Home Forums Birds & Dogs Waterfowl Decoy Spreads

I'm pretty new to duck hunting, and I have been hunting a small pond, maybe 50 yards across surrounded by cattails. I have been putting the decoys out in a "V" shape with the point of the V pointing with the wind. I was just wondering if there are other spreads that might work better. Thanks in advance
John

If ducks are feeding there the V is ok but I'd put the point upwind and group the decoys in 3's and 4's. I usually just put out random groups of 3-4 dekes. Do some scouting and try to match your spread numbers to flock sizes in that area. Of course a J shaped spread with the hook upwind is the classic set. Whatever you do make sure you leave open water areas to land within gun range and most important, keep the sun (and wind - if possible) on your back.

The best spread is one that looks natural. Try and figure out where the birds will be coming in from, and leave a nice open area where you think the birds can make a nice approach and where you can get a good shot. Like previously mentioned, put the birds out in clumps, instead of one big line or formation. If you have different species of decoys, keep them to their own groups. I like to keep teal decoys in the shallowest water. If you have feeders, remember to put one or two regular decoys around, so it looks like someone is on guard while the others are feeding. Just try and picture what real ducks would look like sitting or feeding there, and you will develop a picture. Good Luck

Put the decoys in groups as before but put a pair of mallards in with them. For mallards are the friendliest of all ducks.If you have blacks dont put mallards any where near them though, blacks like privacy the most.Be sure to have one main group of Decoys from each type of dece you have.