Working on decoys throughout duck season is necessary, but getting them ready to put up for the off season, duck hunters should really be thinking about next season. By the time opening day comes around, the excitement about chasing birds and need to scout for birds leaves little time to work on decoy maintenance. Don’t waste valuable time before opening day on repair, cleaning, repainting, re-tying, and bagging decoys as if planning a huge hunt. Below is a checklist for putting up decoys for the spring and summer:
- Perform all maintenance work on decoys before putting them away in the spring. Wash and brush off with soft bristled brush any mud on decoys. Wipe plastic parts down with Armor All.
- Find somewhere dark and dry. Decoys that are hit by the sun or stored in moist areas attract mildew and become weak over time.
- Keep mice and rats away. A decoy can become a perfect home for a rodent if allowed. Hang from a ceiling or ceiling joist or rafter in storage if possible.
- Place plastic walmart/grocery sack or old sock over flocked heads.
- Hang texas rig decoys with no knots in lines and and weights are secure. If you still use regular weights and decoys in bags, hang the bag from ceiling. If you store on a shelf, they shouldn’t be more than 4-5 deep. Tie weight strings in figure eight configuration with head.
- Store teal decoys in front with all other decoys in behind. Teal season will be here before you know it.
Rocky Leflore
