what kind of decoys should be used for field hunting mallards? spreads? thanks

[enticermallardslayer]

just curious as to what you guys think on the use of decoys and different blinds and spreads. I plan to hunt in southern MN. any good suggestions?
thanks guys.
jordan

[Christian Curtis]

Jordan,

This is a question that would take an entire book to answer. If you could be a little more specific as to the type of area you will be hunting we would be more than happy to give you our opinions.

Christian

[enticermallardslayer]

ok, I plan to hunt corn fields that surround SWAN LAKE area. if you know minnesota you know that hundreds of people go hunting on this lake. I became a little wiser and thought ****, why dont I hunt them before they even get to the lake? makes sense to me... all these fields are on rotation of corn and soybeans. they are near the lake within a mile or so. ideal huting spot. was wondering what spreads and dekes to use... should I flock the heads and tails of my dekes? and also I have a slough lined up that is jammed pack of ducks and geese everyyear. the deepest part is only 3 ft deep. I have walked the entire length across the middle. not to bad. one problem. this slough is in a pocket so to say where the corn fields lead down to it. sneaking down to them is inpossible. so layout blinds? shore dekes? they all seem to stay on one side to.. what should i do
jordan

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Enticer- I would go with a spread dictated by scouting. If you are seeing a variety of different ducks in the area you are hunting, go with a like amount, and variety. I have always liked placing goose decoys in fields while duck hunting, and we always get bonus birds either way. If that is how you see the birds in this spot, then set up like that.As a rule, in spots like this, I dont use a GREAT amount of decoys.. but again, scouting may dictate that you need to have a bigger spread. A water hole in the middle of a cornfield can be a killer! As far as cover/blinds, its hard to say without seeing it, but, if no cover is available, then I would definately use a blind like the power hunter. Small waterholes like that can be hard to hide in and around.
Swan gets alot of hunters in the area for sure. Sometimes just doing something "different" than the guys in the fields around you is all it takes.
Mark

[Brett Beinke]

I know of this Swan lake you speak of. Actually I'll nbe there in a couple of weeks for the calling contest. Out there I wouldn't look at mixing Geese and Mallards. You'll need to decide what you want to go after and focus on them. If it is mallard you will probably want as big a spread as you can get, all mallard decoys. If you got spinners, now would be the time to use them. Again, as many as you got. Use lyaouts and get right out in the fields where the mallards are feeding. The refuge on swan is stacked with Mallards especially as the season progresses. However there are many others that are field hunting and the birds can be a skiddish on land as they are on water. If you have any other questions on hunting that area stop by and see me at the Red Bear booth during the calling contest. I hope this info helps.

[Hest]

best advice I can give is....CALL ME!!

Yeah, that lake gets hunted hard...REALLY HARD! If you do go for both...set up your mallards in the pocket of your goose spread and kinda like making love...the more the merrier! Make it look like OLD HOME WEEK. But mojos...definitely...turn them on and watch em drop. Then when the geese come...SHUT THEM OFF!!! Maybe it's just in MN, but I've/we've had really bad luck with Mojo's and geese.

[CS]

I do not know how many geese you have but here in the peanuts. We set out a large goose spread and as mant spinners as we can get together. Ignore the geese until the duck flight is over then take down the spinners and get into goose mode.