
Nearly every experienced duck hunter will agree that decoys are the most valuable tool at your disposal. Placing some out on the lake or body of water where you are hunting will instill trust in ducks flying overhead, which will result in more birds coming in to land. The problem, however, is transporting all of the duck decoys to your hunting blind. With most hunters using several blocks consisting of a dozen decoys each, carrying them all to your hunting blind can be quite difficult to say the least.There are various types of decoys that a hunter must have like; deer decoy, duck decoy, goose decoy etc.
Duck Decoys In Hunting Blind
Whether you are an avid duck hunter or someone who just goes once a season, you'll need to find a solution to transport all of your duck decoys. Many newcomers to the sport are surprised at the number of decoys necessary for hunting. To make matters worse, some decoys are constructed with strings and ropes so they will remain stationary on the water. So, how are you supposed to carry all of these duck decoys to your hunting blind? Check below for some tips and tricks that are sure to make the process easier for you.
Tip #1 - Decoy Bag
A decoy bag is something that every duck hunter should invest in. As the name suggests, it's designed specifically for transporting decoys to your hunting blind. Instead of trying to carry all of your decoys by hand (not the best idea), you can place them in a decoy bag to make the process faster and easier.
There are dozens of different types of decoy bags available on the market. While some people may have their own personal preference, I recommend using a model with two over-the-shoulder straps (similar to a backpack). This will allow you to carry your firearm and any other necessary gear with your hands being free.
Duck Decoy Bag
Here are some other things to consider when shopping for a decoy bag:
- Choose a waterproof material that's not going to ruin when the weather turns south. Vinyl and polyester are popular materials that work well.
- Camouflage and forest green colored decoys bags are my personal favorite simply because birds can't see them as easily.
- Does the decoy bag come with adjustable straps? This is a nice feature that will give you more freedom over your bag.
- Of course, you can't forget about the storage capacity of a decoy bag. Some of them are designed to hold two dozen decoys, while others can only hold one dozen.
- What kind of storage compartments does it contain? Additional side zipper pockets are useful for stashing extra ammunition, snacks, binoculars or other hunting gear.
Tip #2 - ATV
Even with a decoy bag, trekking through thick forests, brush and marshy waters can prove to be a challenge. The weight of 30+ decoys on your back is enough to tire even the most seasoned and in-shape duck hunter there is. Depending on what kind of terrain you must cross to reach your hunting blind, you might want to try using an ATV. Driving an ATV to your hunting blind makes the transportation of decoys a breeze. Besides, I think we can all agree that there's a certain "fun" element that comes along with ATVs.
If you took our advice and purchased a decoy bag, you should be able to strap it down to the bag of your ATV. Just remember to tighten it down so there's no "give" in the straps; otherwise, you could risk losing your decoys during transit. If your decoy bag feels loose, don't be afraid to wrap another strap or two down across the top of it. The couple minutes it takes to do so could potentially save you form having to go back and scavenge for your lost decoys.
The only downside to using an ATV is their cost. With the average price for a new ATV ranging anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000, it's a price that some hunters can't afford. If you don't want to drop this kind of money, look for a used model on Craigslist or your local classified ads. Opting for a used ATV instead of a new one will yield significant savings.
Lightweight Feather
Tip #3 - Opt For Lighter Decoys
Very few hunters actually factor in the weight of their duck decoys. When you are looking for essential elements like shape, paint and realistic details, it's easy to overlook something like the weight of a decoy. Once you are faced with the task of hauling several dozen decoys out to your hunting blind, though, you'll wish you chose lighter models instead.
When you are shopping for new decoys, take a minute to hold them in your hands to determine whether or not they will add unnecessary weight to your supplies. Thick, dense wood probably isn't the best choice, as it seems to weigh more than cork, foam and thermoplastic materials.
If you are looking for collectible duck decoys, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with heavier models. Since you won't be hauling them off to a hunting blind, you don't have to factor in the weight of your collectible duck decoys.
Hopefully, the tips listed here will make the process of carrying and transporting duck decoys to your hunting blind easier. Just remember to only carry the amount of decoys you actually intend on using. There's no need to bring along 4 or 5 dozen decoys if you plan on using 1 or 2 dozen.