The Most Underrated Decoy in Duck Hunting

Want to limit out this waterfowl season? If you are only running standard mallard decoys, you are missing a massive opportunity to pull in more birds. In this video, we break down the secret weapon every duck hunter needs in their boat: Northern Shoveler decoys.

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Commonly known as "Spoonies," these decoys offer a strategic advantage that goes far beyond just targeting a mixed bag. The #1 reason you need them in your decoy spread is color contrast. The drake Northern Shoveler features a brilliant, stark white chest and dark head that pops against the water much better than the grey hues of a mallard. This high-contrast coloration acts like a beacon, increasing the visibility of your spread from long distances and catching the eye of high-flying flocks that might otherwise pass you by.

We also discuss how adding Spoonie decoys creates a more realistic look for public land duck hunting. Pressured ducks get used to seeing perfectly symmetrical groups of mallards. By mixing in Shovelers, you add diversity and confidence to your setup, signaling safety to wary birds like pintails, wigeon, and late-season mallards. Whether you are hunting flooded timber or open marshes, this simple duck hunting tip can be the difference between a quiet morning and a full strap.

Learn the best ratios for mixing species and how to position your Shovelers for maximum impact.