1. Put the Full Body Decoys Away
Silhouettes are not just “bargain decoys.” Don’t underestimate their usefulness on sunny, blue bird days. If you’re not lucky enough to fill your spread with Fully Flocked Elite Decoys or Stuffers, you may get some shine off your full bodies or shells. Keep them in the trailer and run a full silhouette rig for a zero shine day.
2. Don’t Buy Calls Based on Names
In the market for a new call? Spend some time researching local pro-staffers for each call. And, Union Brothers, don’t forget the small guys. The pro-staffer who is willing to get into your local shop is worth more than the call itself! They will tune, clean and teach the call…normally for free. Scott Threinen says “You can have a $200 goose call, but if you have $10 hands…then you have a $10 goose call.” Spend time with a call pro-staffer or local call maker to develop $200 dollar hands.
3. It’s Not the Decoys…it’s YOU!
Ever have those days where birds are plentiful and every single one commits and flares? You get out and move the spread, open a hole, curse the wind…nothing helps. “Ahh, they just don’t want to be in this field today.” Nope, 9 times out of 10, it’s you. This year, adjust decoys for wind changes, but spend equal time hiding your blinds. Also, it may not be fun, but talk to your hunting partners about the importance of staying hidden during the hunt.
4. Don’t Believe the Hype
Don’t believe the hype. All the shot manufacturers are good at marketing their product and, for the most part, they are all good shells. Pattern your gun with some buddies (share the expense) and find what shot shoots and patterns best in YOUR gun.
5. Paint Your Layout Blind
Every manufacturer, duck hunter and goose hunter will tell you to “mud up” your layout blind. This works great, and I do it all the time. Little trick…buy a can or two of flat brown spray paint. Lightly spray your blind, just enough to take away the glare, but allow the camo pattern to show through. You will not have to “mud up” your blinds anymore and the paint lasts forever.
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