Hunting Decoys For Sale

Hunting Decoys Buying Guide: What You Need To Know!

What Is A Decoy?

A hunting decoy is a lifelike replica of an animal used by hunters to attract game. Designed to mimic the appearance, posture, and sometimes movement of real animals, decoys are placed in the field to lure targets into shooting range. They work by appealing to the instincts of animals—such as territorial behavior, mating curiosity, or social interaction.

There are many types of decoys, such as deer decoys, duck decoys, and turkey decoys, each made to look like the animal you want to hunt. Some even move or have scents to make them seem more real.

Using a hunting decoy can help you get animals within range, giving you a better chance at a successful hunt.

What Are the Different Types of Hunting Decoys?

Hunting decoys come in many forms, each designed to attract a specific type of game by mimicking its look and behavior. Here’s a quick overview.

• Duck Decoys: Duck decoys are popular among waterfowl hunters and come in several styles. Floating decoys are used on ponds, lakes, or rivers to simulate live ducks swimming. Motion decoys, like spinning-wing models, add movement to make the setup more realistic and appealing.
• Goose Decoys :Goose decoys are typically larger and come in full-body or silhouette designs. Full-body decoys offer a realistic appearance and are ideal for field hunting. Silhouette decoys are two-dimensional and easy to transport, making them great for large spreads.
• Turkey Decoys : Turkey hunters use different decoys depending on the season and strategy. Jake decoys (young males) are used to trigger aggressive responses from dominant toms. Hen decoys are placed to attract toms during the breeding season.
• Deer Decoys : Deer decoys can be highly effective, especially during the rut. Doe decoys are used to attract bucks looking to mate, while buck decoys can provoke territorial or dominance behavior from rival bucks. They work best when combined with calls or scent lures.
• Predator Decoys :Predator decoys are used to draw in animals like coyotes or bobcats by mimicking small, vulnerable prey such as rabbits or birds. These decoys are often paired with electronic or mouth calls to enhance realism and increase effectiveness.
• Big Game Decoys: For larger game such as elk or antelope, hunters use lightweight, collapsible decoys that are easy to carry into the backcountry. These are used during the rut or calling sessions to lure animals into shooting range.

Popular FAQs

How Much Weight Do You Need For Duck Decoys?

The weight required depends on water conditions:

Calm water: 4–6 oz per decoy is sufficient. Windy or moving water: 8–12 oz anchors provide better hold. Deep water or tidal areas: Consider 16+ oz or mushroom-style anchors for security.

How Many Decoys Should I Hunt With?

In the early season, 6–12 decoys are usually enough. For the mid to late season, use 24–48 or more to create a bigger, more realistic setup. When hunting geese, start with at least 6–12, but for full effect, go with 50+ decoys. Always adjust based on the species, location, and hunting pressure.

How Many Decoys Do You Need for a Good Spread?

The number of decoys you need depends on where and how you're hunting. For small ponds or creeks, a simple spread of 6 to 12 decoys usually works well. In open water, using 24 to 48 decoys can help grab the attention of birds flying from a distance.
If you're hunting in fields, use full-body or shell decoys—about 36 to 60 for geese and 18 to 30 for ducks. Keep in mind, the shape and spacing of your setup—like using a U-shape or J-hook—can be just as important as how many decoys you put out.

How Much Do Hunting Decoys Cost?

Hunting decoy prices vary by type and quality. Duck decoys range from $40–$200+ per dozen, goose decoys $80–$300+, turkey decoys $20–$150 each, deer decoys $80–$200+, and predator decoys $30–$100+. Higher-end decoys offer better realism and durability.