Best time of day for wigeon decoy hunting?

Setting the Scene for Wigeon Decoy Hunting

When it comes to setting up your decoy spread for wigeon hunting, it’s essential to understand the behavior of these birds. Wigeon are highly social birds that tend to gather in large flocks, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. When setting up your decoy spread, aim to mimic this behavior by creating a large spread with around 12-15 decoys, including a mix of males and females.

Decoy Spreads and Placement

For a successful wigeon decoy hunt, you’ll want to create a decoy spread that looks natural and inviting to the birds. A good starting point is to set up a ‘U’ or ‘Y’ shape with your decoys, with the majority of the decoys placed in a circular pattern. This will create a sense of movement and activity, making it more likely to attract the attention of passing wigeon. When placing your decoys, make sure to leave some space between each decoy to create a natural-looking spread.

Additional Tips for a Successful Hunt

When hunting wigeon with decoys, it’s crucial to consider the wind direction and speed. Wigeon tend to be more active in wind speeds of 5-10 mph, and will often fly into the wind to feed. Take advantage of this by placing your decoy spread upwind of your hunting position, and use the wind to guide the birds towards you. Additionally, consider using a mixture of decoys in different plumage stages to create a more natural-looking spread, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different decoy spreads and placements to find what works best for you.