Best Duck Decoys of 2021 – Complete Review

Hunting decoys are an important instrument when luring animals to a particular area.

Useful in many different circumstances, they help attract prey to specific places, making your job easier and your hunt more successful.

They are especially important when hunting in close proximity to others or on public land, and are an amazing tool that relies on patience and strategy rather than endurance or a chase.

Comparison of the Best Duck Decoys

What is a Duck Decoy, and What is it Used For?

A duck decoy is a fake bird used to draw ducks to the area you are hunting in. Ducks typically flock to middle parts of water, so drawing them there is a smart and efficient way to come away with more.

Using these allows you to rely less on stamina or chasing, and simply allows you to set up and wait for the ducks to come to you. A good option is realistic, can be seen from the air, is durable, and most importantly, is the right species of duck.

What Makes These Decoys Stand Out

With numerous options to choose from, picking the right model can be daunting. Here are the three ways the decoys on our list come out as some of the top products on the market.

Realism

The best ones around are extremely lifelike. For some, relying on an accurate painting is enough, while others take into account things like posture, variability, and movement.

All quality options are beautifully shaped and painted and have line features to allow hunters to move the birds when necessary. Some, however, take this to the next level, by weighting them in different ways, or even adding remote control options to keep your duck decoys moving in a natural manner no matter what.

Durability

No matter how realistic, if it is poorly made, it won’t do the job. A good option is not only made from reliable materials, but should feature things like heavy-duty paint that is sure to stand the test of time, and water/weatherproof technology, especially if it is battery operated.

Ease of Use

Making sure to pick one that matches your wants and needs is very important. A good fit will mean that you and the decoy have a similar lifestyle in mind.

Some are more technology-based, and can be remote controlled or battery operated, which aids with realism, but can be challenging to use in extreme weather situations or during long trips, unless extra batteries are provided. For many, the classic wooden design is easy to use and straightforward, while others may want something a little more high-tech to get the job done.

Review of the Best Duck Decoys

With millions of options to choose from, finding the right decoy to invest in can be daunting. Here are the top options to pick from.

Duck Hunting Decoy Tips, Tricks, and Hacks For Success

Below we have some tips, tricks, and hacks that will come in handy for seasoned and beginner-level duck hunters.

Most Expensive is Not Always The Best

People really still believe that everything of good quality comes at a high price, but that is not true. Often, the most expensive thing is all about the hype, not the quality. You may need to search a little for a reasonably priced yet good quality decoy, but it will be worth it.

Realistic Design and Balance

The decoy should be as realistic as possible because we want other ducks to be fooled by it and come close enough to check it out. Also, the decoy should maintain its balance and float when placed in the water, and not tip over or fall to the side, meaning it should have a good keel to balance itself.

Conclusion

There are many options on the market, including more basic and reliable technology as well as battery operated or remote controlled ducks. Realism via painting is unparalleled in this market, and some even are weighted or positioned to mimic the movements of ducks in the water. There is a good choice for every hunter, depending on the perspective use regarding weather, water, and trip length.

People Also Ask

When using these, people often still have questions. Here are a few of the most commonly asked.

Are Duck Decoys Valuable?

It depends really on the type of decoy, its age, material, the rarity of the breed it is modeled after, etc. A lot of factors come into play. The market consists of all kinds of decoys, ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. Some old and rare ones have been priced up to a quarter of a million dollars in auctions.

How Are Duck Decoys Made?

Duck decoys can be made of a range of materials, including wood, plastic, foam, etc. Wooden duck decoys are carved out of a long piece of wood, which is then painted upon. Those made out of plastic can be filled with foam to make them durable, and then the outside is painted upon to give the look of a real duck.

How Much Are Duck Decoys?

Duck decoy prices can range from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars easily. Depending on the type of material, species, condition, rarity, etc., it can even be highly valuable. The price can range from $1.35 to $856,000, which is the price of the most expensive duck decoy to date sold at a joint auction by Guyette & Deeter and Christie's in 2007.

Why Are Duck Decoys so Expensive?

Not all of them are expensive. It just depends on a few factors, including things like manufacturer, region, species, condition, rarity, size, material, etc. that make a duck decoy valuable or expensive. Based on these factors, there is a whole range of decoys out there from cheapest to most expensive.

How Many Duck Decoys Should I Use?

It all depends on the conditions you are hunting in. In smaller, shallower, or confined waters, a spread of 6 to 36 decoys is recommended. In larger or harsher waters and dry fields, it is recommended to put out as many decoys as possible. Using too many has never scared off any ducks before, so the more, the merrier.

How Do You Rig Duck Decoys?

A hunter must consider different factors before rigging their decoys. These include the type of line, style and weight of anchors, depth of water, content at the bottom, wind exposure, conditions, and if the decoys will be picked up after each hunt or if they will be left out indefinitely. 

In case of nylon lines and lead weights, some experts recommend wrapping the line across the decoy's back, then under the tail, and around the neck in a crisscross pattern, and then wrapping the strap weight around the decoy's neck. This is the old-school method. 

A more modern approach involves an L-shaped lead weight and PVC line with a length of rubber tubing. Wrap the line around the decoy's keel, which stretches the rubber section until the L-shaped weight can be hooked around the keel.

Does a Duck Decoy's Size Matter?

Duck decoys are available in three main size categories, standard, Magnus, and super Magnus. It is obvious that a bigger decoy will be easier to spot, but it will also be heavier and harder to carry around. 

Ducks are fine and do not need a decoy that is twice their size to know that it is there. It should not be super small either, but a size close to or slightly bigger than the actual duck is recommended. Also, the sizes differ depending on the species.

How Long Should Duck Decoy Lines Be?

It depends on the different kinds of decoys you may use. For example, line length for puddle-duck decoys should be four to six feet, while for diver-decoys, it should be eight to twenty feet. It also depends on the type of waters or conditions you are using them in.

Can You Mix Mallard and Wood Duck Decoys?

Yes, you can mix mallard and wood duck decoys. A spread can consist of different types of ducks, but it should not be ragtag. Some species can be put together while doing it with some will literally lead to a battle. So do your research about the ones that will work great together and look the most natural. After all, with a spread, you are trying to mimic nature.

How Heavy Should Decoy Weights Be?

Different weights are preferred for different conditions. For example, a four-ounce weight is perfect for hunting in conditions that offer a cover, such as timber or rice fields. But in open water, heavier weights of six or eight ounces are preferable as that is a larger area, and the conditions could be harsher.

How Do You Restore Duck Decoys?

Experts usually drill holes in the decoy area that contains water and hang them upside down to dry, after which they seal the holes with some sort of strong glue like an epoxy sealant.

If the decoys are in need of cleaning, it is recommended that you wash them only with water, not soap, as it has chemicals that make their color fade and look unnatural. However, you can use products such as Armor All for colorful areas such as a mallard’s head. 

For touch-ups, there are paint kits available with the right colors and instructions.

How Do You Tie Weights to Duck Decoys?

People usually tie weights using different rigging lines of varying lengths, depending on the type of waters they may be hunting in. The most common ones are nylon or PVC lines and lead weights, which are tied to the decoy using slipknots. For added strength, a simple overhand knot is added on both ends of the line before tying the slipknots.

How Long Do Decoys Last?

The answer to this question depends on the use and care of them. When cared for properly, a quality decoy can last many years, although wear and tear are inevitable in the field. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and of course battery alternation in the more mechanical models will help your decoys last. Also, choosing one made with the most durable materials for your circumstance will aid in its longevity.  

Why Does Keel Matter?

A keel helps them to ride smoothly and realistically in waters. Some are weighted for use in more rough waters, and others take into account where the weight sits for the most accurate movement of the bird. This is generally also where the line is attached if your model is more old school.

What Are Other Uses For Decoys?

Other than attracting ducks to your waters, a duck decoy has many other uses. The classic models can be a type of decor or collector's item when not in traditional use. Different types of bird decoys can be used to either attract or repel types of fowl depending on their natural relationships. They can also function as a type of scarecrow for the water on your property, causing their typical prey to scatter.

There are some simple, yet very effective, ways to carry all of those duck decoys you'll need when hunting. Where you are hunting and type and size of your decoys will help determine the best method to use to transport them.

What most duck hunters do is use some type of "case" which is carried. By "case," we're not talking about some heavy duty piece of luggage. On the market are many different types of mesh carrying bags -- different styles -- different sizes -- different manufacturers. These mesh bags have elastic tie-down straps which can be tightened to the right torque for carrying, depending on how many decoys you've got. Most of these mesh bags have two backpack type straps which means a hunter can put them on his/her back, and keep hands free for carrying other equipment, like a shotgun. And, depending on the size of the decoys and the bag, you can fit anywhere from six to maybe 20 decoys in a bag.

The nice thing about decoy bags is that you can separate specific decoys for specific species -- mallards, wood ducks, bluebills -- whatever. So it's easy to organize things. You can also determine which bag will hold solid decoys, roll ups, magnums, or regular size. And, don't kid yourself -- all of this "organization" makes things a lot easier --before and after the hunt. Beforehand, you're anxious, you're in a hurry to get set up and hunt -- you don't want to play around. Having specific decoys and/or sizes in distinct and separated bags will help you get the decoys set up far more quickly and easily.

No searching. No muttering to yourself, and no glares from others in your party. And then when you're done hunting, you're tired, you're cold, you're hungry -- and you want to get out of there as soon as possible. So you pick up your decoys and again organize them so you're all set for the next hunt, without a lot of sorting and all of that wasted-time-and-effort stuff. The mesh bags allow the water to drain; and just make sure, when you retrieve your decoys, that you at least clean off of any sludge or algae and other plant residue before putting them in the bag.

The decoy mesh bags are not real expensive -- indeed, there are manufacturers and retailers who will often provide a "free" mesh bag when you purchase a decoy -- but they may not be exactly what you need. Just remember: "Free is good," but you'll still want to have enough bags to insure that you're well organized and that the decoys will "fit" properly.

Now here's a real good money saving tip from guide Phil Schweik, for those of us who prefer to save EVERY dime we can! Phil's super-talented wife, Rhonda (one of the greatest hunters and anglers we've ever known) simply takes a burlap bag, affixes some straps, and sews it to proper dimensions and accessibility. Phil says they work beautifully, and are both strong and light. Cost? A trip to a local grocer or farmers market for some FREE potato burlap bags, and a few shekels for strapping materials. Happy hunting and decoy "schlepping."

Proper Duck Decoy Placement

One of the key tools for hunting ducks is proper decoy placement. Proper blind placement is necessary. Proper DECOY placement is imperative!

The very first thing that an experienced duck hunter considers is wind direction. Like an airplane, ducks land or take off into the wind. You will want to set up your decoys in a pattern that is conducive to forcing the ducks to land into the wind towards where you are in your blind; and that it is set up so that they're coming directly towards you into shooting range. This type of set-up, when executed properly, will provide the very best shot possibility you can have.

There are several different tried and tested "patterns" that duck hunters use when setting out decoys. There's a J-Hook pattern, a V pattern, several different types of flock patterns, and a pocket pattern. The hoped-for result when using any decoy pattern is to insure that the ducks, when landing, will do so in the open pockets or slots between your decoys. And, typically, the ducks are gong to land like on a runway on an airfield. You want to set up the decoys far enough away so that ducks come over them and land in the slots between them. That also means you want to make sure that when the ducks are landing they're within optimum shooting range from your blind. All decoys are set up to insure that the ducks will land where you want them to -- near enough to your blind for a perfect shot, if possible.

One of guide Phil Schweik's favorite decoys (he says it works unfailingly) is called a Mojo Duck (no one is specifically endorsing any brand here -- there are a number of similar decoys to the Mojo Duck and it is cited as just one example, as it is well known). Unlike decoys that float in the water, the Mojo Duck is elevated on a stake, and is battery operated. It's wings spin around and around, and look like a duck landing, or like a duck fluttering its wings as they often do on the surface of water.

wElevated decoys like the Mojo Duck are very lifelike and really do increase the percentage of a successful hunt. They are very visually attractive to ducks. And while floating decoys may blend in to the water because of lighting conditions, Mojo Duck type decoys stand out, because there's movement, and this is also good because it takes the ducks' focus off of your blind and you, and directs it to the decoy. And yes, Mojo Duck decoys can be somewhat expensive. What some hunting buddies or clubs do is pool resources and "group buy." That's good for everyone and no one is hurt by a big expense.

Now, if this all sounds complex, don't be frightened away by it. Duck hunting is a wonderful, fun sport. And don't worry about seeing all of those "fancy Dans" with their custom-made shotguns and their expensive boots and clothing, talking about their next country club get-together. You can do just as well -- even better -- just by using good, basic equipment, and "listening to your elders" -- in this case experienced duck hunters. Go out. Learn. Miss a few, and go from there. Sooner than later, YOU'LL be the one that will be the "elder" others are listening to.

The Proper Use of Duck Decoys

According to guide Phil Schweik, duck hunting is not usually a sport for the uninitiated hunter. Yes, someone can go out and puddle jump ducks and get their share, but to be consistent in getting flowage, reservoir, or big, open-water ducks, you've got to be proficient in a number of techniques, including "calling," decoy location, and concealment. We'll be discussing each subject in separate articles. Today we're going to talk about the proper use of duck calling.

Duck calling requires proper "technique" and knowledge. No one should sit and aimlessly "babble" with calls, and expect ducks to come in. Ducks are used to hearing other ducks! So if you expect that ducks will come in if you do some squawking with any type of call, you're going to be sorely disappointed.

There are any number of different types of calls. Ducks are always at different distances -- they're flying by, they're far out, they're coming in. Nothing is static. When you have ducks that fly by you, and they have seen your decoys, that is the time to use an "attractant" call, or a feeding-type call. If they've landed on the water, outside your decoys or gun range, you may want to use a feeding call or "come-on-over-all-your-buddies-are-here" type call. All calls are different. Different sounds, different calls for different species... mallards, pintails, wood ducks – whatever. They're all different, and there is never any set scenario to follow. You need to get "educated." There are three ways to do that:

• Get a video/DVD/CD and watch it. There are companies and individuals who deal in these things, and you can watch and watch and watch again, and then do some practicing, until you get the hang of it.
   
• You can physically get out with someone who knows what they're doing, and who will teach you what to do. It takes more than one "lesson." Patience is needed. You're not going to become an expert caller after one outing.
   
• Phil Schweik's favorite is to simply listen to the ducks and imitate their sounds. That can take years to master.
   
• Best suggestion is to use the three methods in conjunction with other. It'll take time, but it'll be worth it.

Schweik says the most common mistake is that hunters call too much. Once you make that first call the ducks know where you are, as they will surely hear you. Keep squawking and they're going to fly right by. Make one or two calls and then hunker down and wait. Ducks may fly by even up to a mile from where you are, and you start swearing to yourself about missing them – and then, voila - -suddenly they bank and come back.

They may make two or three passes and then decide to land. If the ducks fly by and seem interested, but don't land, that's the time to make a subtle, quiet call -- like a feeding call or a "coaxing" call telling them to join their buddies (the decoys). What happens often, is that as the season progresses, the ducks become more and more cautious, and they will make numerous passes to determine whether it's safe to land. Once they feel safe, cup their wings, and get ready to land, they'll float right in, and that's the time you jump up and shout: "Take 'em!" Phil Schweik prefers shooting while the ducks are still in the air, as he deems this method "more sporting." Some hunters will fire when the ducks land.

It must be said that no matter how hard you work, or how good you are, things don't always work out. Sometimes the ducks will simply not land, or will fly by with impunity. Just chalk it up to experience, and wait for the next group. Be happy to know that there's always a "next group."