Can any of you guys that hunt ducks tell me where to start. I need to know about decoys mostly, what kind are better than most. If i should make my own from a mould or buy them, etc. I know its a big subject on decoy setting and i’ll pick up on that later. I have an old duck hunting scully made by alumnacraft, made in the 50’s for a boat. Any help is appreciated.
I would start out with a basic set of floating decoys , I would not get the cheap new greenhead gear dekes , they look like a good buy, but I hear the paint chips after a few usages wich is typical I guess. I would get get a magnum size though , just so they are more visible. Where do you plan to hunt ? it all matters where you are and what types of water you plan to hunt for spreads… Tim
I would start out with a basic set of floating decoys , I would not get the cheap new greenhead gear dekes , they look like a good buy, but I hear the paint chips after a few usages wich is typical I guess. I would get get a magnum size though , just so they are more visible. Where do you plan to hunt ? it all matters where you are and what types of water you plan to hunt for spreads… Tim
I have a local reserviour and a few rivers to hunt. I understand what your saying about the bigger duck decoys.
I have a local reserviour and a few rivers to hunt. I understand what your saying about the bigger duck decoys.
Simple decoy spreads like U’s and w’s and J’s should work well with good winds. Add maybe a couple goose floaters to the spread for confidence. Sometimes bigger spreads work sometimes it doesnt matter. I never put out more then 2 dozen dekes. I usually hunt with only a dozen unless its big water and I am after divers. Tim
Simple decoy spreads like U’s and w’s and J’s should work well with good winds. Add maybe a couple goose floaters to the spread for confidence. Sometimes bigger spreads work sometimes it doesnt matter. I never put out more then 2 dozen dekes. I usually hunt with only a dozen unless its big water and I am after divers. Tim
Get about 10,000 bucks and then i can help ya out 
Get about 10,000 bucks and then i can help ya out
I figured it will cost lol, Think $500 for decoys would get me started? Another $100 for calls too? I’ve got a boat, gun, getting a lab, and hunting clothes.
I figured it will cost lol, Think $500 for decoys would get me started? Another $100 for calls too? I’ve got a boat, gun, getting a lab, and hunting clothes.
honestly, i don’t think there’s any need to spend $500 on decoys and $100 on calls. if your just starting out, you can get a couple dozen dekes for $100. they may not be the best of the best, but they’ll work just fine. and i feel that there are calls out there for $20 that sound just as good as the $100 ones. 
honestly, i don’t think there’s any need to spend $500 on decoys and $100 on calls. if your just starting out, you can get a couple dozen dekes for $100. they may not be the best of the best, but they’ll work just fine. and i feel that there are calls out there for $20 that sound just as good as the $100 ones.
MOSSYDAN for your first call (duck or goose)try to find one with a tape or cd .Primos sells a video/call(original wench)combo for around $20.00 , not a bad deal and alot of info.You can go cheep on calls,decoys but don’t skimp on your waders or coat,being cold or wet sucks in any blind. GOOD LUCK
MOSSYDAN for your first call (duck or goose)try to find one with a tape or cd .Primos sells a video/call(original wench)combo for around $20.00 , not a bad deal and alot of info.You can go cheep on calls,decoys but don’t skimp on your waders or coat,being cold or wet sucks in any blind. GOOD LUCK
I’ll say one thing about buying DECOYS. When you purchase your decoys, make sure you spend the money and get weighted keel ones. The water keels are CRAP. Saves lots of time in the morning when you throw them out, and they stand up right away, instead of laying on there side.
I’ll say one thing about buying DECOYS. When you purchase your decoys, make sure you spend the money and get weighted keel ones. The water keels are CRAP. Saves lots of time in the morning when you throw them out, and they stand up right away, instead of laying on there side.
Dan,
My favorite mallard dekes are the G&H magnums with swivel heads. They get a little heavy, but they are worth it in my opinion, especially if you don’t have to hoof them very far. I always had some teel dekes and woody dekes mixed in(these were usually much cheaper brands).
Get a very good pair of neoprene waders, I’m not sure how cool it gets down in your neck of the woods, but it sucks being cold. Try to buy a camo pattern that is most suitable for the areas you will be hunting. As for calls, I’ve never been a big money call kind of guy. They are nice, but for $35.00 you can get some really great calls also. I’ve had lots, not one of them stands out. I like to have a couple along, sounds like different ducks. Get a how to tape then practice all the time. Good luck!!
Dan,
My favorite mallard dekes are the G&H magnums with swivel heads. They get a little heavy, but they are worth it in my opinion, especially if you don’t have to hoof them very far. I always had some teel dekes and woody dekes mixed in(these were usually much cheaper brands).
Get a very good pair of neoprene waders, I’m not sure how cool it gets down in your neck of the woods, but it sucks being cold. Try to buy a camo pattern that is most suitable for the areas you will be hunting. As for calls, I’ve never been a big money call kind of guy. They are nice, but for $35.00 you can get some really great calls also. I’ve had lots, not one of them stands out. I like to have a couple along, sounds like different ducks. Get a how to tape then practice all the time. Good luck!!
I agree primos makes some real good calls for the right price , I also like haydels double reed mallard call, its priced right and blows very nicely. I have never spent over about 40 bucks for a call, and I seem to do fine. Tim
I agree primos makes some real good calls for the right price , I also like haydels double reed mallard call, its priced right and blows very nicely. I have never spent over about 40 bucks for a call, and I seem to do fine. Tim
There is definately no need to spend $100 on a duck call!
Most of those spendy calls are for compation calling, the $9.99 sure shot duck call has killed plenty of ducks for me! 
and there are many other quality calls in the same price range.
There is definately no need to spend $100 on a duck call!
Most of those spendy calls are for compation calling, the $9.99 sure shot duck call has killed plenty of ducks for me! and there are many other quality calls in the same price range.
I definately know what your saying about wet and frozen cold. I use to trap for rats, coons and beavers down here and i’ve gotten wet and frozen jeans cold. Im 52 years old and have learned to keep warm by keeping dry. Its an absolute must. What a great response to info. Im hunted out on pheasants, i grew up hunting pheasants, and i want to try something new. Those cold, windy, rainy, frozen days out on the water appeal to me. Something tells a guy whos out there that he’s out there enjoying life like it was meant to be. I geese i’ll find out, lol…. Any more info is appreciated.
I definately know what your saying about wet and frozen cold. I use to trap for rats, coons and beavers down here and i’ve gotten wet and frozen jeans cold. Im 52 years old and have learned to keep warm by keeping dry. Its an absolute must. What a great response to info. Im hunted out on pheasants, i grew up hunting pheasants, and i want to try something new. Those cold, windy, rainy, frozen days out on the water appeal to me. Something tells a guy whos out there that he’s out there enjoying life like it was meant to be. I geese i’ll find out, lol…. Any more info is appreciated.
mossydan, before you start duck hunting go find the nearest rat hole and thow all your money into it. Then go out and walk a mile in thigh deep mud with 40 lbs of bulky gear on your back.after your done with that sit and watch paint dry for 3 hrs then douse yourself in ice water and and visit your local locker plant for a couple more hrs. If your still having fun after that the best advise I can give you is to find a waterfowler to take you out. They [we] are usually happy to share their particilar brand of insanity. Good luck!
mossydan, before you start duck hunting go find the nearest rat hole and thow all your money into it. Then go out and walk a mile in thigh deep mud with 40 lbs of bulky gear on your back.after your done with that sit and watch paint dry for 3 hrs then douse yourself in ice water and and visit your local locker plant for a couple more hrs. If your still having fun after that the best advise I can give you is to find a waterfowler to take you out. They [we] are usually happy to share their particilar brand of insanity. Good luck!
THAT SURESHOT DUCK CALL IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS IN MY BOOK FOR A CHEAPER DUCK CALL. I HAVE A DOUBLE REED AND IT IS EASY TO BLOW AND SOUNDS GREAT.
GUNDY
THAT SURESHOT DUCK CALL IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS IN MY BOOK FOR A CHEAPER DUCK CALL. I HAVE A DOUBLE REED AND IT IS EASY TO BLOW AND SOUNDS GREAT.
GUNDY
Ya Guys, I know what your saying. A guys got to have a few ice cubes in his viens to do this but i like that kind of stuff. We use to go out on the ice on the miss. at 1:00 in the morning at 20 below and wait for the ice breaking tugs to go by just to watch the ice roll infront of the tow. We’ed bring our poles and fish through 16 inches of ice just to kill time waiting for the barges. Walk hunting pheasants at 20 below with 25 mile an hour winds for 6 miles just to get out of the house and have some fun. It makes me think more of full fur clothing, must be why i like the thought. Lol,, live life at its fullest!
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