Floating decoys necessary when hunting ponds?

jlovie

jlovie

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
46   0   0
Location
Dashwood, ON. But some day on Manitoulin
I have access to a couple small ponds for goose and guck hunting this year, they aren't big, maybe an acre a piece but they are located right between a lagoon and feeding fields. I know birds land in there and walk around but I don't know if they actually light in the ponds themselves. The ponds have bush on one side, open field on the other with grass surrounding them both. I field hunt and have a couple dozen decoys but I'm wondering if I should have a half dozen or more floaters for the ponds as well? I know they can't hurt but will all things being equal, do you guys think they will help bring in more birds to the ponds?
 
In that scenario, I would put half a dozen floaters out and hunt the field side of the pond, away from the brush... unless of course the birds want to land next to the brush... in which case you should teach them a lesson.
 
Grab yourself a 6 pack of Dakota Honker floaters and toss them in. I never owned goose floaters that drew so well combined with good calling. They are a magnet to geese on water. Ducks too, ducks seem to decoy better imo to goose decoys most days over duck decoys. Why I have no idea I just know they seem to like them.
 
hoytcanon said:
In that scenario, I would put half a dozen floaters out and hunt the field side of the pond, away from the brush... unless of course the birds want to land next to the brush... in which case you should teach them a lesson.
Click to expand...

I always try to sit wherever the wind is at my back if possible. Ducks and geese like tucking in on that leeward side!
 
the spank said:
Grab yourself a 6 pack of Dakota Honker floaters and toss them in. I never owned goose floaters that drew so well combined with good calling. They are a magnet to geese on water. Ducks too, ducks seem to decoy better imo to goose decoys most days over duck decoys. Why I have no idea I just know they seem to like them.
Click to expand...

Would the Macks Prairie Wings RNT 40th Anniversary duck calls in blue be sufficient in bringing in the ducks? ;)
 
Thanks guys. There is a fallen tree on either pond that I was hoping to use as a starting point for a blind, both happen to be on the bush side. I'm hoping to do a little preseason scouting to get an idea where they like to light. Those Dakota's are nice, the only shop within driving distance to me carries Final Approach so I will make a decision before the season. I've read in a few different places that ducks love goose decoys but not vice versa. I've never got the chance to take a shot at them in the field but maybe the ponds will change that.
 
You dont say that you have a dog to retrieve the birds when they fall into the pond.
How deep is it and how big an area we talking?
The birds should land into the wind and in that case you can ambush them before they land in the water.
Rob
 
No retrieving buddy until next year but in one pond I can walk across in waders and the other I have a dingy if it's needed. I'm hoping to be able to set up so I can have a chance to knock them down before they get to the water, depending on wind but even if they do, with these ponds, it should be a relatively easy retrieve for me. The downed trees just make for an easier natural blind but I can switch things up depending on wind.
 
If no dog, try your absolute best to shoot them over the water or an open field. A duck vanishes like you won't believe if it lands in tall grass. And then you'll get frustrated and wander all over, searching for the damn thing while dozens more pitch into your setup.... I speak from decades of experience!
 
Hehehehe, memorieso f flocknockers...little mud slinging and talking about shooting waterfowl.
Floaters aren't going to hurt your setup at all. Rester decoys along the shore with a handful of floaters and you should be golden. Hide well and don't get dandy with the call.
Good luck.
 
Holy crap! I swear auto correct is trying to sabotage my posts...after reading what I posted I think I need to spend more time proof reading before hitting the submit button.

I think BD needs to post a photo of the collection and then we can call dibs on whichever one we like the best. Can't have them laying around collecting dust ��
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom