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Early Season Multi Species Duck Decoy Spread

Summary: Most duck hunters across the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to participate in special early duck hunting seasons. Some of these special early seasons are for teal or wood ducks only but in other areas (our home state for example) a special early season is held in September which allows hunters to harvest multiple species of ducks.

The following are keys that will help you make this decoy spread successful:

Use duck decoys that will match the species of ducks you'll be hunting - the more closely you match the species the greater your chances for a successful hunt

Large decoy spreads are not a necessity - instead, set your decoy spread loosely covering a wide area

Include multiple landing zones or pockets within the spread

Keep your decoys in small family groups of the same species, 3 - 7 decoys per group

Keep the decoys in each group relatively loose - 3 to 4 feet between decoys

Don't crowd your decoys groups - keep approximately 15-20 feet between different groups within your spread

The earlier the season the more "brown" or hen decoys should be used in the spread

Set your decoy groups where the specific ducks coming into the spread will likely land - i.e., teal prefer more open water while wood ducks would prefer thicker brushier areas or timber

Please note the decoy spread above is not intended to show exact numbers of decoys or species of decoys to use as these factors depend upon the situation.