Goose Decoy Shopping

[Phishead]

In the market for full body Canada goose field decoys. always had GHGs. Would prefer full flocked or at least heads flocked. Looks like Banded (GHG) only make the FFDs for lessers these days. anyone hunt with lesser decoys for honkers?

I've looked at Avian-X but hear the bases have issues. what's your favorite and why?

[ASHQUACK]

If I had unlimited funds, I'd own all DSD's. That said I don't guide geese and can't afford to run the numbers needed to pull in late season birds. Look into bulk decoy club decoys for fillers and shear numbers. I bought a couple dozen last year and they're certainly ok.

[Mfowl]

I use Avian X and don't have any complaints. I have the flocked head/painted body. I also have several dozen Divebomb silos. After many years of goose hunting I will take location over quality of decoy spread anytime. If you can be where the geese want to be you don't need the greatest decoys around. Even though I use nicer decoys now, I've had some of my best and most memorable hunts over mixed spreads of shells, silos and fb's. Fully flocked decoys are great and look good but will show wear and tear quickly. Especially if you have to brush snow/dirt off of them. Also slugging them over your shoulder in a decoy bag beats them up pretty good. Unless you can drive your goose trailer right to your spot I would avoid fully flocked.

[silverdalesauer]

In the market for full body Canada goose field decoys. always had GHGs. Would prefer full flocked or at least heads flocked. Looks like Banded (GHG) only make the FFDs for lessers these days. anyone hunt with lesser decoys for honkers?

I've looked at Avian-X but hear the bases have issues. what's your favorite and why?

I have 18 decoys available for sale: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,261022.msg3541639.html#msg3541639

They've been up for sale for quite a while. Make me an offer and I'll save you some money.

[Phishead]

Thanks y’all. I guess I should have mentioned i’m an experienced goose hunter. My last ghg ffds lasted 8 years cause I took great care of them. No doubt the location helps but quality  deeks are just as  important in the late season as well. I kinda got bored with my old ones and decided to sell and buy new ones after seeing some of the new designs on the market.

@silverdalesauer - you might want to try posting on Craigslist as well. I sold 2 dozen deeks on there in 2 days time. Just a suggestion. GLWS

[Mfowl]

In response to the other part of your question about decoying honkers with lesser blocks, yes, they will work. I have always had mixed spreads but did run as many as 5 doz lessers. If I had the ground to hunt and the funds I would buy the AFX lessers and mix in some AXP honkers. If I really had $ I would go DSD as mentioned. Have fun shopping! Sometimes it sucks being a waterfowling gear head! 

[h2ofowlr]

I run DSD for geese.  Worth getting at least two dozen.  A small spread will hunt in most spots pretty effectively.  I also hunt with another group that runs 12 - 15 dozen Avian X.  Last year early goose season we harvested close to 260 birds over that spread.  If you take care of them, they will last years.