Decoy Issues

[Doug]

We have a number of Avery T&T shells in our Snow Goose spread and found that in last springs high winds they were moving too much. We have been thinking over a few different ideas to aid in reducing the motion (ie spinning) during high winds. We have thought of staking down the heads either to the ground, or the stake itself. The ground is already frozen, so that means more work. Another thought had come to mind and that was to place a rubber/neoprene washer over the stake tight against the shell. The stakes are 1/4" diameter.

Here are some stock photos of the type of shells we are running... any advice? Anyone else running these?









We also have some old Carrylite shells that are even more susceptible to the wind, they are on a plastic shell and may have to be tied down somehow.





Any thoughts on how best we can control these during high winds would be appreciated.

[TurkeyRookie]

we just picked up twigs / corn stalks and stuck into dirt and back of shell to limit movement.

[Doug]

we just picked up twigs / corn stalks and stuck into dirt and back of shell to limit movement.

We were there hunting Snows about a month before you Jason. Everything was frozen, the corn stalks, etc. We had pounders to make holes for the stakes, ice and snow everywhere! When the bulk of the birds are there following the snowline north it is amazing to see. Both times we have witnessed the large migration leave the area, to see hundred of thousands of birds is worth the price of admission. See the photos below. We were there at the start of the migration, we have a few landowners who call us when the birds first show up. We had snow banks and only a few bare patches in the field, the rest was ice and snow. The strong winds brought the geese, and warmer temps without the Argo we would have never made it out over the river that was created in the field. We have hunted enough up here in the fall to know the corn stalk, sticks, whatever, it was a method that was just not viable when we were there.

This flight lasted for over 1/2 hour, flock after flock.











Any ideas?

[bardern]

the only thing I can see you doing fairly simply is drilling the stakes further in Doug??? If you want to spend the coin you could get threaded rod and use a couple of bolts and washer to keep them from spinning but that would cost a small fortune in hardware.

High winds are a PITA no matter what decoys you are using. Socks are the worst.

[NorthernGrouse]

I haven't field hunted waterfowl, but I have had the same problem with my turkey decoy and use the two stick method.

Trying to come up with a solution for you when the ground is frozen ..... how about a foot or two of snare wire or string, tie one end to the head or tail, and the other to a 3 or 4 inch spike hammered into the ground?

[Bandwagon]

Doug

You could install Avery motioin cones in the TNT shells, you can lock them into place on windy days. I can appreciate installing them in labor intensive. If your adding socks the White Rocks don't do the death thrash in high winds.'

How big of a spread are you running and what e-caller track are you using?

[Doug]

We have 400 Texas Rags (for sale) and 4-5 doz Sillosocks, plus 6 doz. of the T&T shells, probably again that many Carrylites, a couple of dozen shells whose name I forget, and about 4 dozen full bodies. We have 3 tornado machines that we built ourselves. The sound machine is also homemade, we are running a variety of MP3s, which ever they seem to respond to. We have "Calling The Greater Snow Geese", I don't know who made it, its my partner's CD, I just have the MP3. We also have SnowBait and Snow Reaper, at least I think that is them, you have me searching for the other MP3 player now.

When we started we needed size quickly and cheaply so the rags and socks filled out need, over the past two years we have added to the shells and full bodies. We plan to continue adding with the hard plastics, will keep the socks as filler when needed; but now with the size, we no longer need the rags.

Going with the Avery Cones was a thought; but the cost is restrictive with the number we have.

[DUXX]

Put a rubber washer on top of the stake to add friction. Should be able to match the size fairly easily and try a few out on windy days over winter

[Bandwagon]

Thanks Doug

I am running around 1200 decoys (Aver full bodies, TNT shells and white rocks). Guys have been telling me NOT to run the lesser snow tracks commonly used out west but I have had a hard time finding a track for the greaters.

I hope to sell the TNT shells this spring.

[bardern]

Just thought of this... Double stake your shells... Since you use sillosocks, order up some spare stakes from Sillosocks, drill 2 small holes in your T&T shells to fit the u shaped stakes. Or buy small diameter aluminum instead of the Sillosock stakes. I would suggest to install a Acorn style nut for safety reasons. Both Sillosock or small diameter aluminum will be inexpensive.

winner winner chicken dinner!