To fool field-bound ducks and geese, you need just the right decoys. Here’s how to choose

FULL-BODY DECOYS

These decoys are life-sized replicas of ducks and geese, available with foot bases to hold them stationary, or with stake systems providing motion. Of all the decoy options, these are the most realistic in appearance. They come painted, some with flocked heads and others fully flocked. Both up close and from a distance, they look like live ducks and geese.

Since they’re so realistic, full-body decoys are highly effective when hunting birds that have seen a lot of hunting pressure. That’s especially so with stagnant flocks that haven’t had new migrators join them for days on end, and late-season birds that have been hunted extensively. The realism also makes them a good choice when you’re trying to draw ducks and geese into a different field from the one they’re heading to.

PROS

Full-body decoys are so realistic, incoming birds typically have no idea they’ve been duped and pile right into the landing zone. The realism also allows hunters to get away with using fewer decoys than they would with other styles.

CONS

Not only are these the most expensive decoys, they’re also very bulky, making them more of a challenge to transport and store. Only a couple of dozen will fit in the box of a truck, for example, so a trailer is usually required. Although full-body decoys can be stacked, it’s best to keep them protected in decoy bags, which makes it longer to set them up and put away. And since they’re bulky, it takes time to move just one or two if needed in the middle of hunt. Finally, given their size, they’re really only suited for hunting in fields with vehicle access.

Saskatchewan’s Mike Hungle is a self-confessed decoy addict.

BONUS TIP: MIXING DECOYS

Shell decoys can be added to any spread to make it bigger. I also like to include shells on stakes to my full-body goose spreads for added motion. For the best results when mixing shells with less-realistic windsocks, place the shells closest to the landing zone, as that’s where incoming birds will be focusing their attention.

Silhouettes, meanwhile, are well suited to mixing with both shell and full-body decoys to enlarge a spread. They can also be used on the outer edges of a spread to help shape and form the overall pattern.

If you’re using shells or full-bodies without motion stakes, the spread will appear lifeless, so add a few windsocks. Even just a few can make a difference. As for full-body decoys, they can be mixed in with any style of decoy. Since they’re the most realistic in appearance, place them close to the landing zone to best entice incoming birds to land.