HUNTING
FROM FIELD...
Adding contrasting white and black colors to your waterfowl decoy spread helps attract the attention of distant, often wary birds. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
THE CARE & FEEDING OF DECOYS HOW TO MAKE YOUR FAUX FLOCK LAST LONGER AND BE MORE PRODUCTIVE By Scott Haugen
W
aterfowl season is here; we just need some water and birds to move in. In preparation for the prime part of the season, here are some things to consider when it comes to decoy use and preparation.
DECOY CARE Duck and goose decoys have come
a long way since I first started using them in the early 1970s. With the attention to detail, anatomy and paint jobs that make decoys mimic the real thing, keeping them looking that way is important. Not only will taking proper care of your decoys extend their life, it will also attract more birds. At the end of the day, give your decoys a quick rinse of fresh water. Get saltwater, weeds, grass and seeds off the decoys
to ensure they don’t dry on the decoy, and then peel off paint when you go to pick them clean. If the decoys have mud or clay on them, use dish soap and hot water to get them clean. It’s important to get mud off the dark parts of decoys, as it can dry light in color and make it appear unnatural. For those pricey decoys with special head finishes, getting a decoy bag with individual slots will keep
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2020 California Sportsman
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