Dove Decoys 101: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Dove decoys can make or break your hunting success. They attract more birds, create realistic scenarios, and give you an edge over other hunters.

But how do you choose the best ones for your needs? In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about dove decoys, from the different types and uses to the best brands and layouts.

You’ll learn how to pick the right decoys for your hunting style, location, and budget. You’ll also discover some expert tips and tricks to make your dove hunting more enjoyable and effective.

Don’t waste your time and money on poor-quality or unsuitable decoys. Read on and find out how to get the most out of your dove decoys.

Dove Decoys - The Basics You Need to Know

Simply put, dove decoys are realistic representations of birds that are used to attract doves to a predetermined area. They can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are plastic or foam.

The decoys are strategically placed in an open field or on a tree branch to mimic a group of doves. When used correctly, doves will see the decoys and believe that it is a safe place to land and feed, making them easier to target.

In combination with other hunting techniques, dove decoys can increase the chances of a successful hunt. It's important to note that using decoys does not guarantee a successful hunt, but it can certainly help to improve your odds.

Types of Dove Decoys

As any experienced dove hunter knows, luring these elusive birds within shooting range requires a bit of finesse and strategy. One of the most effective ways to do so is through the use of dove decoys. There are three main types of dove decoys: realistic, silhouette, and motion.

Realistic decoys, as the name suggests, are highly detailed and look like the real deal. They can be incredibly effective, but can also be pricey and bulky to haul around.

Silhouette decoys, on the other hand, are lighter and more compact, but still offer a realistic outline of a dove, making them a great choice for hunters on the go.

Finally, motion decoys are the most advanced of the bunch, with flapping wings and spinning motors that mimic the flight of a live dove. Although they can be highly effective in some situations, they can also be pricier and more prone to malfunctions.

Whatever type of decoy you choose, remember that proper placement and use are just as important as the decoy itself. So, experiment with different types and configurations until you find what works best for you and your hunting style.

Strategies for Placing Dove Decoys

As any seasoned hunter knows, dove hunting isn't just about aim and accuracy. It's also about strategy - and one of the most important strategies you can employ is laying out your decoys properly.

Focus on placement.

You want to create a realistic illusion of doves in their natural environment. This means placing your decoys in a way that mimics the way doves congregate in real life. So, for example, you might want to put your decoys on or near a raised surface where doves tend to land.

Spacing is critical.

You want to strike a balance between spacing your decoys out enough to give them individuality, but close enough to make it look like a flock.

Vary the height of the decoys

This helps to create a more realistic scene. For instance, placing some decoys on the ground and others on nearby bushes or fence posts can give the appearance of doves leisurely sitting and flying in and out of the area.

It's crucial to experiment with different layouts to see what works best in your hunting area.

By following these tips, you'll not only increase your chances of a successful hunt, but you'll also get a deeper level of satisfaction from the hunt itself.

Features of Dove Decoys

When it comes to dove decoys, not all are equal in their effectiveness and realism. Several factors can influence the performance and appearance of your decoys to attract doves. Consider the following essential features when selecting dove decoys:

Size: Ensure that the size of your decoys matches that of real doves in your area. Decoys that are too large or too small can appear unnatural and scare away the birds. The goal is for your decoys to seamlessly blend in with the flock, providing a sense of safety and comfort for the doves.

Shape: Mimic the shape of real doves with your decoys. Pay attention to realistic body proportions, wings, tails, and heads. Avoid decoys that appear too flat, too round, or too angular. Incorporate different poses, such as feeding, resting, or flying, to introduce variety and movement in your decoy spread.

Color: Match the color of your dove decoys to that of real doves in your area. Aim for accurate patterns and markings, such as the black collar, white wing tips, and gray or brown feathers. Steer clear of decoys that are overly bright, too dark, or faded. Opt for a matte finish that reduces glare and naturally reflects light.

Material: Select durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant materials for your dove decoys. Ensure they can endure multiple seasons and withstand harsh conditions. Additionally, prioritize ease of transportation and setup. Avoid decoys made of low-quality plastic, metal, or wood that may break, rust, or rot easily.

Durability: The durability of your dove decoys hinges on the quality of materials and construction. Look for strong joints, wires, stakes, and clips that securely hold the decoys in place, preventing them from falling apart or blowing away. Reliable and safe power sources, such as sturdy motors, batteries, and wires, are also crucial.

Battery Life: If you utilize motion or sound decoys that require electricity, battery life becomes especially important. Choose decoys with long-lasting batteries that can operate for extended periods without needing replacement or recharging. Additionally, opt for decoys with low-battery indicators to receive timely alerts.

By considering these features, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness and visual appeal of your dove decoys. Attention to detail will enable you to select the best decoys for your specific needs and preferences.

Best Dove Decoys that You Can Buy Now

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hunter, many quality dove decoys on the market can help you attract doves and increase your success rate. Here is a selection of some of the best dove decoys that you can buy right now:

MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Dove Wing Decoy

The MOJO Decoy is a premium hunting accessory that brings unparalleled performance and innovation to the field. This decoy represents an enhanced version of the highly popular Mojo Motion Decoy, boasting even more realism and slower wing rotations.

Customers adore the lifelike appearance and remarkable effectiveness of the MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Dove Spinning Wing Decoy. Not only does it attract doves with remarkable precision, but it also deceives predator birds, such as hawks, thanks to its remarkably authentic design.

With its exceptional quality and enduring durability, this decoy is a valuable investment for any dove-hunting enthusiast. Prepare to be captivated by its allure and experience unmatched success in the field.

Pros:

• Innovative design with all working components attached to support pole
• Ultra-realistic appearance with true-to-life feather detail and color
• Cam lock support pole, drop-in battery holder, and magnetic-attached wings for easy setup
• Durable and quiet operation
• Can attract doves effectively, bringing them closer for better hunting opportunities

Cons:

• Relatively higher price point compared to some other dove decoys
• Some users might prefer a different style of dove decoy

Overall, the MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Dove Spinning Wing Decoy is a reliable and effective hunting accessory with an innovative design that can enhance your dove hunting experience.

Lucky Duck HD Dove Hunting Decoys

The Lucky Duck HD Dove Hunting Decoys offer a convenient and effective solution for enhancing your dove hunting experience.

These decoys come in a pack of 4 and are designed to closely mimic the appearance of doves, attracting real doves to your hunting area. The set includes metal ground stakes for easy installation, and the decoys feature a heavy-duty alligator clip and hanging loop for versatile placement options.

The realistic colors and lifelike design make these decoys appear genuine, increasing their effectiveness in luring in doves.

Pros:

• Realistic Appearance: The decoys closely resemble doves, increasing their effectiveness in attracting live doves to your hunting area.
• Easy Setup: The included metal ground stakes and hanging loop allow for quick and convenient installation on trees, fences, or stakes.
• Durable Construction: The decoys are made from durable plastic material, ensuring they can withstand outdoor conditions and prolonged use.
• Versatile Placement: The heavy-duty alligator clip and hanging loop offer versatile placement options, making it easy to position the decoys effectively.
• Convenient Storage: The stakes can be conveniently stored inside the decoy body, minimizing the risk of losing or misplacing them.

Cons:

• Some users might find the size of the decoys to be smaller than expected, which could impact their visibility from a distance.
• The wings are delicate and may become damaged easily, requiring frequent replacement.

Overall, the Lucky Duck HD Dove Hunting Decoys with its realistic design and durable construction, is a valuable purchase for anyone looking to bolster their success rate in the field.

MOJO Wind Dove

The MOJO Wind Dove Spinning Wing Dove Decoy is a highly effective hunting tool that brings realism and attraction to your dove hunting setup. With its wind-driven spinning wing design, it creates lifelike movement that captures the attention of passing doves.

This decoy is particularly valuable in areas where motorized decoys are prohibited. Its realistic appearance and patented breast peg and support pole make it a durable and dependable addition to your hunting gear.

The MOJO Wind Dove is designed to operate even in light breezes as low as 5 mph, making it a versatile choice for various hunting conditions.

Pros:

• Realistic Attraction: The spinning wing design creates lifelike movement that draws doves from a distance.
• Versatile Use: Especially effective in areas where motorized decoys are not allowed.
• Durable Construction: Patented breast peg and support pole ensure long-lasting performance.
• Easy Setup: Simple installation process for hassle-free use.
• Effective in Light Breezes: Operates in winds as light as 5 mph.
• Dependable Brand: MOJO Outdoors is known for its high-quality hunting products.

Cons:

• Wind Dependent: The decoy's spinning motion relies on wind, which may limit its effectiveness in calm conditions.
• Limited Visual Impact: While it attracts doves effectively, the spinning motion might not be as visible from a distance.

Overall, the MOJO Wind Dove Spinning Wing Dove Decoy is a reliable and efficient tool for enhancing your dove hunting experience. Its realistic appearance and wind-driven movement make it a valuable asset for attracting passing doves and improving your success in the field.

Avian-X PowerFlight Dove Decoy

The Avian-X PowerFlight Dove Decoy is a fantastic addition to any dove hunter's toolkit. Its realistic design, innovative spinning wing motion, and attention to detail make it an excellent choice for attracting doves from a distance.

The product offers easy setup options, including a unique stake with multiple mounting choices, allowing customization for different hunting conditions. The contrasting wing colors and authentic feather positioning enhance its realism, drawing doves in even during windy conditions.

This lifelike decoy is built to last with its durable, crush-proof design. Whether you're an experienced hunter or new to dove hunting, the Avian-X PowerFlight Dove Decoy is a must-have for increasing your hunting success.

Pros:

• Lifelike appearance and authentic feather positioning.
• Spinning wings with contrasting colors for added realism and long-distance attraction.
• Durable and crush-proof design ensures longevity.
• Multiple setup options with a unique stake and mounting clip.
• Easy to assemble and use, suitable for various hunting conditions.
• Realistic motion mimics natural dove movement.
• Excellent value for the quality provided.

Cons:

• Requires AA batteries (not included) for wing motion.
• May require some adjustment to fit wings securely.

Avery Outdoors Hunting Gear Mourning Doves

This set of decoys from Avery Outdoors Hunting Gear is a great choice for dove hunting. The set includes 6 full-body Mourning Dove decoys with realistic feather detail and head positions that will draw attention to your setup. The bodies are made from durable, waterproof plastic and the two included metal stakes make installation easy.

The decoys have a realistic weight and shape that, when placed properly, will bring life to your spread. They’re also very lightweight, making them easy to transport from spot to spot.

Pros:

• Realistic Appearance: The decoys are highly realistic, with intricate carvings and paint schemes that mimic the appearance of mourning doves.
• Versatile Attachment System: The pinch-clip attachment system allows for easy placement on fence lines, tree limbs, wires, or dove stands, enhancing their versatility in various hunting scenarios.
• Durable and Lightweight: The decoys are built with incredible durability while remaining lightweight, making them easy to carry and set up in different locations.
• Effective Decoying: The attention to detail in airbrushing and design contributes to their effectiveness in attracting passing birds, aiding in successful hunts.

Cons:

• Limited Range: The decoys may not be as visible from a distance, so they should be placed closer to your hunting area for best results.

In summary, the Avery Outdoors Hunting Gear Mourning Doves offer a realistic appearance, versatile attachment options, durability, and positive customer feedback, making them a valuable asset for hunters seeking to improve their dove hunting success.

Additional Hunting Tips

Here are some of the most effective ways to use dove decoys while hunting:

First and foremost, it's essential to identify the right location to set up your decoys. Doves prefer open fields or areas near a water source, so focus your efforts on these areas.

Consider the wind. Doves tend to fly into the wind, so set up your decoys accordingly.

Create an open space for the birds to fly into by removing any brush or overgrown vegetation. I've found that placing decoys on the edges of this open area often entices doves to fly directly over the hunters.

Next, make sure your decoys are positioned in a way that mimics natural dove behavior. Consider placing them near trees or power lines, where doves might gather.

Don't be afraid to switch up the layout throughout the day. As the sun and wind shift, so will the birds' flight patterns. So, if you're not having any luck, try moving the decoys to a new location.

Finally, stay patient and mindful of your surroundings. Doves are skittish creatures, so aim to limit your movements and keep quiet. Putting these tips into practice will increase your chances of a successful dove hunting trip.

Wrapping Up

If you're looking to up your dove hunting game, investing in decoys is a great place to start. With the right dove decoy and proper hunting strategy, you will have much better luck on your next hunting excursion.

I hope this guide helps you find the best dove decoys to suit your needs and makes your next dove-hunting experience more enjoyable.

Good luck and happy hunting!