When it comes to waterfowl hunting, every single detail counts. From the way you brush your blind, the calling sequence you choose to use; to the ammo you shoot, and the choke and gun that your shooting it out of . Success often comes down to realism and details. And in the world of decoys realism and details are just as, if not the most important thing that can be the determining factor in your success. There is one thing that makes one decoy stand out from another- Flocking. The difference between flocked, and non-flocked decoys may be small at first glance, but in the field it can be the determining factor between birds finishing in your spread, or flaring off in the distance.
What is flocking and how does it work? Flocking is often a specialized coating of tiny fibers that gives decoys a soft, matte finish. Or sometimes a layer of soft felt layered over a section of, or sometimes the entire decoy. This treatment not only reduces unnatural shine that hard plastic produces, but it can also enhance the texture, and depth appearance of a decoy, and will create a more life-like look from every angle. Whether its on a floating mallard in open water, or a silhouette decoy in a corn field, flocking can deliver that realism your looking for that hard plastic alone usually cannot.
Non- flocked decoys, while usually cheaper, do come with some serious drawbacks. Under the sunlight, or even on overcast days light will bounce and reflect off of this smooth plastic, flashing unnatural glints of sunlight that passing birds will pick up on instantly. Birds live off of, and rely heavily on their super developed, and sharp eyesight. And even at a distance birds can spot the difference between genuine feathers, and a shiny imposter. Silhouettes are especially guilty of this. Although they may add numbers to your spread, a non- flocked silhouette on a sunny day is no better than having a field full of shiny mirrors. Even without sunlight without the matte feather-like finish of a flocked decoy, they often look flat, stiff, and out of place, sticking out like a sore thumb. Something wary birds will pick up on right away.
Flocked decoys, while usually a bit pricier, work hard for you as the hunter. A flocked mallard decoy, or goose silhouette will blend in seamlessly, appearing as a natural bird in its environment. Instead of standing out as a foreign object, a flocked decoy will absorb light just like real feathers do, fooling even the sharpest of eyes into trusting what they are seeing. Many hunters have reported that where a non- flocked decoy will flare birds, they consistently see more birds committing to a flocked spread over one that is not. Because when decoys are flocked, they look alive- not artificial. When the conditions are tough and those late season birds are wary, this extra layer of realism can mean the all the difference.
At the end of the day, waterfowl hunting is all about stacking as many odds as you can in your favor. Just like you didn't skimp out on your camouflage, or duck calls, your decoys deserve the same attention to every detail. Flocking is not a gimmick, its a proven edge that will seperate average spreads from great ones. Investing in flocked floaters, or silhouettes will ensure that your spread doesn't just take up space, but convinces birds to finish. When it comes to decoys realism and details are everything, and flocking delivers both. So if you want birds in your lap, instead of out of range, the answer is simple- get flocked.
We'll see ya in the blind.