5-6 dozen diver spread?

[A Grant]

What decoys would you get for this size diver spread? With the new divers coming out there are more choices.

I have a dozen Real image bluebills and six ringnecks, but plan on getting 4-5 dozen more diver decoys. I also have a couple redbreasted mergansers and an unpainted hooded, but they are just to spice things up. I really don't specifically target divers, but put them off to one side since a few usually show up, however I might build up a big enough spread to head a little farther north to take a crack at them.

[Mike Carter]

IMO you should definitely add another dozen bluebills and a dozen of the OS canvasbacks - I got a dozen Cans last year and it is amazing how visible and realistic they are. Also, if there are any buffleheads in your area - I'd get a half dozen and set them just off to the side of your main spread - it should really suck them in. Good luck:D

[Rick Frisch]

I would get an assortment of divers with most of them being the primary species that you are going to target. The O/S canvasbacks, redheads, and goldeneyes can't hurt your spread.

Thanks,

[beretta man]

Depends on how big a body of water you are hunting and how many birds use the area. When we hunt inland lakes we normally gun over 4-5 dozen. When we hunt Lake Michigan, we double or triple that number. Like it was stated add at least a dozen bills and split the rest up among Cans, Goldeneyes and Buffleheads. The more white the better.

[Greg Owens]

I agree with what has been stated above. Get a good mix of all of the diver decoys that we make. This will give you the best visibility in your spread as well as the most realistic looking spread.

Greg

[Brett Beinke]

About everything decoys into bluebills. We run mostly bluebills however, the visibility of more white really helps out a spread. Ovesized Cans and Goldeneyes are really nice for adding white to the spread. If you hunt in areas with a lot of redheads, those oversized redheads really work well for finishing them. We also run into a lot of buff's so I can't wait to add some of them into the spread as well.

[Adam Reid]

I ran about 2-3 doz bluebills and 2 doz mallard/widgeon mix last year, I shot most of my mallards over the bluebill decoys. Their visibility is awesome, add a dozen canvasbacks and you will draw them in from amazing distances. I am going up to a mix of 4-5 doz divers this year, GHG has some great new additions for the fall! I can't wait.

[Paul Cupka]

I agree with everyone else for the most part, but I would have some Coots to throw in as well!
2 doz. OS (or Life-Sized to save a little $) Bluebills, 1 1/2 doz. OS Canvasbacks, 1/2 doz. OS Buffleheads, 1/2 doz. OS Redheads, and 1/2 doz. Coots. That should be pretty a pretty solid rig to start with. I'd add more white such as Goldens along with BB's and Cans to it as you can. Thanks for choosing GreenHead Gear Decoys to fuel your obsession. Let us know about your success!

[vah2ofowler22]

I am with CUP (see i spelled it right this time) You just gotta add coots. Around here we get alot of coots mixed in with divers. Plus on slow days they can be fun to shoot. However 90% we let them play in the decoys.

[Cody Frazier]

In my neck of the woods you see more coots than anything. I would say coots will make up a majority of my spread this year. The species we are after always go to the nearest raft of coots. :(


This year they ain't gonna know what hit 'em.

[jamie w]

I would run 5 dozen bluebills. Then I switch out one dozen other decoys. It has always worked for me in many different bodies of water. I add a dozen redheads or cans mid season and switch to a dozen male goldeneyes in the late season. Don't forget the goose floaters. The more the better off to the side. They are great for initial attraction and birds can see them for miles. Bunch them up in some areas and spread them out in others. Also use long lines. It will save you a ton of work and time.

[Goldeneyebuster]

i got for about 3 doz. bluebills and a dozen cans and a dozen buffies , but thats taylored to the location i hunt so it would be different for most people , my usual spread consisits of 6 doz bluebills , 2 doz, bufffies , 1 dozen goldens, and 1 doz, cans , and 1 doz . redheads

[Wayne Radcliffe]

I would go with 3 dozen Bluebills, 1 dozen Cans, 1 dozen Redheads, 1/2 dozen Goldeneyes and a 1/2 dozen Buffleheads. I think this kind of spread will cover your needs.

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Go with a majority of bluebills. Divers will decoy well into JUST them. But, throw in 6 packs here and there to make your spread different. Want to pound the redheads? Add a dozen coot!
Mark

[Diver Man]

In my diver spread I use 3 1/2 dozen bluebills, 2 dozen on canvasbacks, 6 widgeon drakes, and I just bought some of the over-sized GHG redheads (which are very awesome) to add this year. I also throw out 1 mallard hen and 2 drake mallard swimmers just for motion and I killed several divers last year except buffleheads. I still haven't got one of those YET! Good luck with the spread!

[A Grant]

Thanks for the input. I can't wait for the new Goldeneyes and buffleheads to come out. I think I will get another dozen bluebills, a doz. canvasbacks, doz. buffles, six GE's, maybe six redheads and a few dozen coots. I can't remember ever seeing any redheads around here though.

When I lived at the coast, I used to bring home limits of buffleheads, but coastal buffies aren't the best table duck....so started to target teal instead.