Decoys

Its pretty clear that amongst the really fanatical waterfowlers that the brand of decoys used makes a difference to their bag. These days all the good decoy makers are up with the play, moving away from the 'head bolt upright' models that we've had access to, to newer and better ranges of heads with various more relaxed poses, better and more realistic colours. Even so, some decoys are still better than others.

Take the new Flambeau with "U Vision". I wont comment on UV, that's for some scientists. But as long as Flambeau gives their decoys triangular shaped heads and paints the hens bums white they will not pass the truly real test in my opinion.

Market leaders by design and main choice of NZ's 'gurus' seems to be Avery's Greenhead Gear range. The top of the line and oversize ranges are very realistic in their original paint schemes and poses as far as I can see in photos. Given the strong mix of grey duck genes in the mallard population here our drakes often tend to be darker, although it must be said that as the season progresses and the birds colour up for mating the American colours do come to the fore.

Hard on their heels are the new Final Approach range. Again, great colours (dark) and realistic poses and attitudes. I think that Avery should be worried here in NZ (if they care) because FA is backed by the Hunting & Fishing group, whereas Avery choose to distribute via a retailer with no wholesale reps on the road. Just my opinion, but I think we'll see far more FA decoys around than GHG in a few years.

Most of our original plastic dekes were the fine Italian made Carrylites. Obviously production has now moved to China or Taepei or someplace like that. Their latest hen is fine, but the drake is not going to cut it against the better designs of GHG and FA. Looks like a rugby ball with a head stuck on it. They will work early season for sure but.... anyhow, the old Carrylites were almost indestructable and I really liked the Super Magnums, although again the drake had some pose problems.....

And a new contender - the colours of the new range of Higdons look very realistic. While not offering the same range of head poses as FA & GHG, they pretty much have it sorted. They offer foam filled dekes too - so they can survive the old stray shot or rat chewing. They've even thought through the drake tail curl getting stuck in the decoy bag mesh issue. Nice. Colour maybe too light but that could be worked on.

Manufacturers also produce budget ranges. Last year I saw alot of GHG 'Hot Buy' decoys on TradeMe for pretty decent prices. Take a closer look though, and you can see that while pretty sweet, they aren't of the same standard as the top of the line ranges.

I'll put up some flocked headed decoys later... they are the bomb (drakes are at least).