Mixing goose decoys

**Clint Leopold** · #1 12-03-2007, 07:37 AM

Is it ok to mix shells with rags? I want to buy some new shells but I don't know if they'll work well with the rags I have.

**CoastalOutfitters** · #2 12-03-2007, 08:41 AM

we always put em downwind of the socks

**Mike Jennings** · #3 12-03-2007, 08:46 AM

CO
we do too, use the shells and FB's to add definition to what i call the front of the spread and rags or socks to add depth.

**SpeckledTrout** · #4 12-03-2007, 12:32 PM

My experience has been to avoid mixing, if possible.

Shells present a totally different profile than rag/winsocks because of their flat "bottoms". This is VERY obvious to low flying birds approaching the spread. Depending on how bad they want the field your in, they may decoy or they may not. If it's only a so so field and they have other options, many will flare without coming on in.

**scm** · #5 12-03-2007, 01:03 PM

I've allways mixed mine by putting the shells/fullbodies/sillohuetes on the downwind side also. I'ts my reasoning that the approaching birds see a more 3-D viewing upon arrival.

**scm** · #6 12-03-2007, 01:06 PM

I also like to make sure I've got heads popping up throughout the spread also. I use the Northwinds decoys for those

**Mike Jennings** · #7 12-03-2007, 01:26 PM

ST
you make a valid point,and i definitely wouldn't argue with success.
and you are correct,being in a field that the birds want to be in ,is a major factor to say the least.
but with that aside, i just have to wonder if birds are flaring due to minor detail in your decoys profile, if it may be more of an overall visibility issue,some days they can just see too well.

SCM, i also like the heads in the spread,we use quite a few (Silisocks,, spelling ?)
just for that reason. there overall profile is nothing like your average sock/rag,
we have been combining decoys for years with without any apparent problems. but iv never claimed to be good, just lucky

**scm** · #8 12-03-2007, 01:33 PM

We use Silosocks also as our main spread. Check out the new Silo flags they have come out with www.silosocks.com. I may have to get a few of these.

**Salty Dog** · #9 12-03-2007, 01:40 PM

I don't like mixing decoys.

**Whitecrow** · #10 12-03-2007, 01:49 PM

I don't care for mixing, either. My theory is that there is not much advantage to it. The time spent assembling a few dozen shells or fullbodies for the "downwind edge" could be better spent putting out a hundred more 'sox. If a goose can see how pretty your downwind fancy decoys are, it can also see that the one beside it is a rag on a stick, ya know?

The exception is if you are just combining everything you and buddy have to make a decent spread. If that's the case, then put it out. A hundred years ago when we first starting transitioning from throw-rags to 'sox, I would put out my 'sox downwind and my rags behind us. We killed birds.