Is competitive calling effective in wigeon hunting scenarios?

Decoy Setup for Wigeon

Wigeon are highly social birds that are attracted to the sounds of other wigeon. For this reason, a decoy setup with 2-5 decoys spaced 10-20 yards apart can be an effective way to draw in a large flock. The decoys should be placed in a natural-looking configuration, such as in a circle or a line, to mimic the feeding patterns of wigeon.

Calling Techniques for Wigeon

When calling wigeon, it’s essential to mimic the sounds of multiple birds. This can be done by using a combination of high-pitched “kee-kee” calls and lower-pitched “quack” calls. The ideal calling pattern involves starting with a series of high-pitched calls to attract the birds, followed by a series of lower-pitched calls to keep them engaged. Aim to make 10-20 calls per minute, with each call lasting 1-2 seconds. This will help to create a sense of urgency and competition among the birds, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.

Using Competitive Calling to Trigger Shots

Once a large flock has been attracted to the decoy setup, it’s essential to use competitive calling to trigger shots. This can be done by making a series of high-pitched calls, followed by a loud “quack” call to simulate the sound of a rival bird. The goal is to create a sense of tension and competition among the birds, causing them to become aggressive and more likely to take flight. By using competitive calling in this way, hunters can increase their chances of success and bag a larger number of birds.