Quick Answer
For open water, use a spread of 10-15 decoys 20-30 yards apart, with a mix of singles and doubles to mimic a small flock. On ponds, reduce the spread to 5-7 decoys 15-20 yards apart, and focus on creating a more compact, dense pattern. This allows wigeon to easily enter and exit the area.
Open Water Setup
When hunting wigeon over open water, it’s essential to create a large enough spread to mimic a small flock. This will give you a better chance of attracting birds and getting them close to your location. A good starting point is to use 10-15 decoys, spaced 20-30 yards apart. This will create a large enough area to attract birds without overwhelming them. To add realism to your spread, mix in a few singles among the doubles, as this will give the appearance of a small flock with varying numbers.
Pond Setup
When hunting wigeon on smaller bodies of water like ponds, it’s crucial to create a more compact and dense pattern. This will allow wigeon to easily enter and exit the area without feeling overwhelmed. A good starting point is to use 5-7 decoys, spaced 15-20 yards apart. This will create a tight, cohesive pattern that mimics a small flock or a group of birds feeding on a specific area of the pond. Pay attention to the wind direction and use it to your advantage by placing the decoys upwind of your location. This will help guide the birds towards you.
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