Log in to become a member of Joshua McNiel's Fan Club!
Duck decoys have been used by hunters for years to aid them in their hunting
expeditions. Today, they are even more popular with collectors. The
purpose of duck decoys is to lure other animals into the range of the scope so
that the hunter can shoot the ducks. In North America, the decoys have
been used for over two thousand years or more. The Smithsonian Museum in
the US houses the oldest duck decoys that have been found in the United States,
Canada, and other areas in North America.
The Native
Americans made the decoys by hand with wood that they carved into, or they would
use straw to make the duck shape. Many of the decoys that have been found
are more elaborate than others, with more colors or details. The more
elaborate the decoy's are, the higher the value will be for collectors and even
hunters. Before making a purchase, examine the decoy properly. The
earlier duck decoys from the 1880s through the 1940s had a larger amount of
detail. The eyes were also made of glass and the bodies were weighted for
the perfect amount of buoyancy.
To find duck decoys, the
best place to seek is in online auction shops on the Internet. Make sure
that you double check the seller's credentials before you commit to the
purchase. This is due to the fact that if you are paying for an antique
decoy, it could actually be a reproduction. Thrift shops and flea markets
are also valuable places for duck decoys. These locations are usually the
best spots for the nicest duck decoys. Many of the items that you find are
from estate sells that the recent owner had no control over. This is a
wonderful spot to find valuable decoys.
Even though the
materials used for manufacturing duck decoys have changed, the concept of the
body style has not changed at all. The modern decoys are just as effective
as the antique versions. When hunting in large water areas, the concept is
that the more decoys used the better your chances are. It is also
recommended that you stray away from using the same decoy each time that you go
hunting.
When you are hunting in wetland areas, to ensure
that the birds coming your way fly past your decoy, then you should set up your
duck upwind from your location. If you do not try this, then the geese and
ducks will more than likely rest on the outer edges and this will limit your
opportunities for shooting. To ensure that the ducks you are hunting will
not catch on to your trick, try to group your decoys according to their
species. This is due to the fact that birds typically tend to stay within
their own groups when they are resting.
As you have read,
duck decoys are essential for geese or duck hunters, and are well sought after
by collectors. Whether you are collecting them or simply using them for
hunting purposes, try to purchase a wide variety of styles and colors. As
they say, you do not want to have all of your ducks in one row.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
