New waterfowl hunter

[DEA]

I just picked up my 1st set(s) of duck decoys this weekend, (12)mallard hotbuy & (12)mallard lifesize. I hunt northwest arkansas and mainly see mallards so any suggestions on additional decoys to grow my spread, gadwalls or pintails? oversize or not?

Also I would like to try my hand at goose hunting. Where should I start for equipment? I already shoot a 12ga. 3 1/2" BPS Stalker, so I think the gun end is covered but now what?

Any help from you guys would be great! TKS.

[Andrew Smith]

For goose hunting the first thing I would do is start to get decoys, then scout. If you can hide and you are on the "X" with a realistic setup The geese will come in.

[Mark Brendemuehl]

DEA- AS far as duck decoys go, I like to add a little color to my spread. Pintails and even spoonies can be a great addition. Another reason I like the spoonies, is people in my area don't use them... so my spread is different, and sometimes thats all it takes. I would consider some Widgeon while you are at it!
As far as goose supplies go, I would get a blind like a powerhunter. Very light, inexpensive, well built. Find a friend to hunt with so you arent spending a fortune on decoys. That is a great way to increase your spread without spending a ton of money. I have had great hunts over as few as 6 fullbodies. You will also want a short reed goose call. Zink makes a poly carb powerclucker that sounds great. For 30 bucks its hard to beat.
There is lots of stuff you could get- start with the basics, and try and hunt with friends to spread the wealth a little!
Mark

[DEA]

Thanks for all the ideas/advice. It always helps to hear from others and their experences.

What about "flocked" decoys vs. not?

[Stoegerman]

My advise is to buy the best you can afford. I was truly lucky to have hunted at the Avery World over fully flocked dekes(35 dozen to be exact)on a bluebird day. They looked awesome. Even next to my GHG flocked heads.

[Bob "Chappy" Chaplin]

I'll agree with the spoonies, it seems no one uses them, I like them for the color also, and I would use over size, (my personal preference).
Also when it come to goose hunting, I would agree with all the above.

Good Luck,

[Brett Buss]

DEA,

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Waterfowl hunting and the Avery Message Board. I agree with all of the information that the guys have given you, and would also say... Add whatever is natural to your hunting area's and what looks Real. Avery/GreenHead Gear have done a great job of making sure whatever you add to your decoy spread is going to be as True-To-Life as we can possibly get.

Stick to the Message Boards and you will learn a ton from both New Hunters like yourself as well as from our ProStaff. Once again Welcome Aboard!

Good Luck and Good Hunting

[Andrew Smith]

Another thing to help you to blow the short reed is Honker Talk. I wouldn't touch a short reed until I got this video. It would be an excellent investment. And I forgot to welcome you to the board and also to the sport.

[Christian Curtis]

DEA,

Welcome to the message board and to waterfowl hunting. As far as decoys...If I can pass along one piece of advice...Be realistic. In todays world of "spooky" ducks, realism is the key. Do your homework by scouting and the ducks will tell you what decoys and equipment you need. For example, if you see spoonies, pintails, and mallards in your area, those are the decoys you need. IF you have any other questions, post 'em up. There are a lot of good waterfowlers that frequent this forum who would be happy to pass along information.