Gadgets

[HDC]

Before I ask my question, let me say that I have hunted ducks for more than 25 years. I hunted when it was great and when it was bad, and I am not some newbie duck hunter that doesn't know how to scout or call, and I will hunt even if they lower the days to 10 and the limit to 1.

That being said, I love gadgets. I love gadgets at work, on my 4 wheeler, on my truck, deer hunting gadgets and duck hunting gadgets. I know most of them are ridiculous (like the Deer Sucker), but some really work.

I have always found that jerk strings work.

I have found that spinners sometimes work, but sometimes they flare ducks. I think it has to do more with wing speed, light and whether you are dealing with local ducks or new RED LEG ducks.

A boat paddle, when not being used to swat at others in your duckhole or on the internet, works great for making ripples on the water.

BUT, how about the new gadgets in Mack's?

Everyone I have talked to says the Mallard Machine is a pain to set up, but works great. What do you guys think?

There is a new decoy that floats and flaps its wings, as opposed to spinning. That is what real ducks do, so in theory, it should work better than any old spinner. Anyone ever used one or thought about it?

Last, but not least, they got metal pole that you put a spinner on. Using some rope, you can make the pole rise then let it go to simulate a duck coming in for a landing. We all know how a big flock will pitch in behind that first landing duck. In theory, this thing out to be deadly. Anyone ever used one or have any thoughts?

I have been on this site for several years now and know how some of you feel about anything that is battery operated, so there is no need to repeat all those posts. (By the way, my very first post was about Spinners and Benny was the first one to respond.) I really want to know if any of you have used or thought about these gadgets.

[Duck Nawteek]

Oh I can sense the hounds coming on this one. [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] But to answer your question HDC I thought about getting some. I have seen the new one that looks like its landing. Now that sounds like it might get deadly. I'll have to check it out in Macks [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[Doc & Nash]

I can only speaj for the mallard machine and it is only good in deep water. it is best used to keep a frozen whole open. I have seen it flare ducks too. I have found that best pratice is in about 3 ft of water and right in the middle of the spread. And it is a pain in the booty to put out, If you have a lease you will find yourself leaving it out year round. If you hunt public land you will leave it out overnight and make sure you are the last to leave and the first to arrive.

I have also found that a 8"x8"x8" cynder block painted black works great as a weight, if you don't use a big weight, it will end up right beside your boat every time.

They say the new one's are easier to use, I have two of the old square types.

good luck,

[HDC]

How would the Mallard Machine flare ducks? Do they flare off the movement of the dekes, the water or both? Do they flare then come back or flare and leave forever like some do with the spinners?

I am real courious because nobody has ever told me about it flaring ducks. If it flares them, an old fashion jerk string is probably better.

Your thoughts?

[MSDuckmen]

Oh My God [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Where is Benny when ya need him.. [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img]

Gadgets are fine if your wearing a trench coat and you say go go gadget. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

What ever floats your boat, use them don't use them who cares anymore.
It is without a doubt the times that we are living in that has made the world of hunting a gadget community now. They are here to stay and nothing any of us do will change that. People are always looking for the new and improved, easier to do, most effective way to do things and hunting is no different.

Sure does take away from the whole idea of hunting to me. But then I like gadets too or I wouldn't have this thing I'm typing on right now.

Better tomorrow.

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Duckmen ]

[Wingman]

Say, I don't like gadgets either...that's why I use a muzzle loading shotgun when I hunt [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] It's all in perspective...most of the tools we use were at one time, new-fangled gadgets. And what about them mouth-blown duck callers? Boy, those things outta make duck huntin' a slaughter.

Wingman
ISAIAH 40:31

[HDC]

Wingman, Can't believe you use one of them fancy smoke poles with that gun powder stuff. I throw rocks, and not with one of them fancy gadget sling shots like David used against Goliath. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[MSDuckmen]

None of you puke's are duckhunters. [img]images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Cause if you don't use a stick to smack em with you aint nothing. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

And I ain't talking bout no new fangled stick that you move boats around with like Goose, I'm talking one of them sure fired beaver sticks like the one's Benny uses to hunt with. [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Now that's duck hunting

[Hambone]

AMEN!

[Don Miller]

Micha, You ever think of putting up razor wire around this site? Nah, It wouldn't work any how, "Old Salty" would just tunnel under it.

[Jim]

I swear a guy cant even buy a twirlie around here and some A hole has to have something to say about it [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Old Salty ]

[Jim]

Judge JB owns his own duckhole.

I cant wait to hunt with him this year in his gesture of sporting comraderie!

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Old Salty ]

[Jim]

When is remote control self setter upper comin out?

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Old Salty ]

[HDC]

How ya doin Benny, I mean Old Salty?

Glad to see you haven't died from a heart attack or ruptured brain aneurysm. What is you blood pressure anyway?

Are you coming to the Extravaganza next week? Here they are gonna have some great deals on twirlies.

Can't believe a traditionalist like yourself is still messing with this new fangled internet thing.

All B.S. aside, please read my post about Cypress Brake Blinds and respond with your thoughts. You are always good for a picture or two of some great looking duck holes.

[Jim]

I got a thousand acre paradise this year.
You wanna see some duckholes then look what conservation will get you that batteries cant TOUCH.
http://www.duckhole.com/newborn

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Old Salty ]