shops for 10-20$ a piece. I have no idea if any actually sell for those prices.

Good luck; hope this helps.

Sorry. The dekes I was thinking of are "Plasti-duk"

If yours are plastic Carrylites (I think I remember some came with some kind of valve, but weren't really 'inflatable') probably 2-3$ a piece would be my guess.

[Brad Harshman]

They make great entry level decoys for youth hunters.  Pay it forward, the duck Gods believe in karma. 

[LeftCoastLoren]

They make great entry level decoys for youth hunters.  Pay it forward, the duck Gods believe in karma. 

I was just thinking the same thing.

[lokidog]

I have a bunch of the old push valve rubber ones (mallards and pins), I love them, a bit heavy but they compact down nicely.  I'd like to repaint them but don't know if that would mess any "antique" value up.

[h2ofowlr]

I have a bunch of the old push valve rubber ones (mallards and pins), I love them, a bit heavy but they compact down nicely.  I'd like to repaint them but don't know if that would mess any "antique" value up.

They probably have some value at a antique shop, but less as a hunting decoy.  I hit a lot of antique shops and see a lot of decoys in the shops that I still have in bags and gasp at what some of these guys try to ask.  No way are they worth the asking price.  If it is a wooden decoys, it's value is based on era, carver, style rarity of the bird and original condition.  Rubber or plastic decoys definitely don't carry the same value.

I would paint them and use them.  Maybe 50 years from now they will be the new collectors items, but you never know as rubber rots and plastic can become brittle.  I know guys that collect the Victors hard plastic decoys.  I personally only seem to collect wood gunning decoys or the old metal duck and goose decoys with a few paper Mache decoys floating around as well.  Everyone has their own quirks and may see it differently.

[Quimby]

They make great entry level decoys for youth hunters.  Pay it forward, the duck Gods believe in karma. 

There is some truth to that statement for hunting in general regarding karma.  Thanks for the input.  I have decided to keep them after all of this.  Who knows, I may expand to duck hunting in the future.