What your decoy spread looks like matters.  Too many people think they can just throw decoys out within shooting range and expect the ducks to come right in.  Instead how about taking the time to set out a spread with care and thought?  There are a lot of perspectives about setting up duck decoy spreads.  Many people use a “J” hook or U.  There are a couple things that I have found important. 

 

1.         Wind – We must remember that ducks always land into the wind.  If I have an option on where my blind is set up I prefer to have the wind coming from my left or right, rather than at my back or in my face.  If the wind is at my back then the birds are looking right at the blind on their approach.  It the wind is in my face then the ducks will have to come from behind me to land.  

 

2.         Landing zone – It Is very important to create a landing zone.  I like to leave that zone completely accessible so that ducks do not have to fly over other duck decoys to get to the landing zone.

 

3.          Match your species – If you are in an area with a variety of species your decoys should reflect that.  If you are only hunting for mallards, and you have a lot of widgeon or pintails in your area, then mix those types of decoys into your spread. 

 

4.         Keep decoys clean and nice – Most people simply throw their decoys in a gunny sack style bag and then throw the decoys into muddy water.  Once the birds get wise it is very important that your decoys look good, not all dirty and beat up.  I like carrying my decoys in a poncho style bag where each decoy is in its own pouch.  Not only does this keep the decoys clean and looking new, but it also prevents any tangling or messes with weights and lines.

 

5.         Be flexible – Be willing to change things up.  If the birds are not coming to your landing zone, change things.  Sometimes it takes only moving two or three decoys to get the birds to commit.

 

SAMPLE DECOY SPREADS
DUCK POND 1 In this spread the plan would be to have the birds coming in to the landing zone from the right.  Be patient, let the birds get all the way to the zone before calling the shot.		(click images to enlarge)
DUCK POND 2 In this spread the birds will be coming over the top of the blind to come in.  When the birds go behind you try to anticipate when they should be making their swing… give them a nice come back call and then listen for the wing beats…. Be very quiet when they come over the top!
DUCK POND 3 In this spread the birds will be coming in straight at you.  Notice the large landing zone.  Remember when birds are coming in straight at you, either don’t call at all or be very gentle with your calling.  Make sure that no one moves… ducks will pick out movement and be gone!
DUCK POND 4 This spread is similar to the first one except there are two landing zones.  This would work better in a larger body of water, rather than a small pond.		i