Mixed size decoy spreads

[rembolt]

So just wondering other waterfowlers opinions on useing regular and magnum sized goose decoys together . thanks rembolt

 

[fratri]

I do that all the time, especially for geese.... never notice any poor performance because of it.... birds still come in

 

[hoytcanon]

It is a good idea to mix it up... it makes the spread more realistic.

 

[rembolt]

The reason I ask is I have 15 of the Idaho hard foam duck decoys .I was think of making a new head ( goose ) . and painting them up as geese I have magnum and standard sizes now but these 15 would be a fair bit smaller than the standard and would look minature be side the magnums . I also use silhoeuttes just looking to increase numbers with decoys I all ready have . I have 31/2 doz black duck and 2 doz mallards making the Idahos spare to the cause .

 

[sherlockbonez]

No issue with ducks or geese, field or water.

 

[Longwalker]

I do mix sizes all the time. Bigger is better, but small decoys fill in the spaces nicely.

 

[the spank]

I’ve always mixed them up. Real birds are not identical size.

 

[badgreenbird]

Mixing sizes is no issue... makes things more realistic, as others have said.

but repainting ducks into geese may not work that well. I've noticed the overall shape of the decoy does play a role, especially for wary birds. scaup (bluebill) decoys painted to goldeneye (whistler) pattern just doesn't work. Same for (general) divers to puddlers or vice versa.

A few mixed in weirdo midget goose dekes in the spread may not really matter, but would likely be just as effective left with their original duck paint. they do flock together (more often in field than water)