Mid Season

DUCKS OVER WATER

Now that the birds are well on their way south, it’s finally time to bust out those big floater rigs! Whether you’re hunting big water, streams, ponds, or sloughs, a mallard has a hard time passing up a big group of ducks on the water. If you can get 5–10 dozen floaters into any body of water, you’re likely to pull large flocks and put them right where you want them. This is also an excellent time of year to add wigeon floaters to your spread for increased contrast and realism. Be sure to spread your decoys out to make your spread look even bigger! As long as you leave a good landing area where you want the birds to finish, mallards will typically overfly your outlying decoys to get into the middle of the action. 

The masses of greater Canada geese are finally here. It’s time for big pushes of geese and big spreads to bring them in. 20–30 dozen silhouette-heavy spreads set in organic, natural shapes are often what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to leave big alleys for these big birds to fly up, along with escape routes to keep these 747s comfortable, as they typically avoid flying directly over large groups of decoys. Be sure to keep their eyes off of you, and if possible, look for crosswind setups to avoid being spotted!

Honkers have a hard time passing up a relaxing day at the spa! With a couple dozen floaters and a silhouette spread starting in the shallow water and working up to a large resting or sleeping group on land, there are few geese that are willing to turn down a good nap. Don’t overcall these birds either. Once they’re headed your way, a few clucks and moans should be plenty to put them right where you want them.

Rodeo season is upon us, and it’s time to wrangle these lessers into close-quarters action! Big spreads of silos and socks are the name of the game when it comes to these loud-mouthed lessers. They’re always trying to get a piece of the action, so they’re aiming for any small open pocket right in the middle of the largest group of decoys. Large blobs or crescent-shaped spreads are frequently the most effective. Moderate to heavy calling is typically required, and flagging can enhance your realism and help get those birds to make those last turns on the corners, and center them up right in your face. Using tall socks to hide under can provide some of the most exhilarating waterfowling experiences out there!