Decoy Cart

[Firedog]

I am looking for a new decoy cart. Anyone know of a good location to purchase one? Tired of packing decoys would rather push them, can haul more that way also.

[MikeT]

firedog,
I bought the folding game cart from Cabellas and am very happy with it so far. $129, if I remember right.

Mike

[MoJet Driver]

Good topic!

I have experience with two, no make that three, different kinds. One is like what Mike T describes. I've used a Warren Sweat originally designed for dragging out a deer. It's okay as long as you bungy the deke bag in. That way if you cross some deep water it just floats. Down side is that it has standard pneumatic tires and I haven't found a source for the semi-pneumatic tires for bicycle type wheels. You fix a flat at one trip, and they're flat again. Black berries and goat heads do a job even with the heavy duty tubes. One other thing, when selecting a cart, be sure to pick one where the cargo area is above the wheels. You will get less wear and tear on your deke bags and you won't get as much stuff wrapped around the axel (so to speak).

For (I know I'm going to spell this wrong) silohettes, them flat decoys on a stake, I have used a standard garden style cart (not those little plastic things) and the small version has allowed me to haul 10 dz Outlaws at once. This one came with the plastic spoked wheels and semi-pnuematic tires.

Easy way out options, I have also used those wharehouse hand carts, hand trucks, whatever you want to call them. Bungied one of the biggest plastic storage tubs you can find and you may find you can strap two bags of dekes in them. Be sure to get one with the biggest wheels available or you'll regret it.

A final note, if you are hunting in an area with sloppy slick mud, your feet will slide all over the place trying to drag the thing around. It is really comical, so if you are hunting with a partner, have him/her (I'm an equal opportunity type of guy) drag it, stand back and chuckle. Good entertainment while heading to the blind!

Dave

[Tilla]

The nicest one I ever had was a rickshaw degign sold by a guy on Portland. He used aluminum tubing and a pair of front bicycle forks for the frame. Fish netting was used for the bags in the two bins that were formed in front and in back of where the tires were. You stepped into the area behind the front bar and pushed at belly height.There was no axle. It weighed 27 lbs and carried as many decoys as you owned 8-10+ dozen. It was made for getting out to the farm circles with goose decoys out east. On level ground it was effortless and with no axle it was very "All Terrain". My buddy made one similar with PVC. At the S.I. refuge we would set out 150+ decoy spreads with the two carts. The cart still lives in my backyard if your thinking about making one.

[Firedog]

I ordered the one from Cabela's Quick and simple that way. I really like the sounds of the one you have Tilla. That one sounds like the perfect way to go. When I have more time, I might build one. Depends on how much I like this one that is coming. Thanks for the answers everyone. Now just need to go shoot some birds.

Mojet, I will definately let my partner push the cart in the mud, sounds like a good laugh. They had a great one last year, we were hunting Sauvies on one of the few days it snowed and I had on my old felts (wasn't thinking) and do you know how much snow will stick to the bottom of felt soled wading shoes? I had snow probably 6" thick on the bottom of my feet and they couldnt stop laughing watching me try and scrape it off and walk. Would get about 10' before it was thick again. Miserable day. good shoot though. Couldnt walk but one of the best days we had as far as number of birds.