Ringeck ducks Ottawa River

GOUMFACH

GOUMFACH

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Anyone know how late they hang around on the ottawa river? I was out over the weekend and had a few fly over my mallars decoys but never came close enough for a shot. I was thinking of getting a dozen ringneck decoys to throw out. I was speaking to a guy at the launch and he had a few in his boat, said he shoots lots but he was in a rush and I didn't get much info from him.
Cheers.
 
Well if you're near Hawkesbury and there's room in the boat maybe we can work something out. I dont really have any buddies willing to brave the cold weather for diver ducks
 
Joe... just buy bluebill decoys, ringnecks and other divers, such as bufflehead, goldeneye, will decoy to them just fine. You should be good right up to the end of December... as long as you still have an open launch.
 
How big were your spreads? Can you be successful with smaller spreads? Id also like to know how nice your decoys have to be for divers? I was looking at a few used ones today. Some paint faded, few scratches. I could probably touch them up over the winter but for now, do beat up decoys work or better spend a bit and buy new??
Cheers.
 
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GOUMFACH said:
How big were your spreads? Can you be successful with smaller spreads? Id also like to know how nice your decoys have to be for divers? I was looking at a few used ones today. Some paint faded, few scratches. I could probably touch them up over the winter but for now, do beat up decoys work or better spend a bit and buy new??
Cheers.
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The most I ever put out when chasing ringnecks was two dozen bluebills. That was plenty for where I hunted and that was on bigger open water. In the wild rice bay on Nipissing I hunted I ran 3-6 decoys!! Beat up decoys are fine. Ringnecks and most other divers are pretty co-operative at decoying and aren’t too fussy about the decoys they decoy too. Once season is done just touch up the white, the white draws them from a long ways off as it shows up well.
 
GOUMFACH said:
How big were your spreads? Can you be successful with smaller spreads? Id also like to know how nice your decoys have to be for divers? I was looking at a few used ones today. Some paint faded, few scratches. I could probably touch them up over the winter but for now, do beat up decoys work or better spend a bit and buy new??
Cheers.
Click to expand...

Ringnecks tend to fly in smaller flocks a respond well to small sets, a dozen is fine generally if you are targeting ringnecks... but I generally put out 2 - 4 dozen mixed divers, grouping them by species (which may not matter to the birds, but makes more sense in my OCD brain). If I am serious my late season spread would have two dozen goldeneye, a dozen bluebills and half a dozen bufflehead and half a dozen blacks. Your set make-up would depend on the local species that you have.
 
hoytcanon said:
Ringnecks tend to fly in smaller flocks a respond well to small sets, a dozen is fine generally if you are targeting ringnecks... but I generally put out 2 - 4 dozen mixed divers, grouping them by species (which may not matter to the birds, but makes more sense in my OCD brain). If I am serious my late season spread would have two dozen goldeneye, a dozen bluebills and half a dozen bufflehead and half a dozen blacks. Your set make-up would depend on the local species that you have.
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Hoyt, I love reading your posts because it reassures my that Im not all that crazy. I do the exact same thing you do. OCD is fun at times...and very frustrating other times
 
OCD sure can get in the way of a relaxing day !! I really notice it fishing, I'll spnd way more time rigging up than actually fishing, especially with my centerpins !! I'll sometimes go home frustrated that my drifts weren't perfect or I forgot a certain size leader or split shot...lol..I have to laugh at myself to stay sane
 
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hoytcanon said:
Ringnecks tend to fly in smaller flocks a respond well to small sets, a dozen is fine generally if you are targeting ringnecks... but I generally put out 2 - 4 dozen mixed divers, grouping them by species (which may not matter to the birds, but makes more sense in my OCD brain). If I am serious my late season spread would have two dozen goldeneye, a dozen bluebills and half a dozen bufflehead and half a dozen blacks. Your set make-up would depend on the local species that you have.
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1963beretta said:
Hoyt, I love reading your posts because it reassures my that Im not all that crazy. I do the exact same thing you do. OCD is fun at times...and very frustrating other times
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GOUMFACH said:
OCD sure can get in the way of a relaxing day !! I really notice it fishing, I'll spnd way more time rigging up than actually fishing, especially with my centerpins !! I'll sometimes go home frustrated that my drifts weren't perfect or I forgot a certain size leader or split shot...lol..I have to laugh at myself to stay sane
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I think in these cases there is a fine line between OCD and ATD (attention to detail). I am not OCD but even I will take the time to ensure the small details that make for a successful and or enjoyable day in the field.
 
the spank said:
I think in these cases there is a fine line between OCD and ATD (attention to detail). I am not OCD but even I will take the time to ensure the small details that make for a successful and or enjoyable day in the field.
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The difference between the two is that with ATD you "try" to make it so, with OCD you "HAVE" to make it so.
 
You guys crack me up....

As for Hoyt and beretta...... not sure on your ability to place decoys, but full confidence in your ability to clean them off!.... lol

I do identify with you guys and the spank though...... last time I set up some dekes for woodies and teals, my buddy told me to stop setting up a “duck diorama” and get to calling..... lol
 
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