I think a lot of these realistic looking decoys capture the hunter more than the ducks. I still use some older herters decoys that don’t look amazing, but it’s enough to get them in regularly.
I think this comment is bang on! Birds don’t have the ability to reason. They aren’t flying over and thinking, hmmmm that duck down there’s feather in the right shade”. I think decoys need to be real looking BUT the ultra realism is what said, attracts the hunters more than the birds.
Personally I think the FA black ducks that are flocked are worth it. All black duck decoys I’ve used that are not flocked shine something fierce when wet.
Hunt in Wisconsin and the flocked decoys only make it out the last week or two of the season since that’s when the mallards usually show up. Bagging is definitely a must!
If it's a good flocking job, which most factory decoys aren't, mud isn't a problem. Some water and a scrub brush and they are as good as new. Flocked decoys in my experience are best in sun. It straight kills the shine you would get on plastic. I'm also biased since my whole spread is either fully flocked or cork decoys.
Permanent spreads in rice fields kills flocked decoys...that mud / water does not play around. I will not use another flocked decoy for that reason. They do look nice and if you are putting out and picking up every time and bag them carefully they can be a great asset in your arsenal.
Why non UV soap? I noticed recently looking at the higher end decoys they use UV paint because they say ducks can see UV so it helps them stand out. I haven’t looked into it heavy so I am actually asking you.
Flocked mallard floaters look good to the human eye, but it makes no difference to how they decoy. I’ve hunted over spreads of plastic, flocked and cork. Mixed in or complete spreads of either type. Ducks still worked the same. Flocked mallard floaters are made for the hunter….
I think a lot of these realistic looking decoys capture the hunter more than the ducks. I still use some older herters decoys that don’t look amazing, but it’s enough to get them in regularly.
I think this comment is bang on! Birds don’t have the ability to reason. They aren’t flying over and thinking, hmmmm that duck down there’s feather in the right shade”. I think decoys need to be real looking BUT the ultra realism is what said, attracts the hunters more than the birds.
Personally I think the FA black ducks that are flocked are worth it. All black duck decoys I’ve used that are not flocked shine something fierce when wet.
Hunt in Wisconsin and the flocked decoys only make it out the last week or two of the season since that’s when the mallards usually show up. Bagging is definitely a must!
Just listened to your new podcast. Keep it going if you can and want to. I enjoy them.
If it's a good flocking job, which most factory decoys aren't, mud isn't a problem. Some water and a scrub brush and they are as good as new. Flocked decoys in my experience are best in sun. It straight kills the shine you would get on plastic. I'm also biased since my whole spread is either fully flocked or cork decoys.
Less glossy and shiny when raining?
Mud sticks to them somethin fierce and make sure you buy a bag that won't rip the flocking off.
just put matt clear coat on them if your worried about the shine
Permanent spreads in rice fields kills flocked decoys...that mud / water does not play around. I will not use another flocked decoy for that reason. They do look nice and if you are putting out and picking up every time and bag them carefully they can be a great asset in your arsenal.
Josh how you feel about hunting in oct 25-27 in Minnesota
Last week cabelas had 12 fully flocked geese and duck combo for $200 avions
Oh I hope I didnt miss that sale.I'll check it out !!
Link?
If you hunt muddy water or swamps things like that you need to wash them after any hunt because they will stain
Have to wash your flocked decoys once in a while, use ONLY non UV soap.
Why non UV soap? I noticed recently looking at the higher end decoys they use UV paint because they say ducks can see UV so it helps them stand out. I haven’t looked into it heavy so I am actually asking you.
Flocked mallard floaters look good to the human eye, but it makes no difference to how they decoy. I’ve hunted over spreads of plastic, flocked and cork. Mixed in or complete spreads of either type. Ducks still worked the same.
Flocked mallard floaters are made for the hunter….