Spinning Wing Decoys...Yay or Nay?

the spank

the spank

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It has been close to about 20 years give or take a couple since the introduction of spinning wing decoys. I can recall a lot of fuss in the beginning about how they were going to cause the demise of waterfowl in North America and many states in the U.S were quick to jump on the ban boom. Canada however allowed them in all provinces to the best of my knowledge and through ever increasing waterfowl populations it doesn't look like they have had a negative effect on waterfowl populations here in Canada or North America for that matter. So what is your opinion of spinning wing decoys?
 
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On dry fields they are the reason for much success. Over water, nothing a good spread can't do the same. I get a lot more enjoyment hunting over big water with a big spread and having them come in tight.

But over most dry corn fields a robo and goose decoys is your best friend. No issues using them then.
 
Work good. I hunt a potato field with a dozen deeks and a spinner.

I see the new Canadians on the waterfront in Delta put two or three out and no other decoys. That's stupid, but there you go. They sky bust a half hour before legal time at 70 yards too.
 
They are a game changer. Hunting dry fields with one or at most two seems to make all the difference in the world. A good spread will always help but the distance they can be seen from allows birds to alter their flight path to your spread without a doubt. I wouldn't want to hunt ducks without one now. Ironically I have seen no bigger snafu than the spinning wing goose decoys as they are a catastrophe when it comes to attracting birds.
 
I think they are another tool in the toolbox. Some days they seem to make ducks, other days they are better off left in the trailer. Key to being consistently successful chasing waterfowl is evolving and reacting to what the birds want on any given day (but I'm pretty sure you've had that figured out for a while now)
 
For me, they are a piece of technology that I do not want anything to do with. i have far too much artificiality in my life already. Don't need a robot duck to add to the mix. I kill all the ducks and geese I need with traditional decoys and mouth blown calls. Others may feel the need for more technology, but I go hunting to return to simpler times, and personal interaction with game birds and animals, not just to use the latest technology to kill stuff. I do not wish others to stop using spinning wing decoys, I just won't hunt with those people.
 
I tried one after 15 years of hunting over a big spread (60 decoys). It didn't make any difference. Big spread over water was more effective.
 
Some interesting perspectives and observations. I enjoy reading others perspectives on the different tactics and gear for waterfowling. What I have observed from my days afield with them was when first introduced they were highly effective in most situations. As time marched on and they became more common they seemed to be less effective over water but remained as they are today quite effective in field shooting. However I find they are more effective in low light situations such as daybreak or overcast skies. Once the sun is up and shining they seem to be a warning signal especially after a few weeks into the season. Early on they didn't seem to bother Geese but now they only need to be standing in the spread not even running it seems and Geese will avoid them at all costs. My last one bit the dust and I currently do not own one but they do work the majority of the time IMO.
 
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I saw an article in a scientific wildlife journal which found that there was a statistically significant increase in ducks responding to decoy spreads that had a robo-duck... and they were subsequently banned in parts of the USA.

I bought one last year, for use on those calm days when the decoys don't move a bit (I had tried a vibrating decoy that didn't work worth a damn). It did seem to attract some attention from passing birds, but I rarely use it.... I'm not one for gadgetry.
 
the spank said:
Some interesting perspectives and observations. I enjoy reading others perspectives on the different tactics and gear for waterfowling. What I have observed from my days afield with them was when first introduced they were highly effective in most situations. As time marched on and they became more common they seemed to be less effective over water but remained as they are today quite effective in field shooting. However I find they are more effective in low light situations such as daybreak or overcast skies. Once the sun is up and shining they seem to be a warning signal especially after a few weeks into the season. Early on they didn't seem to bother Geese but now they only need to be standing in the spread not even running it seems and Geese will avoid them at all costs. My last one bit the dust and I currently do not own one but they do work the majority of the time IMO.
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I agree with these points. I personally use a lucky duck and have seen how well they can work for you and how they can work against you. As mentioned, in low light situations, the motion really attracts ducks. On bright clear days, the less affective they are. I did find that my motion decoy will usually spook geese at all distances. For this reason, I purchased a remote control which really helps. When geese can be heard, the motion is stopped. I also found that cycling the motion on and off helps bring in very cautious ducks. All in all, can I hunt without a motion decoy...absolutely! But I like what it can add to a decoy spread.

On a side note, if anyone has used a motion decoy to hunt pigeons or doves, you'll know what it means to truely be a magnet. Doves and pigeons will decoy much better then any waterfowl I've seen and adding motion to a spread truely makes it unfair
 
1963beretta said:
On a side note, if anyone has used a motion decoy to hunt pigeons or doves, you'll know what it means to truely be a magnet. Doves and pigeons will decoy much better then any waterfowl I've seen and adding motion to a spread truely makes it unfair
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That is quite interesting! I like shooting pigeons. I may have to get a pigeon spinner?!
 
I shore hunt and literally watched birds skip around my decoys to head up the river to another spread with a couple robos... Haven't waterfoweld without them since. Agree with a previous post its been a game changer.
 
the spank said:
That is quite interesting! I like shooting pigeons. I may have to get a pigeon spinner?!
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They now make mojo pigeon. But I use either a mojo dove or a mojo teal as either will work. I also put out a spread of pigeons decoys which adds to the realism. You'll be amazed at how well pigeons decoy...better then ducks! They will come in on a string. I think is the motion decoys get their attention from a distance, and then the rest of the decoys lock them in
 
1963beretta said:
They now make mojo pigeon. But I use either a mojo dove or a mojo teal as either will work. I also put out a spread of pigeons decoys which adds to the realism. You'll be amazed at how well pigeons decoy...better then ducks! They will come in on a string. I think is the motion decoys get their attention from a distance, and then the rest of the decoys lock them in
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That is awesome!
 
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