How to Start a Duck Decoy Collection

Ever wonder how to start a duck decoy collection but don’t know where to begin? Look no further, this article will explain the principles behind the hobby of collecting duck decoys, and to start your collection today!

The History behind Duck Decoys:

Native Americans used cattails, reeds, and other water plants to mask floating decoys to lure ducks in for the kill. Ducks were an important game bird for the first Americans. Indians set up their home camps around lakes, ponds, and rivers so they will have a duck hunting area nearby.

A duck decoy was a necessary aid in attracting birds in close enough range for bow hunting, to spear, or net. Archaeologists have found dozens of ancient duck decoys in caves that date back thousands of years.

Where to Purchase Duck Decoys:

Online websites offer a great place to start a duck decoy collection. They offer leisurely shopping with a wide variety and easy shipping options.

Auction websites are another good idea of where to buy duck decoys. You will find vintage duck decoys that are considered antique folk art. Hand crafted wooden duck decoys would add value to your collection.

Be on the Lookout for:

Check local game laws before using duck decoys to make certain they are legal in your state. A key to a successful duck decoy collection is to select decoys that depict the live ducks in the area that you are hunting. Ducks have keen eyesight, making it important your decoys be life like. Male ducks usually have more colorful feathers than the females.

Low water conditions and changing weather patterns have been blamed for dismal duck hunting seasons. Die-hard hunters who would never stoop to electronic decoys in the past are trying tech toys. These battery operated duck decoys create real movement, inviting the duck on in to your sight. You control the duck decoy with a remote control.

Some decoys have been outlawed as unsportsmanlike so be warned before you take yours on the water. With their realistic wings flapping, your duck decoy may be in danger of being shot at!

Legal in most states is the Wing Magic Decoy. You plant the wing magic model on a pole where you want to draw the wild ducks. A string is attached to the wings, that when pulled creates a flapping and splashing motion. Ducks fall for this right and left.

When the shooting starts, ducks get cautious of flying near land. The Wing Magic Decoy gives them a false sense of security seeing other ducks, and BAM!

Best of luck on the start of your duck decoy collection. The last words of John James Audubon were, “You go down the side of Long Pond, Billy. I’ll go this side and we’ll get the ducks!”