Tips to setting decoys.

When you set the decoys you have to pay attention to pattern, wind direction and to distance between the decoys.
Decoys have to be set with enough space between them; too tight flock is a sign of danger, not a sign of safe feeding ground. Loose spacing also makes the flock to look bigger than it actually is.

Decoy patterns

One of the most used and most effective patterns are the V- shape and the U- shape. I usually use a modification of the V and U; the bottom (landing zone) is wide like in the U and pattern spreads like in the V.
If you hunt in heavily hunted waters you should modify the patterns even a little bit. The pattern should be big enough; tight landing zone isn’t as appealing as loose landing zone.

When you set the decoys pay attention to the length of the anchor cords: if they are long you should take it into account in spacing the decoys and that the drifting with the wind doesn’t spoil your decoy pattern.

Check wind direction

Waterfowls land against the wind so you have to set your decoys so, that the ducks can land against the wind. The most ideal situation is that the wind blows from your back.

It is a good practice to check the wind direction from the weather forecast. It might be calm at morning, but the wind can increase at day and the position of the decoys might become wrong in relation to the wind.