Here are some thoughts (as I rationalize why I haven't used 95% of the floating decoys I own in the last 12 years):
'Convincing spread' depends on a lot of factors - all promoting 'realism'.........from a duck's point of view, not like a GHG decoy ad that might appeal MOST to the guy that's just getting started.
When choosing a decoy - don't decide based on the multi-hyphenated-superlative product description - look at the decoy. Then choose the most realistic-looking (decoy, only - not the setting they use for clever marketing, like 2000 of'em in one hole) that is within your budget - buy the best looking decoy you can afford.......build a spread.......then upgrade as your finances and needs dictate.
Find where the birds want to be, use as few decoys as it takes to get and keep their attention, get well-concealed and keep your face and hands hidden, don't over-call, & pick your shots.
v-do wrote: I want dozen mallards for sure but what is another kind of duck decoy that is good with a mallard spread??
Use the species, approximate number, and proportion (multiple species) you've been seeing to supplement your basic mallard spread. I wouldn't use many decoys on dead still water. No ripples when there oughta be, is bad juju to smart ducks. If the wind's blowing - the more, the better.
Also, regarding Species:
If you hunt backwaters or timber - I'd use mallard and wood duck decoys. Teal in mudflats and river backwaters.
If you hunt fields - you might use mallard, pintail, teal, & speck decoys.
If you hunt the marsh - you might use gadwall, wigeon, teal and coots.
Open water - cans, redheads, ringed-necks, gadwall, mallard, honkers, pintail, wigeon........whatever you expect to see or hope to shoot......even bootlips.
Example: In 1996-99 we killed a lot of birds with 7 dozen decoys in river backwaters. The spread consisted of 4 doz magnum mallards, 1 dozen each pintail, gadwall and wigeon decoys. If we were seeing or hearing honkers on a regular basis, we'd put-out 1/2 dozen. But that was when the weather was right and the birds plentiful and (more important) 'workable'. I had a smaller boat then but was much younger and didn't mind the work. Since then, we probably haven't used more than 2 dozen decoys at a time and that has been mostly Canada goose decoys for honker hunting, because there hasn't been many workable ducks. The only way I would deploy 7 dozen again is if there were enough birds in the area to warrant the trouble.........or, at least 7 dozen birds.
I do subscribe to using pintail or honker decoys in certain situations mainly for visibility - same theory applies to Cheeko's suggestion of using black duck decoys - they are very visible in open water spreads.......although I probably haven't seen 6 black ducks (total) in the last 15 years.....let alone in the same spot. It's a visibility thing. Otherwise, I wouldn't suggest investing in a species of decoy you don't target (bootlips), nor see on a regular basis in the conditions or locations where you hunt (black ducks).
Actually, aside from their visibility, a bull sprig decoy is a pain in the butt for transport and bad on decoy bags. Hen pintail decoys are almost as dark (or should be) as a black duck decoy. IMO.
v-do wrote:What kind of decoys would yall reccomend? I dont want to spend a fortune but i want some decent ones that wont wear too bad.
Depends on how you hunt and whether that style requires numbers or detail (realism)......both, factors of how much money you wants to spend. I've had good experience with G&H decoys. I've had most of'em since '96. 'Have used other brands but G&H function and durability have been satisfactory for boat and walk-in hunting.
Hope this helps. All it takes is money......and sometimes, wise use, thereof.
