I'll leave them in the box till I get to my lodge in Saskatchewan so they will pack easy. A small knot of bluebills off to one side or a cluster of four or five drake pintails not only accomplishes this air of distinction, but these species' predominantly white coloration makes your spread highly visible. Coots are a confidence builder. “Late season, we add lots of coot decoys to our spread, putting them on the outside edges with our decoys within 25 yards of boat, giving the ducks a good landing spot. 12" from bill to tail and have flat bottom to move in the slightest breeze. Keep in mind that the longline must remain perfectly straight for the spread to work effectively, and decoys should be spaced just 4 to 5 feet apart to prevent ducks from landing in gaps short of the kill hole. Your mallards look different, your 'cans look different, and your Canadas, they look different, too. Coots, however, are a confidence decoy for many ducks. Decoys carvers primarily from eastern Carolina (one of the nations carving "hot spots") Department . Foam duck decoy: The foam decoys are effective because they float easily and are lightweight, making them easy to transport to the hunting site. Whether … What Dirty Harry was spotlighting was the importance of noting the situation, evaluating the situation, and only then, reacting to that specific situation in a manner applicable to those unique circumstances. Bring more ducks and coots: Coots and ducks rarely travel alone, and the decoy is enough to trick more coots to come to the area. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! We’ll string the decoys out from there to lead the birds into the landing zone.” Ducks typically land facing into the wind, so put decoys downwind of the blind or leave a zone where birds can land into the wind. Customer Review. But, looking back at past hunts I should’ve realized coots are like black gold. GHG Coot duck decoys. Yet, most people don’t use them as decoys. Taking a red paint we added color to the center of the eyes and then a small patch at the top of the bill where it meets the front of its head. Widgeon love coots! The same Steve Sutton who religiously clips his smew and Labrador duck decoys to the main lines fashions his fakes from wood, cork, and old crab floats. First, use a piece of sand paper or a wire brush to get rid of any dirt or debris. They just throw them out and hope. The problem with even today's ultra-realistic decoys is they lack movement. First, there aren't many men brave enough to deploy an all-coot spread, and as such, all-coot spreads are few and far between. Think about repositioning the decoys in loose pairs that don’t sit in any specific pattern. I'll give them a try there and if they hold up well I'll buy some more for Arkansas. They measure approx. Whenever possible, set up spreads so incoming birds must look into the rising or setting sun behind the hiding sportsmen. A solution for enticing most guarded of waterfowl to commit to your hunting set-up, this 6 pack of lightweight, packable, and affordable coot decoys feature Higdon's deep realistic carving techniques that highlight each individual feather. Coot decoys can assist you in your hunting in a few different ways. I know I didn’t think to use them until recently. 1-16 of 103 results for "coot decoys" Skip to main search results Eligible for Free Shipping. Try mixing your decoy spread up a bit. Split Groups w/Coot & Bluebill. Along with coots I like to use decoys most other hunter never use, such as shovelers, gadwalls, pin tails and so on. And now, the arrangement itself. Free Shipping by Amazon. After swimming submerged and feeding on the bottom, birds at the rear … But, looking back at past hunts I should’ve realized coots are like black gold. When the time comes to pack up, the line will neatly retract into the enclosed spool almost instantaneously- no more wet hands, no more tangled lines. NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION It happens just … On numerous occasions we’ve had coots move in and sit among our decoys and it never fails, within minutes other ducks feel confident and fly in. Species and sex? Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Sports & Outdoors; Hunting Decoys; Hunting Decoy Accessories; See All 2 Departments. These decoys when used with you diver rigs make the spread look more natural. I look at coot decoys and their role in the waterfowler's arsenal in three ways. Matt goes over why he likes to run coot decoys in his duck spread while out hunting. Six widgeon, sprig, grey ducks, or spoonbills in your blocks separate your rig from the countless all-mallard rigs that birds have encountered throughout the season. Moulded from original world-class carvings and painted with high detail. This duck decoy spread splits up the decoys into 2 species groups, which is sometimes attractive to ducks. There's a pile of good eats down here!" Thus, the so-called good ducks don't encounter such rigs often and theoretically won't hesitate to decoy. Use some puddle ducks in a feeding mass to one side or some widgeons or spoons on the side or up in the bend of your U or J rig. Here’s why… Coots are a confidence builder. It's like Steve Sutton, an avid sea-ducker from Washington State who includes a European smew and an extinct Labrador duck in his scoter spread, told me. It shows mallards on one side of the landing area and coots and/or bluebills on the other. Whenever coots are in the area you're hunting, you might want to consider setting at least a dozen coot decoys out to the side of your duck decoys. But, we weren’t done just yet. After that was done we put a small piece of masking tape across the front of the bill so a small section remains black. I look at coot decoys and their role in the waterfowler's arsenal in three ways. A pull of the string sets the whole knot to thrashing as if to say, "Hey! By placing one or two of these decoys about 50 to 100 yards away from your waterfowl decoys, … They come packed tight but took there shape back easy. A common problem is that the decoy spread is not a spread at all, but more of a knot. Don’t ask me why. What you would do is simply eliminate the decoys that are on the shore across from the hunters and have an opening of the “U” be out into the water about 40 yards. Sometimes you may want to place several small groups of decoys closely … It stands out, and that's what you want it to do. And, voila! Of course this is just some general guidance. Diving ducks are species that actively dive underwater to feed, which include canvasback, bluebill, redhead, goldeneye, or bufflehead ducks. 4 Stars & Up & Up; 3 Stars & Up & Up; 2 Stars & Up & Up; 1 Star & Up & Up; … Higdon is the industry leader in foam filled decoys, and these Standard foam filled Coots are bulletproof. Coming from a World Champion and the Champion of Champions"¦well, that says a whole lot about jerk cords. Here’s why…. I'm with Buck on this one, regardless of what or where I'm gunning. 12" COOT (PLASTIC) - 10 PIECES. Clipping three or four coot decoys to a single jerk cord looks about as natural as any illusion you can create with decoys. (Illustration by Peter Sucheski) Diving ducks tend to decoy to the head of a rig because of the way they feed. Adding coot decoys on the fringe of your spread adds an element of realism and visual mass that can be seen at great distances from the air. A common sight on lakes and slow moving waters all over North America, these realistic duck-like Coot decoys will help your spread come to life and give you closer, cleaner shots this season. When ducks get use to seeing the same over and over and over, making a little different spread makes a world of difference. Get out there and create some breathing room. First, there aren't many men brave enough to deploy an all-coot spread, and as such, all-coot spreads are few and far between. Old Coot Decoys, smyrna. Johnson | M & J Outdoor Communications, Migration Alert: Northeast Waterfowlers Hope for Strong Finish, Migration Alert: Late Arrivals Improve Success Rates for California Hunters, There are a handful of elemental spreads that will produce under most conditions. Ordered 6 Snow Goose Full Body Decoys to check them. It's not, as Mr. Gardner says, rocket science. Coots… in Idaho they’re a dime a dozen. Skittish ducks will feel safe if they see coots. You are bidding on 3 custom made and painted Coot duck decoys. Those, plus a mallard hen creates a spread ducks can’t resist, especially widgeon. Great blue herons are among the wariest bird species in North America. Coots… in Idaho they’re a dime a dozen. And finally, there are coots and the public land waterfowler. Birds, particularly widgeon, can't seem to resist. Collector ready to move a few to make room for a few more. They are: Use to create a good spread: By using a number of decoys you can create a convincing spread to bring more game in for your hunting. Secondly, all-coot spreads can prove the ultimate in naturalism. 125 likes. These polymer decoys add realism to your decoy spread and will help you put more birds in your lap. Under most circumstances, I subscribe to what I call The Random Placement Theory of decoy rigging. It may take a few coats to make it stick and stay. Freddie Zink carves details and paints mirror images of Canadas so real, you'd have to ask which is wood and which is flesh and blood. The sun turns hunters into silhouettes and forces birds to … Decoy Spreads for Diving Ducks. When it comes to ducks and decoy spreads, perhaps the best advice is Eastwood's words. It's all about realism, and at the risk of repeating myself, it's all about giving the birds something different. I would not buy this product. So, my husband and I decided to turn our old Final Approach mallards into coots. Carloss used the lesson wisely, but added that he only has a few of the black-pained soft drink bottles in his spread. I know I didn’t think to use them until recently. It will give your spread a different feel than the all mallard rigs that the birds have been seeing lately (and getting shot at while doing so)! Select another color to get back on track. Throw a simple-to-make, inexpensive, and very portable jerk cord into the mix, and you've eliminated this problem entirely. Confidence is key for wary waterfowl and by adding some Coot decoys is a great way to entice even the most guarded of waterfowl to commit to your hunting set-up. Consequently, confidence decoys representing this species are among those most used by waterfowlers. How many times has your fancy mallard or mallard-mix rig been out-shone by 30 live coots? Every time? TRY COOTS! It's nice, too, to know that if you do encounter these non-mallards, you have those same non-mallards in your spread. You can use many species - widgeon, teal, pintails, whatever. Put out a tightly packed raft of coot decoys. Try a 6 pack to help pull ducks to your blind or snag a few boxes to really give that added boost over your fellow hunters this season. 125 likes. Herons, Egrets and Cranes. I'll never forget the day Buck Gardner-NOTE: Buck, in case you've lived under a rock for the past 40 years, has made his living and his reputation crafting and blowing duck calls-told me in no uncertain terms, "If I had to choose between a duck call and a jerk cord, I'd choose a jerk cord 100 percent of the time." A good share of hunters anymore don't even make a spread. To get more shots at ducks, try deploying coot decoy spreads that include a few pairs of duck decoys. After all, I hunt so as to relax. Standing in front of my blind for the day, and taking into consideration the wind direction, I randomly pitch decoys until they're gone, minding not to throw any more than 30 or so yards from my hide. Received them yesterday and I'm happy enough with them that I ordered 7 more boxes today. However, you can still use this duck decoy spread even if the body of water is larger. Second, all-coot spreads are extremely natural in appearance. When I've done it, I've set 20 to 25 coot decoys in a ti… Eastern Washington's Ben Holten, a wonderful young man and talented taxidermist, hunts over self-worked stuffer Canadas. When I've done it, I've set 20 to 25 coot decoys in a tight-feeding mass, with a minimum of two pair of those tethered to jerk cords. by M.D. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. STD 24 Standard Weighted Keel Coot The Sport-Plast Coot is the perfect decoy for those who love to hunt diver ducks. Bluebill and redhead decoys are used to fill in most of the rest of the spread, while some hunters also use other diving duck or mallard decoys … I look at coot decoys and their role in three different lights. No one rig and its variables of numbers, placement, movement, type, species, sex or any of a dozen other factors, works all the time; however, there are a handful of elemental spreads that will produce under most conditions, coast to coast. Use coot decoys for ducks. I mean, who isn't going to give a wide berth to the man who arrives at the ramp with a bag full of coot blocks over his shoulder? Duck Decoys; Magazines; Pins & Patches; Shell Boxes; Signs; Tins; Vintage Gun Parts; Vintage Licenses; Vintage Traps; Other; Other; Exercise & Fitness; Indoor Games; Outdoor Sports; Team Sports; Tennis & Racquet Sports; Water Sports; Winter Sports; Other; Wholesale Lots; Swimming; Running; Musical Instruments; Dietary Supplements and Nutrition ; Jim Slack Vintage Wooden Duck Decoy … After a few coats on the bill they really started to look like coots. Over-sized for maximum visibility in the water. Finally, add a couple of clear coats of flat spray. COOTS ARE A GREAT CONFIDENCE DECOY. First, there aren’t many men brave enough to gun over an all-coot spread, and as such, all-coot spreads are few and far between. No, sir, but with enough consistency as to qualify them as Old Standbys. And, let me know if you have any luck. You have an inexpensive coot spread that doesn’t look like other hunters and will surely give ducks the confidence needed to decoy in. Then we painted the bill with a vanilla color. The Ultimate Small-Water Coot Rig This spread has been deadly for me. In the marshes of Southeast Louisiana a body of Coot means two things to neighboring waterfowl: food and shelter. Adding coot decoys on the fringe of your spread adds an element of realism and visual mass that can be seen at great distances From the air. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Coot. Happy hunting! So, it's nice to pair your mallards, pintails or widgeon decoys with a group of coots … Collector ready to move a few to make room for a few more. And finally, there are coots and the public land waterfowler. Then, paint them with a flat black spray paint and let them dry. Add some confidence to your spread this upcoming season. Leaving the 4-6 feet in between decoys should be a big enough space that if ducks decide to land further into your spread they should still have room. Add more realism and visual mass on the edges of your duck spread with Higdon Outdoors Standard Coot Duck Decoys. Decoys carvers primarily from eastern Carolina (one of the nations carving "hot spots") ADD THESE COOTS TO YOUR DECOY SPREAD AND MAKE ANY WATERFOWL CONFIDENT ABOUT LANDING IN YOUR SPREAD. How Can You Use Coot Decoys Effectively In Hunting? Avg. Add more realism to your duck spread with this set of true-to-life Coot Decoys from Hard Core Decoys®. A pull of the string sets the whole knot to thrashing as if to say, "Hey! When hunters set up in the dark, they often end up with a tight, unnatural look. Clint Eastwood said these words in his movie, Heartbreak Ridge, as he attempted to ready his raw recruits for the rigors of combat. Ducks often steal bits of vegetation that coots bring up from the bottom. All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. The heads are new original Herters coot heads with custom paint. Old Coot Decoys, smyrna. A unique "possibly occurring or secondary" species within your duck spread serves a couple purposes. Making your own decoys, like including a unique species in your spread, accomplishes one goal when the blocks are put into the field-it makes your spread different than all the rest. The lighweight keels make movement as real s it gets. "If," he said with a laugh, "a smew happens by, I want to know that I've got at least one smew decoy out there.". I run a little bit of everything in terms of species, including widgeon, gadwall, shovelers, ringnecks and three subspecies of teal, as well as the obligatory mallards and pintails. How many times has your fancy mallard or mallard-mix rig been out-shone by 30 live coots? A weighted keel can be added for stability in rough water. As for gender, mine's a 50/50 mix of drakes to hens, give or take; however, I will use drake spoonbills and sprig because the white does show at a distance. Never hunted with Coot Decoys before? Second, all-coot spreads are extremely natural in appearance. Thus, the so-called good ducks don't encounter such rigs often and theoretically won't hesitate to decoy. How many times has your fancy mallard or mallard-mix rig been out-shone by 30 live coots? Coot Spread. These are made of polystyrene foam and are unsinkable even when hit by stray shot. These decoys measure 11-1/2" from breast to tail and because sexes are alike all 1 dozen decoys … Then I go back to the blind, give the dog a Little Debbie Snack Cake, pour a cup of coffee and settle down to wait. Second, all-coot spreads are extremely natural in appearance. My personal favorite rig for puddlers? This way you still create a funneling effect but you will simply not be utilizing the entire width of the river. Canvasback drake decoys are often used in greater numbers because the bright pop of their white body is eye-catching from a distance. And, late in the season most ducks have been shot at so many times they’re leary of the typical mallard spread. I've used a small bunch of coot decoys just insidethe teal and mallards for years. 8. This also makes them rough enough for the paint to stick. Yet, most people don’t use them as decoys. Then by leaving a larger, more defined, opening in your spread you will be providing the ducks a clear spot that they can comfortably land. Well, in most cases, I'm walking into my hunting area, so my rig is small in number - a dozen, perhaps 18 at the most. The Spread-Setter will allow hunters to deploy decoys in water depths from as shallow as 6 inches, to as deep as 15 feet.
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