Spinning Wing Decoys

[Wtrfwlr]

Many people have now had the chance to use these over the past few seasons, often with good results. How have spinning wing decoys worked for you this season? Is anyone noticing birds spooking or avoiding spreads with them? How about water vs. land, are birds reacting differently? Would like to hear some input. Thanks - Glen.

[Brett Neffendorf]

Well I have used them in several hunts with guys that bring them along. Most of the time they seem to work awesome but other times they just add unrealistic images to the birds. You have to read the birds and work with what they want. If it seems to be spookin em, jerk the thing out of there. You have to experiment with them its tough to know when its doing bad and when its doing good.

[Mallyard]

I hunted with one early this season and the ducks absoulutly loved it but as the season progressed and the public wetlands that I was hunting had more pressure with the mojo ducks. They got wise so we stoped the wings and let it just sit and look like a hovering duck. It worked good. I think that a motion decoy that splashes the water will work a whole lot better than a mojo nest year. Too much equipment to haul these days.. when I was a kid my dad and I would haul 1 doz. flambaeu mallard mags and he'd kill ducks .... not no more.

Mallyard

[Bill Cooksey]

Glen,

I can't say much about their performance this year as I have not hunted over them. This is just my way of making a silent protest. I personally feel that they have had a very negative impact on ducks over the last four years.

Nope, I'm not a biologist, and I don't have a bunch of studies to back it up. But, I've been hunting ducks for over thirty years, and the most significant changes in duck habits have occured since their introduction.

I have also witnessed the absolutely deadly effect they have on young ducks in the breeding grounds. I'm not against all things new, but I am against those that are a long term detriment to the sport I love above all others.

The flash of a spinning wing decoy does something to ducks (especially young ducks) that no other device (including bait and live decoys)has ever done.

Again, just my personal opinion based on personal observations. I would be very proud, and it would be a great PR move, if waterfowlers would police themselves and get these devices out of the field.

Bill Cooksey

[JEDJR]

I think you can really kill alot of ducks with them early in the season, but later as the ducks wise up, I think they hurt you more than help you.I bought one the first year they came out and have not used it in 2 years, even though I mostly goose hunt on my lease, I like the idea that I am the only guy in my close area, that does not have one. And I agree with Bill on the fact that it has messed with the ducks habits in the last 4 years, I agree with that totally!!

[LndShrk]

Yes they work they work well. Ducks do wise up to them after a while and they are no longer effective. Try flagging for ducks. It works as well.

[Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis]

I think that they don't work that well , but some people think they are great. It is really a sore subject over at the California Forum at the Refuge

WW

[Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis]

Well Dick,

You said it all!

WW

[J Kryspin]

Funny thing. All these people talk about spinners flaring birds. I must have the magic one. Never have ducks flared from it. Never have I taken 50 yard pass shots.

I dont know what it is. I guess I'm lucky....being able to call also helps greatly!

[Bill Cooksey]

Guys,

This is where everyone is missing the point. The farther south in the flyway you move, the worse your results with the spinning wing decoys. The majority of birds will pull up well before entering shooting range.

We are hunting only old ducks down here. Even in Ohio, many of the younger birds are never making it down to you. You have to experience birds in Canada bombing into a spread that, without the spinner, would have never attracted them.

Most of them are young birds. There is no doubt that a lot of young ducks are being killed that would have made it through in the past. I promise you that I do not have a problem with other folks killing ducks, but this thing has changed the dynamic of the duck harvest.

I am very impressed with how well the hunters up north have kept their mouths shut. Heck of a deal, the guys farther down the flyway aren't against the spinners because they feel it's lost it's effectiveness while the guys up north are smiling and shaking their heads.

Again, it's not about who is killing ducks. I make my living based upon a lot of folks enjoying their days in the field, but the resource is more important. I want my son to have a reason to go to the blind (other than to watch the sunrise). When a single device changes the dynamic of the harvest in a way that no one can predict, or take into account, something has to give.

To demonstrate how strongly I feel, if I had to pick the lesser of two evils, I would rather baiting be legalized and the spinners be dumped. At least baiting takes a little effort, and doesn't focus the harvest specifically on one age group.

Bill Cooksey