goose decoys

Rogue Hunter · 01-07-2007, 03:12 PM

My hunting buddys have all Dave Smith decoys and I have 2 dozen drop zones. My friends want me to sell the drop zones to buy Dave Smith decoys,as they seem to think the bigger fuller body of the drop zones spooks the birds when set with the smaller dave smiths.

I dont think it matters,but would like some feedback before making a decision like this. Do you goose hunters realy think in matters.Traffic geese.

Get Bit · 01-07-2007, 03:24 PM

It might matter a little(late season) but for the most part, I think I would stick with the DZs and when you buy more decoys get DSDs too add some smaller birds to your spread. There is a variety of bird sizes in the valley so multiple sizes will look natural. If you're really worried about it, have the DZs painted to look like duskys. Should take care of all of your worries.

Get Bit

Gun Rod Bow · 01-07-2007, 03:46 PM

I think it matters. DSD's for Valley Geese

ArcheryHunter · 01-07-2007, 04:09 PM

The DZs were sculptured from a real goose. The subspecies was a honker. The Dave Smith Decoys have two choices. His honkers and his Lessor decoys. You post states that your buddies have the DSD Lessors.

If you use your decoys you have to break the spread up so that your decoys are kind of together (their own flock) and the Lessors in other sets. This helps when you scout. If the night before (scouting) you see one huge flock of lessors in the area you are hunting then I would only use your buddies decoys and put yours in the truck. But if you see two separate flocks you use that to your advantage.

The DZs is a very good decoy. Your post did not indicate how many you have and how many your buddies have. If you do not cover the bottom brown plastic base in a green field you might have problems. The DSD have that stake… You might have to cover the bottom brown plastic base with some green grass.

What you can do is bring a small shovel and slice a 1 inch thick grass and slip the base under that grass to hide the decoy base.

Lastly, the geese might flair if they see the hunters, your dog(s), a massive pile of empty shot shells. Just joking…

Dave Smith · 01-07-2007, 04:25 PM

You will definately do better on Cacklers, Tavs and Lessers with DSD lessers. If it were me, I would do just about anything to keep those two dozen Dropzones, though. They are great decoys with zero shine and I really like the bases- the decoys will come in handy anytime you hunt honkers and if you get rid of them you may regret it. Maybe you could get through this season and have all summer to think about it or try to get a few DSD's in addition to your DZ's. Good luck! Dave

Tilla · 01-07-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Rod Bow

I think it matters. DSD's for Valley Geese

And SI geese too!

Bill Monroe · 01-07-2007, 07:26 PM

I've found for honkers I really need the largest commercial grade 5-mil all-purpose construction garbage bags you get at Home Depot. Smaller geese, though, will come in to the cheaper Glad 20-gallon bags without any problem. If you mix the two, it makes the spread look the most natural, as GRB points out. You might even throw in a few of the white kitchen bags, too, if you have snows in your flocks...

Super Fluke · 01-07-2007, 07:37 PM

If you want the best, get Dave's decoys. They're the best.

Gun Rod Bow · 01-07-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Monroe

I've found for honkers I really need the largest commercial grade 5-mil all-purpose construction garbage bags you get at Home Depot. Smaller geese, though, will come in to the cheaper Glad 20-gallon bags without any problem. If you mix the two, it makes the spread look the most natural, as GRB points out. You might even throw in a few of the white kitchen bags, too, if you have snows in your flocks...

He does this just to tweek me...

younggun20 · 01-08-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Monroe

I've found for honkers I really need the largest commercial grade 5-mil all-purpose construction garbage bags you get at Home Depot. Smaller geese, though, will come in to the cheaper Glad 20-gallon bags without any problem. If you mix the two, it makes the spread look the most natural, as GRB points out. You might even throw in a few of the white kitchen bags, too, if you have snows in your flocks...

So that's what the Dusky's decoy to??

Grain of Salt · 01-08-2007, 08:47 AM

Bill-
I have stepped up to the fully flocked garbage bags...really has increased my number of birds on the ground.

Bill Monroe · 01-08-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrownTrout

Bill-
I have stepped up to the fully flocked garbage bags...really has increased my number of birds on the ground.

Now, THAT'S impressive...

Sure wish they made black diapers, all right. That glare really flares them off at, oh, about a mile or so...don't it, GRB????

Northwest Pest · 01-08-2007, 01:04 PM

I agree with dave. Save th DZ and buy some DSD.