If there's one thing I'm sure we can all agree on as outdoorsy people, it's that the outdoors is brimming with life; from the tiniest creatures scuttling beneath the fresh autumn foliage to a massive whitetail ambling through a cornfield and everything in between. So it makes sense that when you're setting up a decoy spread in hopes of fooling some of our feathered friends, the one major killer of spread realism would be stagnancy. This is where motion decoys come in. There are motion decoys for all kinds of hunts, but since waterfowl is our passion, today we’re going to cover the ins and outs of utilizing motion in a waterfowl spread. What exactly does a little motion bring to your game, and why should you use them?

You can use any brand you like, but we are partial to Mojo, as they've been around the longest and truly have, in our opinion, the best motion decoys in the industry. In the simplest of terms, motion decoys attract ducks from a distance and make them want to be where you are. The flash of the spinning wings mimics the movement of ducks landing, making your spread visible from a long distance and sometimes even catching the attention of passing birds. Motion attracts ducks, suggesting the presence of live birds. They work excellent particularly in early season and on young ducks. The movement adds variety and liveliness, making your spread look less suspicious. A motion decoy adds realism to your setup, making it more convincing than a static spread. Not to mention, ducks are curious creatures. The sudden flash of the wings can spark curiosity, making ducks more likely to investigate and fly closer for a better look at what you have going on. Early mornings and late evenings are prime hunting times, and the contrast of the spinning wings in low light can be highly effective in catching their attention.

Motion also breaks up a spread’s monotony. Speaking of increasing visibility, when hunting in foggy, overcast, or foggy conditions, the movement and flashing of a spinning wing decoy can cut through the mist and provide that extra visibility. Ducks will often fixate on the motion decoy, drawing their attention away from the blind or us as hunters, giving you more time to prepare for the shot without being noticed. In areas where ducks have become wary of traditional decoy spreads, adding motion can make your setup stand out. After discussing why to use them, let's discuss how to implement them.

Place Them Upwind of the Blind: Position your spinning wing decoys upwind of your blind, where ducks will naturally want to land. Ducks typically want to land into the wind, so placing the decoys slightly upwind helps guide them toward the kill zone, as they’ll focus on landing in front of the motion decoys.

Use Elevated Poles for Visibility: If hunting in tall vegetation, use elevated poles to raise your spinning wing decoys above the cover. That way the decoy’s movement and flash are visible from a greater distance, making it easier for birds to spot your spread, even in dense environments.

Center the spinner in the middle of the spread: When using a traditional horseshoe or U-shaped spread, position the spinning wing decoy at the center of the opening. This placement acts as a focal point that draws ducks toward the middle of the spread, where you want them to land.

Set Multiple Spinners to Mimic a Flock: For high-traffic areas or if you’re targeting larger flocks, use two or more spinning wing decoys. Spread them out to simulate a group of ducks either landing or fluttering down together. This gives the illusion of a flock actively working the area, making your setup appear even more natural and inviting. However, keep in mind that there can be too much of a good thing. A few can work wonders, but there is such a thing as too much motion. Pay attention to the body language of the ducks and play around with the number that works best. 

5. Use Spinners on the Periphery: If ducks seem hesitant to commit, placing the spinning wing decoys at the periphery of your spread can help. Placing them on the outer edges draws the ducks' attention first, boosting their confidence as they approach the quieter, motionless decoys towards the center, where they are more likely to land.

6. Turn off or Remove Spinners in Late Season: Motion decoys can be used sparingly all season but ducks often become wary of them later in the season, so consider either turning off the spinner’s wings once birds are in close or removing the decoys altogether if the ducks are flaring. Another option is to switch to intermittent or remote-controlled spinners, allowing you to turn them off as birds approach to avoid spooking them. 

Let's hit the marsh and have a safe and productive season! Have something to talk about? Email us at keeptalkin@tflproductions.com and join the conversation!