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DECOY SPREADS: THE X AND 3 LINE

By DENNIS HUNT

 

If you intend to get the snow, blue or Ross geese by using decoys then, I will show you two spreads that could work. They are the X and 3 LINE SPREADS.

X DECOY SPREAD – This spread is simple and can be effective. You don’t need a large amount of decoys and the spread gives options of landing zones for the geese to focus on. Here is what to do:

• DECOY SET UP. Mark your X in a likely spot in the field. That spot should be near any natural cover, 40 yards upwind from the spot of concealment. A dried up slough would be perfect! Mark the parameters of the X by placing an outline of decoys at each end of the X. When done, you will fill in with decoys. Place the decoys in family groups of 7 with 1 sentry and 6 feeding decoys. The sentry is facing into the “teeth” of the wind and the feeders are facing slightly off to the right or left as if they were reaching for food. Geese always feed slightly or directly into the wind! Each decoy should be 3 feet apart with the family groups 10 yards apart. In each line of the X, you should have set up 3 family groups or about 20 decoys. There will be about 40 decoys set up in the X decoy spread. Next, sprinkle some “flyer decoys” off to the side of the spread. I use North Wind hovering as my flyers because they look realistic and will not blow erratic in strong winds. The flyers will be conspicuous to the geese as the wings are flapping and the movement will catch the eyes of the wary geese. The total amount of decoys used for this spread is less than 50. This spread should be effective. If there is wind, I would use North Wind windsocks in snow/blue. If there is no wind, I would put out big foots in snow/blue. I would use the North Wind hovering regardless of wind conditions. I would drive out onto the field, if possible. Otherwise, I would pull my decoys and gear out on a 6’ plastic sled.

• CONCEALMENT. Your next project is – picking out a great spot of concealment and using the correct blind or spot in which to hide.

• PLAY THE WIND! If the field has natural cover in it, use it with your decoys set up 40 yards or more beyond. If the field is clean, use a low-profile blind such as the Final Approach Eliminator. Cover the blind with corn stalks or weeds. If you don’t have a blind, pick out a spot away from the decoy spread and cover up with corn stalks, tumbleweeds etc. Use a backrest to get comfortable and increase your shooting percentage. Use a face mask! Don’t lay within the decoy spread. The geese will be focused on the spread and will spot you!

 

THREE LINE DECOY SPREAD. This is another unusual spread! It has been effective because the 3 lines of decoys confuse the wary geese. Remember, these late season snow geese are survivors and have seen and heard it all!

Pick out a field with natural cover in it and set the 3-line decoy spread up 40 yards upwind from the spot of concealment.

• PLAY THE WIND! If there is no natural cover, select a spot out in the middle of the likely field. Mark off the ends of your 3 lines with decoys. The length of the lines should be 30 yards. Fill in the lines with family groups of 7. Use three family groups in each line by placing the decoys 3 feet apart and the family groups 10 yards apart. The family groups should consist of 6 feeders and 1 sentry. I would use the same tactics as in the X decoy spread. Both spreads have been very effective for me because they are different.

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE HUNT