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The lineup of finest movement duck decoys is far more fascinating than it was once. Outdated timers used jerk cords, spinning wing decoys (which everybody simply referred to as “Mojos”), and no matter home made contraptions they might rig up as a way to add some motion to their decoy spreads.
Immediately, duck hunters can run quite a lot of title model spinners, ripplers, swimmers, and splashing decoys. The result’s the flexibility to construct an ultra-realistic decoy unfold that may draw geese from a distance, even in calm situations.
On the draw back, movement duck decoys are costly and a few of them are finicky in subject situations. Batteries die, pumps get clogged, and wires get jostled unfastened throughout wavy boat rides. In some conditions, movement decoys are extra hassle than they’re value. However in others, they’re invaluable.
To separate the worthwhile merchandise from the gimmicks, I hunted with quite a lot of the highest movement decoys available on the market by my 2024 duck season. These are the merchandise that I’ll be looking with once more subsequent season:
How I Examined the Finest Movement Duck Decoys
I examined this roster of decoys by looking my ass off in the course of the 2024 duck season. I built-in every of those decoys into my unfold and used them throughout looking conditions the place they might thrive. All decoys on this take a look at traveled to hunts in North and South Dakota and spent loads of days on the water in my house state of Minnesota.
I didn’t child these decoys. They acquired knocked round in my truck and boat. They had been uncovered to highway mud, rain, and dirt. I left the spinning wing decoys outdoors for every week in late October the place they had been showered in a number of rainstorms. On the very finish of the duck season, I ran a battery take a look at with the spinning wing decoys on a snowy December day. I charged them up after which I turned them on in my yard and allow them to run till the batteries died. You’ll see their particular person run occasions revealed beneath.
Finest Movement Duck Decoys: Opinions & Suggestions
Finest Spinning Wing Decoy: Mojo Mallard Drake
Mojo Outside
Execs
- Greater wings create most flash
- Giant motor and quick spinning motion
- Heavy-duty steel wings and stake
- Runs quietly
Cons
- Wing angle is at an exaggerated tilt
- Dear
Key Options
- Examined Run Time: 10 hours
- Weight: 5.52 kilos
- Tremendous easy controls
- Distant managed with intermittent and fixed settings
- Aluminum wings
- Value: $200
Mojo is the OG of spinning wing decoys, and their newest product, referred to as merely the Mojo Mallard Drake, is a little bit of a throwback to these first robo geese. Essentially the most notable factor about this spinner is the massive profile of the aluminum wings. The Mojo decoy creates noticeably extra flash than each the Fortunate Duck and Avian-X spinning wing decoys. I believe that’s factor.
There are various occasions after I received’t run a spinning wing decoy, however after I do, I would like most visibility, which the Mojo affords in spades. The upgraded motor spins these black and white wings shortly, creating quantity of vibration within the unit. Apparently, even with the vibration, I discovered the Mojo to be quieter than the Avian-X spinner. I’m undecided that the click of a spinner has ever spooked birds, however it’s an unnatural sound that I desire to keep away from on a relaxed, quiet morning.
I additionally like that the Mojo Mallard comes with a sturdy help pole, which I had no downside burying deep into frozen floor. Conserving with that theme of sturdiness, the decoy has a wiring system that means that you can join the battery on to the motor in case you’re having points with the usual connection (which I by no means did).
The physique of the decoy seems to be much more practical than earlier variations, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not as practical because the Avian-X deke. Nonetheless, I don’t assume physique realism issues all that a lot in one of these decoy. What attracts birds in is the flashing/spinning movement. So although each the Fortunate Duck and Avian-X have realistic-looking wings, (when stationary) I desire the flash of the Mojo’s stable black and white wings. One nitpick is that the black paint on the wings is already beginning to chip off after one season, however that’s nothing a coat of matte black spray paint can’t repair.
My solely actual critique of this decoy is that I believe the angle of the physique place is simply too dramatic, making the wing angle too steep. Mojo says that is an anatomically appropriate “steering” place of a touchdown mallard. However to my eye, when mallards flutter their wings earlier than touching down, they’re normally straight up and down (at the very least when near the water). Whereas looking I solved this by angling the stake slightly in order that the wings had been extra parallel to the water. Did this have an effect on the geese? I don’t know, nevertheless it made me really feel higher about how the decoy appeared within the unfold. I shot loads of geese over it too.
Finest Worth Spinning Wing Decoy: Fortunate Duck HD
Fortunate Duck Decoys
Execs
- Lengthy-lasting battery
- Inexpensive value
- Very quiet
Cons
- Small wings
- Extra sophisticated distant setup
Key Options
- Examined Run Time: 23 hours
- Weight: 3.93 kilos
- Lithium ion battery
- Eva plastic physique
- Distant managed with fixed and intermittent settings
- Magnetic wings
- Value: $120
If you’d like an inexpensive spinning wing decoy that can run for a number of hunts with out a recharge, then the Fortunate Duck HD is the right alternative. In my yard testing this decoy ran for 23 hours, which is about thrice so long as the Avian-X spinner. It was additionally the most cost effective spinner within the take a look at, and it proved to be the quietest. It’s additionally the lightest spinner, which is a consideration in case you’re a walk-in hunter.
This model of the Fortunate Duck spinner has extra sturdy plastic wings (in comparison with the previous fashions) which might be magnetized to lock into the physique of the decoy.
It’s value stating that Fortunate Duck has a brand new upgraded spinner which they name the XHDI. The most recent model has stable black and white wings that at all times cease with the black facet up (in order that they don’t spook geese). I can see this being helpful for subject hunters who do a number of mallard/goose combo hunts. However this new model will value you an additional $80. For one of the best worth, I’d follow the extra inexpensive HD mannequin.
My most important critique of this decoy is that it has smaller wings and fewer flash than the opposite two spinners within the take a look at (I understand that some hunters might desire that extra delicate flash, and for them this deke can be an important alternative). There’s additionally a bit extra sophisticated setup required for the distant system with this decoy — I truly needed to crack open the instructions, which was not required with different fashions.
Spinner with the Most Distinctive Motion: Avian-X Powerflight Mallard
Execs
- Extremely-realistic physique
- Distinctive wing design and motion
- Smaller, lighter battery
Cons
- Shorter battery life
- Extra noise
- Smaller stake
Key Options
- Examined Run Time: 8 hours
- Weight: 4.39 kilos
- Lithium ion battery
- Distant managed with fixed and intermittent settings
- “Angel wing” design
- Value: $180
In the event you assume that geese in your space have been burned out on conventional spinning wing decoys, then you need to give the Avian-X Powerflight mallard severe consideration. This decoy has a singular wing design that extra carefully resembles a touchdown mallard. When the wings are spinning you’ll be able to clearly see the angel wing form of a flapping mallard, in comparison with the essential white flash of different decoys. On high of that, this decoy has an extremely lifelike physique. It was palms down probably the most practical trying carve out of the three spinner decoys in my take a look at.
Nonetheless, the Avian-X did have some flaws. Its lithium-ion battery powered the spinner for 8 hours (shortest run time within the take a look at) although Avian-X says it’ll run for 16 hours. The decoy did make a noticeable clicking noise when spinning. I doubt this is able to flare birds on a windy day, however it’s an unnatural sound and was noticeable within the blind on calm mornings. Lastly, the stake was the flimsiest of the three and it additionally acquired caught to the decoy in my testing. I needed to put the deke on the bottom and maintain it with my foot to separate it from the stake.
However nonetheless, these quibbles can be value overlooking in case you needed to provide pressured late-season geese a barely completely different look from what they’ve seen in earlier years.
Finest Rippling Decoy: Avian-X Energy Shaker
Avian-X
Execs
- Creates practical, delicate ripples within the water
- Matches in completely with a water unfold
- Provides movement with out probably spooking birds
Cons
- Dear (you’ll wish to run a number of in a ramification)
- Not rechargeable
Key Options
- Foam stuffed physique
- 10-hour run time (marketed)
- Preening and feeding physique postures
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Obtainable in three species (mallard, pintail, black duck)
- Value: $80
I knew the Energy Shaker decoys had been efficient after they faked out my veteran duck canine. The primary time I hunted with them, I despatched previous Otie canine on a retrieve and she or he swam proper towards the ripples being made by the decoy. After just a few extra productive hunts the Energy Shakers grew to become my new favourite decoys of the 12 months. Now, I deliver them on each water hunt.
Two to 4 of those shakers in a ramification of two dozen decoys actually does assist add realism. They’re particularly helpful on small waters throughout calm days. That delicate, however noticeable, ripple within the unfold is usually all you should get geese to commit. I actually consider that I killed geese over these decoys that I wouldn’t have in any other case been in a position to coax into vary.
The Energy Shakers have a easy on/off swap and are fueled by 4 AA batteries. I want they had been rechargeable with an indicator exhibiting how a lot battery life that they had left, however alas, we stay in an imperfect world. I now carry a pair further AA batteries in my blind bag in case certainly one of these shakers dies throughout a hunt.
Finest Splasher: Higdon Pulsator Professional
Higdon Outside
Execs
- Generates numerous commotion within the unfold
- Extra sturdy than earlier fashions
- Upgraded charging port
Cons
- Sticky on/off button
- Restricted run time
Key Options
- Foam stuffed physique
- 7-hour run time (marketed)
- Can run in salt water
- Runs in 6 inches of water
- Value $130
The Higdon Pulsator has been out for a few years, however the Professional mannequin is by far one of the best model but. Earlier generations had exterior wires connecting the battery to the bilge pump and years in the past there was a recall associated to charging points with these decoys.
However no extra. The Pulsator Professional has no exterior wires. The charging port is magnetized and extremely easy to make use of. The on/off swap has been upgraded to a hefty orange tab. All in all, the Pulsator is extra sturdy and simpler to make use of than ever earlier than. And it nonetheless creates that great splashing motion within the unfold that mimics feisty, feeding mallards.
These decoys are most helpful in greater spreads, particularly within the timber or on large water. Throughout my hunts in 2024, I used to be impressed with how the pulsator was in a position to deal with mucky water with out ever bogging down. My solely qualms had been {that a} 7-hour run time is a bit brief (in comparison with different movement decoys) and the on/off swap on my decoy acquired sticky a number of hunts in. I had to make use of the sting of my boat to pressure it to activate.
Finest Refined Motion: Mojo Mallard Machine
Mojo Outside
Execs
- Mimics practical bobbing movement of a feeding mallard
- Provides noticeable however delicate movement
- Easy operations
Key Options
- Display prevents particles from getting into motor
- 8-hour run time (marketed)
- Motor drives it to bob and twist
- Value: $190
In the event you like the concept of a butt-up movement decoy however don’t need the aggressive splashing of the Higdon Pulsator, then Mojo’s Mallard Machine could be the precise alternative for you. This decoy bobs and twists within the water, creating ripples however not giant splashes.
This decoy has a relatively giant profile, so geese will see it as they fly over. It is going to undoubtedly take up some area in your decoy bag, however that will probably be value it for the movement it produces.
Finest Swimmer: Avian-X Energy Swimmer
Avian-X
Execs
- Provides delicate swimming decoy to the unfold
- Gained’t spook geese
- Extremely lifelike physique
Cons
- Will get slowed down within the muck
- No quick access to on/off swap
- Finicky in weeds
Key Options
- Foam stuffed decoy
- 8-hour run time (marketed)
- Rechargeable lithium ion battery
- Intermittent and fixed swimming modes
- Obtainable in three species (mallard, pintail, gadwall)
- Value: $170
The idea for this decoy is ideal. Amongst a ramification of stationary dekes, the simmer will stand out and draw birds nearer. I might see myself working three or 4 of those decoys in sure conditions. Nonetheless the Avian-X Energy Swimmer did have some points on the water.
Whereas looking potholes in North Dakota, I seen the decoy acquired hung up simply in weeds. Irrespective of, I began setting it on the skin of the unfold in additional open water. Nonetheless it wasn’t lengthy earlier than mud and muck labored into the filter and slowed down the motor. I cleaned the decoy and acquired it working once more, however seen that even when out of the water, the motor stored working.
This decoy is water activated. The motor begins when it’s submerged and shuts off when faraway from the water. Nonetheless even when out of the water the motor in my decoy stored pumping. To entry the on/off swap you need to unscrew the plastic base. It is a little bit of a ache once you’re hustling to get decoys positioned at nighttime or once you’re selecting up after a protracted hunt.
Nonetheless, I can see the worth of this decoy. In the event you hunt largely open water then this is able to be an important addition to your unfold. In the event you hunt largely mucky marshes and sloughs, then I’d spend your cash on the opposite movement decoys on this overview.
Learn Subsequent: The Finest Duck Decoys
The way to Select the Finest Movement Duck Decoys
In the event you watch an enormous flock of geese sitting on the water, you’ll see them swimming, splashing, diving to feed, and often flapping their wings. You’ll by no means see an enormous flock of mallards sitting completely nonetheless on the water for any size of time.
That’s why once you’re setting a practical decoy unfold, it’s vital to include movement. Right here’s what you should take into account with every kind of movement duck decoy.
Spinners
These are in all probability the most well-liked movement decoys available on the market and so they mimic the flashing, fluttering wings of geese touchdown or flapping on the water. However as a result of spinners are so fashionable, geese in some areas can grow to be conditioned to them. Spinners are best on clear, sunny days. They’re additionally extremely efficient throughout subject hunts. If you’re looking pressured birds on small waters throughout overcast days, it’s typically a good suggestion to drag the spinners from the unfold.
Rippling Decoys
These decoys vibrate within the water and make a hoop of ripples within the unfold. They provide a extra delicate strategy to movement and are good in small waters on calm days. For instance, in case you plan to run a small unfold of 12 to 18 decoys in a cattail slough, it will be a good suggestion to ensure to have two or three rippling decoys within the combine.
Splashing Decoys
Feeding geese create a number of splashing. On sunny days, the reflection of that splashing water will be seen from a protracted distance. And that’s precisely what decoys just like the Higdon Pulsator mimic. I wish to put a splashing decoy within the densest a part of the unfold so that every one the decoys round it swirl in its wake.
Swimming Decoys
These decoys transfer across the unfold slowly, mimicking geese paddling round one another. This sort of decoy can simply get hung up on vegetation and caught within the muck, in order that they’re most helpful on the outer edges of the unfold in open water.
Learn Subsequent: The way to Decoy Geese
Closing Ideas on the Finest Movement Duck Decoys
All good spreads have some movement. That may very well be the wind or present naturally shifting conventional floater decoys, or it may very well be a sequence of battery-powered ripplers, splashers, and spinning wings. The hot button is understanding that completely different situations name for various decoy setups. Throwing out two dozen decoys and one spinning wing shouldn’t be going to work each time. So improve your unfold with just a few of those different movement duck decoys and experiment with completely different combos beneath completely different situations. Earlier than lengthy you’ll have a fine-tuned rig, it doesn’t matter what the climate throws at you.
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