What’s the best way to lure canvasbacks to your spread?

Deception and Presentation

When setting up for canvasbacks, focus on creating a believable diving duck spread. Include a minimum of 20% diving duck decoys in your layout, with a mix of species such as mergansers, goldeneye, and harlequin ducks. Position these decoys in a way that mimics the natural behavior of diving ducks, with some spread out and others clustered together. For example, place 5-7 decoys in a loose circle around a central spot, with 3-5 decoys spread out in a line behind them.

Effective Calling and Bait

To effectively lure canvasbacks to your spread, use a consistent calling pattern that emphasizes the distinctive “quack-quack” sound of these birds. Begin with a soft, gentle quack, followed by a series of loud, sharp quacks. To enhance your chances of success, consider using a duck call that produces a more aggressive, raspy sound. In addition to calling, use bait to attract canvasbacks to your spread. Offer a mix of corn, milo, and millet, which are all popular bait options for canvasbacks. Place the bait in a strategic location, such as in the center of your decoy spread or near a blind or hiding spot.