Robo ducks

[Buckskin]

Do any of you guys put out a robo duck w/ your field spreads for geese?
We have done it in the past w/ mixed results.  It does seem to make the ducks come in for a closer look.

[dukkillr]

I use a flag instead.

[Specklebelly]

Not for me.

I am one of those old schoolers that does not use mechanically operated decoys for ducks or geese.

Its not my style.

[Buckskin]

Not for me.

I am one of those old schoolers that does not use mechanically operated decoys for ducks or geese.

Its not my style.

Good for you, I guess. But of no help to my question.

[lewdogg21]

My experiences has been the robo geese or robo ducks flare the honkers.  Ideally if I'm using one I want a shutoff or kill switch on a remote in case honkers are flying in the area and I turn them with the call. Robo duck used to be the golden ticket... Now well its just like anything else.

[Bill in IL]

I agree with what lewdogg21 said. The Robo does seem to work better on dry field hunting for ducks than on the water.

[Rogue Ram]

We used roboduck until the State passed a law against it. The thing worked wonderfully early in the year. A little later, the birds had it figured out. We use a jolly line with great success.........

RR

[dukkillr]

I hope that ban makes it's way to all the states.

[Buckskin]

I hope that ban makes it's way to all the states.

Now why would you want it banned.  Because you don't use one?  Because its too effective (which its not, ducks get used to it just like any other decoy setup)? Because it uses batteries (So does my flashlight)?  Because its not traditional enough for YOU (although I bet your not using hand carved blocks).
If they ban robo's, they should ban flagging w/ it (Same purpose).  And calls for that matter.  And layout blinds. And those felt headed decoys (too realistic).  And dogs (find your own damn duck). I think they should ban hunting over water also, since that's were they rest (unfair).  Ahhhh hell lets just ban the sport altogther.  Thats what the anti's want anyway, for US to start banning our own sports so they can concentrate on other matters. Start small and keep banning and banning and banning.

Or you could just not use one and not worry about a spinning decoy that someone esle chooses to use.
But thats a lot to ask.

[dukkillr]

The problem with robos is that they became required equipment in areas where others hunted.  Not having one would be like going to a marsh without a call.  They have become somewhat less affective, but imho they are still required when others will have them.  What then happened was a powered decoy arms race.  First you just saw one robo, then 2, then the ones that swim and fly, and blah blah blah.  I don't like any of it, and if all artificially powered decoys were banned everyone would be back on the same foot.

Initially my objection was that it allowed people who had no idea what they were doing to kill more ducks, eliminating calling and working ducks as the most important factors.  Some states that banned them cited, "The culture of duck hunting" and this is what they were refering to.  Now my objection is that I'm sick of hauling all that crap around, but feel I need to.  If no one had them I wouldn't want one anyway.

In areas where you're the only hunter for miles I don't think it matters.  I have a few places like this, but most of my hunting is done in classic waterfowling areas that often have near by public ground and other private clubs.

Electronic calling is illegal, why can't electronic decoys be too, for much the same reasons.

Or you could just not use one and not worry about a spinning decoy that someone esle chooses to use.
But thats a lot to ask.

I'd be happy to take a condescending tone with your response, but I'm not here to pick a fight.  I would hope you could show me the same respect, "but thats a lot to ask".

[Bill in IL]

Anybody know how many states have banned robo ducks? Just curious.

[lewdogg21]

The problem with robos is that they became required equipment in areas where others hunted.  Not having one would be like going to a marsh without a call.  They have become somewhat less affective, but imho they are still required when others will have them. 

Here in California they don't work magically anymore.  In fact we usually don't bother to bring it

Initially my objection was that it allowed people who had no idea what they were doing to kill more ducks,

If new people to the sport aren't killing ducks they won't stick with it.  Not everyone is privieledged enough to learn from someone experienced.  Heck most of the guys in my duck clubs are poor callers and don't know much.  We need more hunters as the number of hunters nationally is declining.

In areas where you're the only hunter for miles I don't think it matters.  I have a few places like this, but most of my hunting is done in classic waterfowling areas that often have near by public ground and other private clubs.

  Initially they helped greatly in sucking in the breeding pairs of mallards but not anymore.  Just like how Geese got used to 747's and they were no longer effective the same can be attributed to robo ducks.  While on some days they may help, other days they hurt you.

Just my $.02.

[Specklebelly]

quote]I'd be happy to take a condescending tone with your response, but I'm not here to pick a fight.  I would hope you could show me the same respect, "but thats a lot to ask".

I agree, no need for anyone to get bent out of shape for an opinion.

Now on to mine:

On robo's, I see on other boards that "they don't make that big of a difference".  My question is if this is true, then why do people use them?  The fact is they do help, otherwise no one would use them and catalogs wouldn't be full of them.

I don't use robo's because I think they take make hunting too easy.  To me its not about numbers of kill, but the challenge to get them.

To answer the next question, yes I use modern decoys (made in Oklahoma - G&H's  ), calls, dogs, waders, semi auto, goretex and thinsulate. 

Just my $00.02

[Buckskin]

Use them or don't use them, doesn't matter.  They are not the magical weapon. I use one about 30% of the time, especially when others around have them.  But no reason to start banning things just because you feel the need to bring one along, and don't want to.  Thats a little odd.

[lewdogg21]

When I go I want to kill ducks.  If the robo helps so be it. Unlike big game my most memorable moments waterfowling aren't the days I got nothing.

[Buckskin]

When I go I want to kill ducks. If the robo helps so be it. Unlike big game my most memorable moments waterfowling aren't the days I got nothing.

I whole heartedly agree.