In the Field
Video: Duck Decoy Basics
Duck Decoy Basics
A good set of duck decoys is a must-have item for any waterfowl hunter.
A good set of duck decoys is a must-have item for any waterfowl hunter.
Yet, with the vast assortment of decoys and brands available to hunters, it can be overwhelming to know exactly where to begin.
If you’re a novice hunter who is about to purchase waterfowl equipment, a dozen floating mallard decoys are usually enough to begin hunting Colorado’s smaller sloughs, marshes and rivers.
Creating a Natural Decoy Spread
Mallards are the most common ducks in Colorado, so building your decoy spread with a combination of mallard drakes and hens is a great foundation. To make your spread appear more natural, you can mix some “feeders” and “sleepers” with your standard floating decoys. You can continue to add additional species and different sizes of decoys as your budget allows.
Throwing a few floating goose decoys into the mix is also an extremely effective way to lure ducks within shooting range. Ducks respond well to goose decoys. For the best results, place your goose decoys together and a few yards away from your duck decoys.
Black Duck Decoy
Many hunters will also add a couple black duck decoys to their spread. Black decoys are extremely visible to passing ducks, particularly on overcast days. These decoys can also imitate coots and other waterfowl, which can make your spread more varied and give ducks the confidence they need to land. You can purchase black decoys or you can create your own by simply painting a couple of hen mallard decoys with flat-black spray paint.
Texas-Rig
The Texas-Rig
A Texas-Rig setup, consisting of tangle-free line and lead weights, is ideal to keep decoys securely in place. A 5 to 6 foot tangle-free cord is sufficient for most hunting locations and provides enough slack so floating decoys can move naturally in current and on windy days.
Adding Motion to Your Spread
Motion decoys are especially effective on calm days when your stationary decoys can look stagnant and unnatural. Ducks like to see activity on the water before they decide to land. Motion decoys will literally bring your spread to life. Adding some motion also helps to draw a duck’s attention toward your decoys and away from your dog and blind.
Know Before You Go
Road Closures
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are in charge of road closures. Roads are closed seasonally for many reasons. Some roads are closed to protect wildlife at critical times of the year; others are closed because they are not passable due to snow, snow drifts and ice or to protect the road bed. Please be aware that road closure information is subject to change daily.
Find out moreFire Restrictions and Prescribed Burns
Colorado has several active wildfires and fire restrictions/bans are in place across most of the state. Some planned, or prescribed, burns occur during hunting seasons, which can lead to road closures. Closures of areas can change quickly (even daily or hourly) and your hunting destination or access route may be affected. Prior to license purchase, scouting or hunting, learn about closures and plan alternative routes and areas to hunt.
Find out moreFirewood
If you’ll be camping during your hunting trip, please help protect our forests by buying your firewood in Colorado. Firewood can spread harmful insect pests and diseases such as emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt disease. If you have firewood from another state, please burn it immediately. For more information, visit our Invasive Species pages or contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at (303) 239-4140.
Find out moreAltitude Sickness
Learn about Altitude sickness: What it is, the symptoms, how to lessen your chances of being affected, and treatments. Altitude sickness can affect you even if you aren't venturing into Colorado's high country.
Find out moreInformation to Leave for Friends and Family
Each member of the hunting party should provide the requested information to their family or friends. Instruct family members and/or friends on the procedure to follow should it be necessary to contact you in an emergency.
Find out moreRegister Your Off Highway Vehicle
All off-highway vehicles operated in Colorado on public lands or traveling on an OHV-designated route must have a valid Colorado OHV registration or permit. Vehicle use is limited to transporting hunters and downed game.
Find out moreHunting Laws
HIP Each Year
If you will hunt small game (including migratory birds and coyotes) in Colorado during the 2024-2025 seasons, you must get a HIP registration before hunting.
Hunters planning to use their small game license to hunt or trap will need to obtain their 2024 HIP registration before they can legally hunt or trap.
Complete your HIP online at cpwshop.com or via the automated phone system at 1-855-521-3050. Note, this is an automated phone system, and not the live operator system we have used in past years. In addition, you must have already purchased a small game license to register online or via this automated phone service.
When you buy your license online at CPWShop or at a CPW office:
- You can add a HIP registration by answering yes to the question "Do you require a HIP permit?". When you complete your purchase, a HIP validation will print on your license. If you click no, you will still have the option to add the HIP product in the future.
When you buy your license at an external sales agent or purchase by phone:
- After you buy your license but before you hunt small game, you must go online to cpwshop, log in to your account, and add HIP to your cart to access the HIP questionnaire or go in to any CPW office that sells licenses and complete the survey to add the HIP registration to your account.
- You can also complete the HIP registration via the automated phone system at 1-855-521-3050.
In both cases, HIP will not print on your paper license, but a HIP registration will be present on your account and print on future licenses.
Federal regulations are more restrictive for waterfowl hunting than for hunting doves and other migratory game birds. You should carefully review the Federal regulations.
Regulations for Migratory Bird Hunters
Migratory birds included in conventions between U.S. and foreign countries to protect birds for which seasons are established. They are: waterfowl (ducks, including mergansers, and geese, including brant), mourning and white-winged doves, sandhill cranes, American coots, sora, Virginia rail, Wilson’s snipe, band-tailed pigeons, crows.
Game bird hunters should be sure to read United States Fish and Wildlife Service's federal regulations for hunting migratory birds and additional information on refuge specific regulations. When state law differs from Federal law, the hunter must comply with the most restrictive law.
Baiting Regulations
Federal baiting regulations define key terms for hunters and land managers, and clarify conditions under which you may legally hunt waterfowl. As a waterfowl hunter or land manager, it is your responsibility to know and obey all Federal and State laws that govern the sport. State regulations can be more restrictive than Federal regulations. Waterfowl baiting regulations apply to ducks, geese, swans, coots, and cranes.
It is illegal in Colorado for anyone to prevent or interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in hunting and trapping.
This includes, but is not limited to, alarming, distracting, or frightening prey; causing prey to flee by using light or noise; chasing prey on foot or by vehicle; throwing objects; making movements; harassing hunters by using threats or actions; erecting barriers to deny access to hunting areas; and intentionally injecting yourself into the line of fire. Violators face criminal prosecution and may have to pay damages to the victim, as well as court costs.
If, while hunting, you feel you are being harassed, remain calm and composed, avoiding confrontation or arguing. You should seek assistance from law enforcement personnel. Contact the nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, the Colorado State Patrol, or the local police or sheriff’s department. Report incidents immediately or as soon after their occurrence as is reasonable.
Penalties upon conviction for this misdemeanor include a fine between $500 and $1000, twenty license-suspension points, damages, and court costs.
You can help!
REPORT POACHERS
- OPERATION GAME THIEF: 1-877-265-6648
- EMAIL: [email protected]
Earn a reward payment for reporting wildlife violations by calling Operation Game Thief. Callers can remain anonymous. (This number is not for information requests or emergencies.)