Oversize Diver Decoys?

[JimBuck]

I'm looking at doing more diver hunting next season and was wondering what you guys think about oversize diver spreads? I know oversize seems to be the trend these days, but I've only hunted over life size diver decoys so I don't have much of a comparison. I'm looking at purchasing some diver decoys soon.

Any thoughts on oversize vs. life size decoys would be appreciated.

[Gordie]

RumRiverRat has some really nice avery oversize diver decoys that I was lucky enough to hunt over this past season and now mine are going to have to be replaced with simalar or same decoys as mine are just getting to old and worn out( shot up is more like it )

The oversize IMO lets the ducks spot them from farther away to aid in the commitment to check out the spread that much sooner

[strait-meat]

If you want to hunt divers hunt in ND--when I was out there I saw a ton of them out there--I was just trying to hunt puddlers and had to hold up on a lot of shots b/c I didn't want diver meat. If you hunt out there I think any kind of decoys would be good.

[JimBuck]

I appreciate the responses gentlemen. Gordie, I see what you mean regarding a longer range of visibility. I guess the only thing I am weary of is ducks flaring once they inspected a little closer and just out of range or hesitating to land next to some monster divers.

It sounds like they are the ticket though. I'll check out those Avery's.

[creepworm]

I always worried about the flaring as well but it does not seem to be an issue.

On a side note, if you go with Avery duck decoys I would look at getting a slot bag for them. The paint seems to chip easily and the slot bag will protect your investment.

[Gordie]

If they get that close JB it'll be to late. Divers arent like mallards they will come in a hundred miles an hour right down the decoy line and then up and around for the next pass and they still not sure but they have slowed a bit on this pass if you decide to let them fly by most likely they will come in on a third pass and thats when the fun starts I like to let the fist few hit the water and then open up on the next few behind those and then RELOAD cause they ussally come back RELOAD cause it can happen again ...Never a dull moment duiver hunting.

I have some magnum decoys and some life size cheaper ones and they dont seem to care whats out as long as they can follow a line..

I always try and put the biggest white ones two or three at the end of each line just another attention grabber for the birds.

[RumRiverRat]

Oversized GHG Cans, Bluebills, Goldeneyes and Buffleheads are on my 2 main diver lines.

Superduty can vouch for how well the Can decoys work.

[magnum mike]

I have a few dozen old G&H supermag bluebills. They call them Henriettas. They almost look like goose decoys when compared to lifesize. I never leave the landing without them. Bigger is better and the more white the better as the season rolls on.