Does Anyone have Advice on Buying versus Making their own Decoys?

[noweil Mike]

Mike,

Are the v boards those things where three silhouettes are cut out and connected on three wooden slats?

Yes. I know there are a few guys on here that run them for divers and maybe even some guys who run them for Canada Geese.

 

[R. Greco]

In response to the OP there is nothing sensible or economic when it comes to duck hunting..

 

[D.J. Hagen]

I think in the big picture, it is cheaper to mold with 2 part urethane ... They are more durable and will last... That being said.. They are heavier if you are carrying them in on your back...

Where, what and how you hunt...and how you get to to your hunting spot (powerboat, paddling, hiking?) certainly is something to consider when settling on decoy types. But like a hand-tied fly, there's an additional reward to having a flock cup in on your own handiwork.

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

Buy your first small rig. Over the winter start carving a few heads and bodies. Once you figure out what style you want, go to it. They will mean more to you later and you can pass them down to family.
I started just the opposite. Three of us found some old cork and started a rig. A few of the older guys gave me a few heads as a guide and a few decoys as a guide. Started a black duck rig, a few looked more like mergansers, but we got by with them. Still have a few around to look at... Just bought some wood at the duckboat show and will try to knock out a half dozen this winter.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas