Waterfowl: Add Realism to Your Decoy Set

The foundation of waterfowl success starts with your decoy spread. Here are the latest offerings that will fool wary migrators by adding realism to your set.

Avian-X AXP

The new oversize AXP full-body mallards have set the bar for field decoys. With molds created by world-champion carver Rick Johannsen, the AXPs are made from a durable rubberized material and feature a high-contrast paint scheme that makes them highly visible against the cluttered backdrop of a field. Propped atop a 17-inch stake, the decoys rotate with just a light breeze. Six-packs include four drakes in three positions and two hens in two positions. The package includes a slotted decoy bag. ($150/6; avian-x.com)

Mojo Booty Shaker

One of the surest ways to add realism to any spread is to add motion. The crew at Mojo has made a lot of money on that premise, and their newest take is the Booty Shaker—a conversion paddle that can be added to your magnetic spinning-wing Mojo Mallard decoy. A counterweight collar fits over the hub of one wing, working in conjunction with a paddle that mounts on the underside of the decoy. The counterweight causes the paddle to vibrate, creating splashing and motion on the water. ($20; mojooutdoors.com)

Flambeau Storm Front

Flocked heads on decoys have become almost compulsory, and the new Storm Front mallard dekes are more economical than most. The six-pack includes drakes in three poses: active, skimmer, and rester. Two active hens and a rester accompany the drakes. The standard-size decoys feature a keel with three anchor-tie points—in front, in the middle, and in the back—as well as an eyelet that allows for easy changes in various water depths. ($80/6; flambeauoutdoors.com)

Cabela’s Northern Flight Full Bodies

Oversized, with a vibrant paint scheme featuring extra-strength adhesion to keep them from chipping and flaking, Northern Flight decoys come in a six-pack of four drakes and two hens in upright poses, ensuring great visibility. The ring bases allow for movement but have sound-dampening elements to keep them from spooking finishing birds. ($100/6; cabelas.com)

Dakota Decoy Greenwing Teal

For teal hunters or those who just want to add variety to their big-duck spreads, these greenwing floaters provide maximum realism at a great price. Drakes are given a 24-step painting process and hens a 16-step progression, setting them apart from even more expensive blocks. Each set comes with six drakes and six hens in two body styles. ($99/12; dakotadecoy.com)

Greenhead Gear Pro-Grade Divers

GHG has added a pair of diver-duck decoys to its life-size Pro Grade lineup. The canvasback and redhead fakes are sold in packs of six, with four drakes and two hens in each. Both packs feature multiple positions: Canvasbacks come in high head, rester, and sleeper; redheads are posed as resters and sleepers only. ($70/6; greenheadgear.com)