Does Size Matter

[REHJWA]

This last season I painted some teal decoys to look like Buffleheads and all the birds that decoyed landed next to the smaller decoys and avoided the oversized Buffleheads.

Has anyone had similar experiences with standard versus magnum/oversized decoys?

Also noticed that as the season progressed the birds would land when I put out a smaller spread 5-9 instead just circle my spread of 24-30+ decoys.

So does size matter?

[Bullkllr]

Good question. I didn't vote because I don't think there is a simple answer other than a qualified "yes".

If you're in a situation where alot of dekes is an advantage - and I don't mean 36- I mean 100s- I don't think size, condition, etc matter much if at all. A few nicer or magnum size around the edges might help.

Smaller spreads ion big water- birds will see magnums from greater distances.

Smaller sreads on small water- don't think it matters- birds will see dekes regardless.

I can't say I know for sure, but I wouldn't have much confidence mixing sizes in a very small spread- like with 6 dekes it would look pretty funny to have a super mag next to a standard mallard. But sometimes it may just look like a smaller species- if you are where the ducks want to be I don't think they always look that close.
My 

[h2ofowlr]

I hunted all season with a bag of hot buys.  Those are smaller than the standard size and did just fine.  I know guys that will only hunt over mags or super mags.  I guess it all depends if your trying to pull birds or sitting up in spots they want to be.  Trafficking or hunting on or close to the X.  Birds have better eyes than one realizes, so if they see them and want to be there, they will come, given the right set up and "ideal" concealment.

[Huntlots]

I have hunted with both hot buys and magnums and done good. But size is nice I think have some variety. Not all birds are the same size I think it shows realism in the spread just like geese big honkers and lessers. But I wouldn't be scared to just use hot buys or mags. Size wise.


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[hdshot]

Size doesn't matter because ducks and geese can't see depth like us.  Bigger the decoy the duck or goose thinks they are closer than they are.  Growing up my buddy and I used those huge carry-lite full body goose and sometimes geese would start the back peddle which seemed almost a 100 yards high.  Don't have much opportunity to hunt geese now but have dsd's lessors and the geese seem to get right up on them before they back peddle.  Geese have more of a natural approach to the dsd's and have bagged cacklers to honks. 

Mallards, like standards for less packing and get them out far as you can to be seen. 

[270Shooter]

I only hunted with some beat up flambeaus, some tanglefrees, and some hot buys, with some various other puddle ducks mixed in. I generally only hunt smaller water but I think making the spread look realistic, with motion (ripples on the water), and a good hide are much more important than having a few dozen super mags with bright colors and no movement in the spread. I personally don't like over size decoys because I can't pack as many of them and they are a lot heavier.

[huntingfool7]

I use less qty & Bigger decoys.

[LndShrk]

Assuming Ducks (Puddle Ducks) It is all dependent on the situation for sure. But as a general rule I like  small spreads and realistic decoys. My call will take care of the rest usually.

[sakoshooter]

Tough poll. I could actually check all the boxes depending on location, time of season, time of day, migration in the area or going thru and a few other lesser criteria.
Early in the season on big water I like large spreads. When the migration is going on I like large spreads but that is short lived as they usually go thru rather quickly then you're back to hunting locals.
When I'm only setting a few decoys, I like to use my mags or super mags. They can be seen from farther off is the only reason.
Late in the season I lke to set 3 - 5 decoys even on big water since part of the draw at this time of year is courtship and the other factor is very educated local birds that have heard a million duck calls and looked over a million spreads. At this time of year when birds are flying in 1's, 2's etc, having a big spread looks very fake.
Calling follows suite also.