Duck hunting is a popular activity for many outdoor enthusiasts, and having the right gear can make all the difference. One essential item for any duck hunter is a good set of duck decoys. These decoys are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real ducks, luring in live birds to the area.
When it comes to purchasing duck decoys, there are several critical factors to consider. The type of material used, the size and weight of the decoys, and the level of realism are all important considerations. Additionally, the specific type of duck decoy can vary depending on the type of duck being hunted.
After researching and testing various duck decoys on the market, we have identified the best options for hunters looking to improve their chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, our top picks will help you attract more ducks to your hunting spot.
Best Duck Decoys
If you’re a seasoned duck hunter, you know that having the right decoys can make all the difference in the success of your hunt. Whether you’re looking for motion decoys, floating decoys, or full-body decoys, our list of the best duck decoys has got you covered. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top options that are durable, realistic, and effective in attracting ducks. Check out our roundup below to find the perfect decoys for your next hunting trip.
MOJO Outdoors Duck Hunting Motion Decoys Rippler
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable duck decoy, the MOJO Outdoors Rippler is a great choice.
Pros
- The built-in vibrating housing creates ripples, giving motion to your other decoys on still days.
- The decoy operates up to 6-8 hours on 4 AA batteries (not included).
- The moving parts plus batteries are contained in an easily removable housing of a screw lock design making it easier to use.
Cons
- The ripple on the water it makes is fairly small.
- It’s a little pricey for what you get.
- The paint leaves a little to be desired.
The MOJO Outdoors Rippler is a great addition to your duck hunting gear. Its innovative design combines a realistic Mallard drake body with a built-in vibrating housing that creates ripples, giving motion to your other decoys on still days. This feature is especially useful when hunting in calm waters.
The decoy is also very durable, designed to meet the rigors of duck hunting. It operates up to 6-8 hours on 4 AA batteries (not included), allowing you to spend more time hunting and less time changing batteries. The moving parts plus batteries are contained in an easily removable housing of a screw lock design making it easier to use.
However, the ripple on the water it makes is fairly small, which may not be suitable for all hunting situations. Additionally, the MOJO Outdoors Rippler is a little pricey for what you get. The paint leaves a little to be desired as well, but this does not affect its functionality.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable duck decoy that can create ripples and motion in calm waters, the MOJO Outdoors Rippler is a great choice.
MOJO Outdoors Texas-Style Decoy Rig
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use decoy rigging system, the MOJO Outdoors Texas-Style Decoy Rig is a great option.
Pros
- Easily transportable and quickly deployable
- Connect decoys with a simple snap to heavy-duty mono line
- Loop at the upper ends of lines allows for lines to be secured together with a simple carabiner
Cons
- Leader may be too short for deeper water
- Some users reported issues with crimps failing
- Lines may be too short for some hunting situations
The MOJO Outdoors Texas-Style Decoy Rig is perfect for hunters who are tired of dealing with tangled decoy cords and weights. This rigging system is easy to set up and use, with a simple snap-together design that allows decoys to slide naturally to the weight when picked up. The loop at the upper ends of the lines also makes it easy to secure lines together with a simple carabiner.
While this decoy rigging system is great for hard-to-reach spots where easy transport is essential, the leader may be too short for deeper water, and some users have reported issues with crimps failing. Additionally, the lines may be too short for some hunting situations.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use decoy rigging system that saves you time and frustration, the MOJO Outdoors Texas-Style Decoy Rig is a great choice.
Dakota Decoy X-Treme Flocked Drake Head Mallards (12 Pack)
If you’re looking for the most realistic duck decoys, then Dakota Decoy X-Treme Flocked Drake Head Mallards are worth considering.
Pros
- The hand-painted finish is the most lifelike ever seen on a hunting decoy.
- The decoys come with six different head styles, which can spin 360 degrees, giving your spread the most realistic look.
- The decoys are made of a 60/40 blend of high and low-density polyethylene, which is extra tough and durable.
Cons
- The price could be lower.
- Putting the heads on can be difficult.
- The decoys are slightly oversized, which may not be suitable for all hunting situations.
These decoys are slightly oversized, measuring 16” in length, and have a weighted keel designed with the hunter in mind. They have a cleat on the front of the keel to lengthen or shorten lines to the desired depth of water. The decoys are packaged in dozen packs with seven drakes with four unique head styles and five hens with two head styles.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the most realistic duck decoys, then Dakota Decoy X-Treme Flocked Drake Head Mallards are worth considering. The hand-painted finish is the most lifelike ever seen on a hunting decoy, and the decoys come with six different head styles, which can spin 360 degrees, giving your spread the most realistic look. However, the price could be lower, putting the heads on can be difficult, and the decoys are slightly oversized, which may not be suitable for all hunting situations.
Lucky Duck – Spinning Wing Decoys Lucky Waterproof HDi
If you’re looking for a high-quality duck decoy, you should definitely consider the Lucky Duck – Spinning Wing Decoys Lucky Waterproof HDi. This product provides a realistic and effective way to attract ducks, and it has several features that make it stand out from other decoys on the market.
Pros
- The waterproof design of this decoy is a major advantage. You won’t have to worry about it malfunctioning or getting damaged in wet conditions.
- The lithium-ion battery provides consistent power, which ensures that the decoy will operate effectively in any weather.
- The newly designed patent-pending module system with a completely sealed battery box is a great feature that ensures the longevity of the decoy.
Cons
- At 7.5 pounds, this decoy is a bit heavier than some other models on the market. This may make it more difficult to transport.
- While the decoy is highly realistic, some users have reported that it can be a bit noisy when in operation. This may be a concern for hunters who are trying to remain stealthy.
- The price of this decoy is a bit higher than some other models on the market. However, the high-quality design and features may make it worth the investment.
The Lucky Duck – Spinning Wing Decoys Lucky Waterproof HDi is a highly realistic decoy with durable injection-molded magnetic wings and a foam-filled body for buoyancy. It includes a 7.4V lithium-ion battery and charger, a 7′ stake, an HD remote kit, and a gear bag. The decoy is designed to operate on a lithium-ion battery, which provides consistent power and ensures that the decoy will operate effectively in any weather.
Overall, the Lucky Duck – Spinning Wing Decoys Lucky Waterproof HDi is a great choice for hunters who want a high-quality and effective duck decoy. While it may be a bit heavier and noisier than some other models on the market, the waterproof design, consistent power, and realistic features make it a great investment for serious hunters.
GLOWYE Duck Decoy
If you’re looking for a realistic and durable duck decoy, then the GLOWYE Duck Decoy is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Extremely realistic and finely crafted with carefully carved feather texture.
- Made of high-quality, wear-resistant resin material that is sturdy and durable, making it perfect for outdoor use.
- Can be used as a decoration in gardens, ponds, and swimming pools, or as a hunting decoy.
Cons
- Some users have reported that it doesn’t float as well as expected.
- The decoy may not be as lifelike as advertised in certain lighting conditions.
- It may not be suitable for larger bodies of water due to its size.
This duck decoy is an excellent choice for those who want to add some realism to their hunting or outdoor decor. The fine workmanship and high-quality materials make it a durable option that can withstand the elements. Additionally, the decoy’s lifelike appearance adds a touch of vitality to any outdoor space.
The GLOWYE Duck Decoy is also versatile, as it can be used as a hunting decoy or a decorative item. It is perfect for putting in gardens, ponds, and swimming pools to add a touch of liveliness. It can also be used as a holiday decoration to make the festive atmosphere more intense.
However, some users have reported that the decoy doesn’t float as well as expected, which may be an issue for those who plan to use it for hunting. Additionally, the decoy may not be as lifelike as advertised in certain lighting conditions. Finally, due to its size, it may not be suitable for larger bodies of water.
Overall, the GLOWYE Duck Decoy is a great option for those who want a realistic and durable duck decoy for hunting or outdoor decor.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best duck decoys, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material
Duck decoys can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, foam, wood, and even cork. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic decoys are lightweight and durable, but they can be less realistic than other materials. Foam decoys are lightweight and easy to carry, but they may not be as durable as other materials. Wooden decoys are heavier and more realistic, but they can be more expensive. Cork decoys are also realistic, but they are not as durable as other materials.
Decoy Type
There are several types of duck decoys, including full-body, shell, and silhouette decoys. Full-body decoys are the most realistic, but they can be heavy and difficult to transport. Shell decoys are lighter and easier to transport, but they may not be as realistic. Silhouette decoys are the lightest and easiest to transport, but they are also the least realistic.
Decoy Size
The size of your decoys will depend on the type of duck you are hunting. Larger ducks, such as mallards, will require larger decoys, while smaller ducks, such as teal, will require smaller decoys. It’s important to have a variety of sizes in your decoy spread to make it look more natural.
Decoy Paint
The paint on your decoys should be realistic and durable. Look for decoys with a matte finish, as this will make them look more natural. Avoid decoys with a glossy finish, as this can make them look fake. The paint should also be durable enough to withstand the elements.
Decoy Motion
Adding motion to your decoy spread can make it more realistic and attract more ducks. Look for decoys with built-in motion, such as spinning wings or bobbing heads. You can also add motion to your decoys with a jerk rig or a motorized decoy.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best duck decoys for your hunting needs.