How to Set Better Spreads for Duck Decoy Hunting

Duck decoy hunting isn't just about numbers. An effective decoy hunting strategy involves shape, spacing, and creating an inviting space for birds to land. Get those details right, and ducks will see your duck decoy setup as the right place to make their entrance.

Where Should a Duck Decoy Setup Be?

Before you start tossing out dekes in the dark, it's important to match the spread to your conditions and terrain. Let the size and type of water or field where you are hunting help you determine how to set up duck decoys.

Small ponds

In small, tucked-away timbered holes or isolated farm ponds, less is almost always more. A dozen well-placed decoys loosely grouped on the upwind side can be all you need to create a natural look and leave plenty of open water for a landing zone.

Rivers and Creeks

Ducks will naturally loaf in the slack water behind bends, sand bars, or points. Place decoys along a calm eddy, leaving a pocket of inviting calm water on the downstream side for birds to land in.

Marshes

A marsh is a great place to mix several species of decoys. Ducks in open marshes don't sit shoulder to shoulder; they spread out in small groups, usually separated by species. Use different postures to mimic how some ducks actively feed (other ducks will preen, rest, or act as sentries). 

Lakes or Large Fields

Visibility matters most in these environments. You may need large spreads consisting of several dozen full-body decoys, silhouettes, and socks to make your setup stand out.

No matter the setting, remember that birds don't have anti-lock brakes; they use the wind to help slow down on their final approach when landing. Strategically leave a landing zone where you want them to land into the wind.

Common Spreads for Duck Decoy Hunting

Knowing some of the most common spreads for setting out your decoys can help you save time and place them in a setup that's more likely to encourage ducks to land right where you want them to land. Let's look at a few setups that give you the best shot of ducks finishing near your blind. 

J-Hook Spread This was the first spread design I learned when I began waterfowl hunting, and I still use some version of this layout in the majority of situations. In this duck decoy setup, hunters loosely place decoys in the shape of the letter J or a fishhook pattern. The long side of decoys guides birds from downwind, as the hook creates an open pocket for them to land. Place your blind slightly off the bottom of the curve, allowing all hunters in the group to side shoot birds as they land without the ducks looking straight into your hide.
Classic U-Shape Spread This setup works as well on open water as it does in harvested fields. The horseshoe-shaped layout funnels birds into the center, where you'll have your blind with the wind at your back, shooting them head-on.
X-Shape Spread This arrangement offers a flexible option when the wind is shifting or not blowing at all. With your blind in the middle, birds can approach from different directions.  Keep your head on a swivel, though: birds can come out of nowhere and may land behind you if you aren't paying attention.

Additional Duck Decoy Spreads to Consider

In addition to the duck decoy spreads illustrated above, many hunters also use a couple of additional setups to lure ducks in. 

Blob or Raft

A tight, natural-looking raft mimics birds resting and works well for diving ducks on lakes and in bays. Its large profile helps attract birds from a distance, and it can be the easiest to set up.

Singles and Pairs

Especially effective during late season, this spread has become my go-to for pressured ducks that have been hunted all the way down the flyway. Instead of a large spread, scatter small pods across the water to mimic cautious birds loafing in groups of two and threes. 

Keep your calling to a minimum, or stay silent and let the decoys do the convincing.

How to Set Up Duck Decoys by Distance

Too often, I see newer hunters placing duck decoys right on top of each other—but ducks enjoy a bit of personal space. On smaller water, keep decoys spaced 2–4 feet apart. On larger bodies of water and in open fields, spread them out to approximately 5–8 feet apart.

Vary the spacing so it looks natural, avoid uniform rows, and always leave an open pocket for birds to finish into.

How Many Decoys Do You Need for Duck Hunting?

If you're looking for duck hunting tips on the correct number of decoys to use, half a dozen decoys can be enough in a small pond if you set them naturally. On medium waters, 18–36 will make your spread more visible. Big lakes or harvested fields of black eyed peas, corn, or milo may require four dozen or more to catch the ducks' attention.

Placement and realism will outweigh sheer numbers if you are in the right spot. In fact, on hard-hunted public ground, fewer decoys can be more convincing than a giant spread.

Motion Options

A dead-still spread on a calm morning will rarely fool live ducks, but adding a little motion can help sell the setup. A simple jerk cord creates ripples and brings decoys to life with a swimming motion. Spinning-wing decoys can be a magnet for ducks in the early season, though birds become wary by the late season and will begin to avoid them.

Swimmer or butt-up-style feeder decoys add realism and feeding movements. Adding another species, such as a pair of Canada floaters, on the outskirts of your spread can give you more visibility and a more natural mix.

Don't Underestimate Your Hide

Concealment is critical. The most convincing spread in the world won't matter if your blind sticks out or your buddy's lab is walking around outside of the blind. Brush in the blind with natural materials until it disappears, and minimize shadows.

Birds look at you from above, and they will flare when they look down into the strange rectangular hole of an A-frame and see a bunch of wide-eyed, shiny faces staring back at them. Ducks survive by being masters at picking out movement. Keep still and stay hidden until you call the shot.

Know When to Call an Audible and Prepare with HuntWise

Sometimes, the best-laid plans don't work. Even with the tips we provided today, if birds keep flaring or landing short, don't be afraid to adjust the spread, shift the landing hole, or even pick up and move half the decoys to make it work. Successful hunters aren't stubborn; they're adaptable.

A smart spread starts before you toss out the first decoy. With the HuntWise app, you can scout water and fields, identify possible roosts and feeding areas, and plan where to place your decoys based on wind direction. The HuntCast function also shows you when ducks are most likely to be flying in your hunting area, helping you limit out on your next duck hunt.

Don't have HuntWise yet? 
Now is the best time to download it and plan your duck hunt free during your first week in the app. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to common questions about duck decoy hunting and spreads.

Q: How do you set up a duck decoy spread?

A: To set up a duck decoy spread, place decoys in natural-looking groups with an open landing zone facing the wind so ducks can land into it. Adjust the pattern based on wind, water, and species.

Q: How far apart should duck decoys be?

A: Generally, duck decoys should be 3–6 feet apart so they look relaxed and natural while keeping an inviting landing pocket open.

Q: What is the best time of day to hunt ducks?

A: The best time of day to hunt ducks is early morning, after legal shooting light. Another good window is in the late afternoon.

Q: How many decoys do you need for duck hunting?

A: A small spread of 6–12 duck decoys works in tight areas. Open water often benefits from 24 or more. Use what fits the conditions and pressure.

Q: What do you do with a duck after you shoot it?

A: After shooting a duck, retrieve it quickly, confirm it’s dead, tag it if required, keep it cool, and clean or process it as soon as possible.