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tjt
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 02/15/2008 : 10:41:12
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I've been duck hunting 45 years but never tried layout hunting. My oldest son tells me this is our next adventure so I need a little advise. We mostly hunt swamps, corn fields and smaller areas in Michigan so our equip is suited to that type of hunting. Our decoys are mostly puddle ducks [mallards, blacks etc]. Will these decoys work for divers on the bay? Is a 2 man layout boat better than a couple of 1 man boats. What kind of market is there on used boats, do they hold their value? Any other useful help would be appreciated.
Thanks
TJT
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ODHA II
Starting Member
USA
38 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 12:51:21
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TJT,
That is a lot to pack into one question as there are a ton of different answers. First off, let’s look at the differences. You said that you mostly hunt puddle ducks in fields and swamps. From this I would assume that you use 6 – 24 decoys at most and use a 4 wheeler to get around to small bodies of water. Layout hunting is a different ballgame. Typically, it will involve 1 big boat (tender), layout boat, 24 – 100 decoys, and big water. It is a great way to hunt when you are on the birds but you have to watch the weather.
As for decoys, mallards and blacks will work on divers but diver decoys are going to make it easier. I would recommend using what you have and add 2 dozen divers to the bunch.
I have never hunted out of a 2 man layout so I can not comment of the effectiveness of it compared to two single boats. It does seem like layouts do hold their value based on what I have seen in the for sale adds. If you are looking for a used boat, keep in mind that there are factory made and home made boats out there. You can find good and bad in both but typically the home made boats are going to be a bigger risk as they are made from wood and glass.
Welcome to the world of diver (layout) hunting.
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Tony
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 17:10:59
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I can only add that When adding decoys think White. Bluebills, canvasbacks or even buffleheads. these add the flash the ducks like to look for. and its definately a numbers game.
But once you make the pilgramage over to the dark side theres no going back. Nothing like shooting ducks at mach3 over the decoys.
Welcome! |
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tjt
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2008 : 10:43:09
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Thanks guys,
The tender boat isn't a problem we have a couple options in hand for larger boats. Most movement now is with 12'-14' alum boats with outboards and 1 mud motor. Weve got probably 125-150 assorted decoys plus robo's,flippers and a mallard machine. Probably need some 20 foot plus poles for the robo decoys.... Just kidding. Whats the advantage of kevlar over fiberglass in boat construction other than kevlar is more expensive? I'm sure I'll have more questions as this evolves.
Thanks
TJT |
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Tony
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2008 : 11:49:17
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| TJT, Kevlar is strong and somewhat lightweight. But it comes at a cost! Fiberglass is plenty strong(unless your stopping bullets) and can produce lightweight products if its been done correctly with the proper materials. |
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laynout
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2008 : 20:47:35
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You're going to find a ton of opinions on the subject in general.
First off, your mallards and blacks will work real well. You'll have to add a bit of white to the spread with bluebills, cans, or golden eyes. Divers will decoy to anything, but I would say they will tend to key to the few divers you'll have out. Use that to your advantage by placing them where you want to kill your birds. Hunting over puddlers will actually be very helpful in shooting puddlers while you're on the big water.
As for using a double or two singles... to each their own. I would say to get started, a single may be more appropriate. First off, you may find it hard to fill a boat with hunters to accomodate the need for a double. Also, the doubles will take up more room, and if space in the tender is an issue, you might want to consider that. I feel that 2 singles is a more versatile setup.
Randy
"Ah... let's just downwind um."
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Tony
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2008 : 20:58:42
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| Randy Welcom to the site! Its a pleasure to have you. Fella's Randy's a great guy and for what its worth seems to know alittle about layout hunting. Again Welcome! |
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laynout
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2008 : 21:12:43
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Thanks for the kind words. If I can be helpful to anyone, let me know. I don't know it all, but we do spend a good part of 30-40 days a year on the big water.
"Ah... let's just downwind um."
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Topic |
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Getting started
