PACIFIC FLYWAY PRIMER

Western waterfowl hunters truly have some mouthwatering hunting opportunities available to them. This is the case whether you knock on doors for access, frequent the many state and federal public shooting refuges available or hunt on private clubs. In my hunting life, I’ve been fortunate enough to do all three.

Wherever you hunt, one critical key to success is putting out a decoy spread that causes ducks to commit to you, which is not always as easy as it sounds. Your spread’s ability to fool ducks depends largely on the realism of its composition and arrangement. Not all mallards, pintails, teal, widgeons or gadwalls arrive at the same time in the same place—different species migrate at various times of the season. Realistic decoy spreads should reflect this for top gunning success. Let’s take