If you are in the market for a motion decoy, there are a couple questions you need to ask yourself before going out and buying the first decoy you see.
1. Can You Afford the Decoy?
2. Do You Need Movement in Your Decoy Spread?
3. If Yes, What Type of Motion Decoy Would Benefit You the Most?
4. Do You Need a Splasher, Feeder or Spinner?
A splasher is when the decoy’s main objective is to move and splash water. A splasher is best used in the timber or on a very calm day and should only be used when ducks are not looking at the decoy spread directly. The sudden or constant movement could cause the ducks to flair.
A feeder is simply a jerk cord. You are able to build your own jerk cord or buy one. One is able to use a butt or a feeder decoy to create movement in the water. A feeder is to mimic the movement of a feeding duck, but also create ripples in the water. A feeder should be used the same way as a splasher.
A spinner is a decoy raised, on a post, above the ground or water and rotates its wings. The best part about a spinner is that it is very versatile. You are able to use it on a field or water hunt. A spinners main objective is to attract birds from a far distance. The spinner decoy can be running constantly or briefly.
If you are looking to buy your first motion decoy I recommend getting a spinner. The reason I would get a spinner is because of the versatility. As a collegiate hunter, I try to get the most out of my money. By having a spinner, you are able to use it practically on every hunt you go on compared to the others that can only be used on water.
Personally, I recommend the Lucky Duck HD because of the benefits it has to offer. The Lucky Duck HD is very durable against the day to day hunting conditions. The best part about the decoy is its receivers and remotes. The remote comes in handy when you want to change up your game plan or have to make a split-second decision to turn off the decoy. Also, in the future, if you plan on getting another Lucky Duck HD, you can use one remote to run all other HD’s. The decoy is also very easy to assemble, charge, carry, and lightweight!
Derek Christians is a Lead Midwest Campus Waterfowl Rep attending South Dakota State University. Follow Campus Waterfowl on Instagram!
