Best Waterfowl Decoys for 2024

A successful waterfowl hunt starts with investing in quality gear that will serve you for many more hunts. Waterfowl decoys don't have to cost an arm and a leg, but which decoys should you add to your collection? We're here to help you decide!

This blog looks at some of the leading waterfowl decoys for 2024 in terms of price and quality, plus some strategies to help you maximize the use of these tools in your next bird hunt. You'll also hear from one of our experienced HuntWise Field Team waterfowl hunters, Alec Pratt.

Why Use Waterfowl Decoys 

Decoys draw attention and interest from waterfowl, bringing them into your range of fire and adding a sense of realism to your setup. They can also distract from you so you can raise your shotgun and take your shot.

Environmental factors, weather, and the movement or style of decoys you choose will all impact the success of this strategy. 

To use decoys effectively: 
 

• Match the decoys to the predominant species you target, or use a mix if you are targeting a variety of birds
• Assess the wind speed and direction (you can use HuntWise for accurate winding) and adjust decoys accordingly 
• Mix active and resting decoys to present a realistic scene
• Determine whether you will require larger decoys (for longer distance attraction) or smaller decoys (for realism) 
• Keep your decoy spread conservative and scale upwards depending on the size of the body of water you intend to hunt 

Remember that decoys should be part of a broader strategy that involves additional systems such as calling, camouflage, and firearm selection. 

Our Expert's Decoy Insights

Our friend Alec Pratt says this:

"Decoys a necessity for waterfowl hunting. I grew up hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and later shot woodies in Alabama. Given the species, these are totally different types of hunting, but there are great memories all around. 

I've used all sorts of decoys, from old plastic floaters to newer electronic decoys, and decoys have come a long way recently. New models are quiet, printed in extreme realism, and move better in the water. I don't think there's a magic solution, and most of our decoys are older, but I've had good luck with floaters and standing decoys when in a field blind.

New models are awesome and can be coated in softer materials that don't make as much noise in the wind."

5 Decoys To Add To Your Waterfowl Spread

When choosing waterfowl decoys, we look for two significant factors: durability and realism.

You'll also want to consider the spread you want to achieve with your decoys.

Take a look at five of our favorite decoys for a 2024 waterfowl hunt. We'll start with a few decoys from our partner, Hardcore Waterfowl. The constant innovation, exploration, and attention to detail set the Hardcore Waterfowl decoys apart from the rest, and they are dedicated to creating robust and hyperrealistic products that make a stunning spread. 

1. Best Overall: (Hardcore Waterfowl) Rugged Series Diver Pack – Foam-Filled

Price: $109.99

The rugged diver pack from Hardcore Waterfowl is not just about hyper-realism; it's about variety.

With a six-pack option that includes two canvasback drakes, two bluebill drakes, and two redhead drakes, this pack adds an exciting new dimension to your spread, making it a foundational tool for any dedicated duck hunter. 

Next-level touches, including the WhaleTail design to promote lifelike movement and true-to-life paint schemes, help promote realism in the water. These are must-haves for any duck hunter looking for a reliable and durable pack.

2. Best Butts: (Hardcore Waterfowl) Field Series Canada – Goose Feeder Butt Decoys (Flocked 2-Pack)

Price: $49.99

The flocked goose feeder butts (2 pack) provide a hyper-realistic pose of feeding geese, helping you build out a more diverse and realistic spread. 

The attention to detail and patented WhaleTail create an irresistible authenticity for overhead waterfowls. 

3. Most Realistic Design: (Harcore Waterfowl) Rugged Series Lesser Canada Floaters 
– Flocked Head 

Price: $169.99

Don't build out your spread without this six-pack: two active lessers, two relaxed lessers, and two rester lessers.

With carefully designed feather patterning and a variation in head poses, the lesser Canada floaters are stunning when on the water, providing a realism that's hard to match in many of today's decoy designs. 

Utilizing flow flex technology, these decoys can withstand even the toughest of conditions and will have you reach for them repeatedly when setting up your spread on those cool, dark mornings. 

4. Best Lightweight and Long-Lasting: HeyDay Hydrofoam Mallards

This six-pack of ultra-lightweight decoys from HeyDay, designed with specialized HydroFoam, ensures realism and long-lasting durability that you can rely on. Additionally, the carved-in detail and realistic patterning create a finish that is not just realistic but authentic, based on natural top-down photography of live birds. 

A pack includes two active drakes, two rester drakes, two hens, and removable self-righting keel weights, providing a versatile set for your hunting needs.

5. Best Motion Decoy: MOJO Mallard® Elite Series™ - King Mallard w/ 6V Li-ion Battery

Powered by a rechargeable Li-ion Battery (6V), the MOJO mallard is an expertly designed motion decoy that provides realistic movement without the noise, wobble, and vibration that can sometimes accompany electronic decoys.

The softer skin and externally attached components to the support pole help build a less bulky and smoother action on the decoy. 

How to Set Up Your Decoys

Alec has some tips for us about setting up your waterfowl decoys for success.

He says:

"We set up a group mixed with hens and drakes and might mix up species in different groups. We mostly use mallards with a few pintails spaced out. 

Decoys give waterfowl a reason to look at your spot to get close enough for a shot. We look at the shoreline relative to the wind and how we are set up. Positioning the decoys to look natural and ensure they don't get tangled or bang into each other with the wind is also important. The goal is to position them and make a landing zone. 

Birds don't sound like plastic bottles banging around, so don't let your decoy get tangled in the wind. Pay attention to the formation and how you want the birds to approach your spread, but be prepared for shots at any angle. 

Our family meets in the Northern Neck of Virginia every year for Thanksgiving. Some of my most fond memories are getting out in the blind with my dad, uncle, cousins, and our dogs. Lots of life lessons are exchanged, and stories make the moments invaluable.

These times in the blind waiting on birds where we could talk brought us together and helped build my love of the outdoors. That's part of what makes duck hunting so special; it's a social hunt and a team sport – an invaluable chance to pass lessons on to the younger generations and bring folks together." 

Finding Waterfowl Hunting Zones With HuntWise

Decoys only work if birds are in the area to attract, and technology can be a game-changer in this regard.

Leverage tools like the HuntWise topographical maps and aerial features to unlock waterfowl hotspots. These can help you find less-pressure hunting areas, making your decoys more effective. 

It's also crucial to understand the birds' environment. Look for robust and full-bodied water zones that carry water all year round and consider them into the broader environment. Agricultural lands can be great as they serve as feeding areas, whereas surrounding forests can provide some cover for birds with higher potential.

Once you've determined a location you consider a hotspot, it's time to get out there and start exploring. Understanding movement patterns, landing areas, weather patterns, and their impact on the surrounding environment is critical. Be sure to mark these factors on your HuntWise map for future reference. 

Use These Tips and the HuntWise App for Your Waterfowl Hunt This Season

Choosing the best waterfowl decoys can significantly enhance your hunting success. With design, materials, and realism advancements, today's decoys offer unparalleled lifelike appearances and durability. 

So much goes into a successful waterfowl hunt, and choosing a high-potential hunting zone should be on our list. With the HuntWise mapping features and the top waterfowl options above, you're increasing your chances of waterfowl success this season. 

We hope these decoy insights have been helpful! If you haven't downloaded HuntWise yet, get it today and explore it – free – for your first week.