Quick Answer
For mallards in the Mississippi Delta, the most effective decoy configurations typically consist of a dozen or fewer decoys, including a mix of drakes and hens, placed in a scattered, natural pattern to mimic a group of ducks feeding or resting.
Decoy Numbers and Layout
When hunting mallards in the Mississippi Delta, it’s essential to keep your decoy spread small and natural-looking. I recommend starting with a dozen decoys, including three to five drakes and seven to nine hens. Place the decoys in a scattered, irregular pattern that mimics a group of ducks feeding or resting on the water. Avoid neat, symmetrical layouts that might look too perfect for ducks to ignore.
Decoy Types and Color
In the Mississippi Delta, mallards are often found in shallow, open water, so it’s best to use decoys that resemble the ducks you’re hunting. I prefer using a mix of classic mallard decoys and a few “ditch” ducks with a more mottled, rusty appearance. Use a combination of white and brown hens, as well as drakes with a mix of green and blue heads, to create a natural-looking spread.
Decoy Placement and Movement
When it comes to decoy placement and movement, it’s essential to create a natural-looking scene that might attract a group of ducks to your spread. I recommend placing a few decoys near the water’s edge, while others are scattered in the middle of the spread. Use a decoy retriever to occasionally pick up and move decoys to simulate the natural movement of ducks feeding or resting.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.