Should I use ring neck deeks in an area where I see them mixed in with the mallards, even though I do not want to attract them? I am not sure if I need to go for the realistic approach and use them, or just put out the normal spread and try to attract the duck I want to kill. Thoughts?

It never hurts to have a mix and a realistic setup is always a good thing. I have always had a lot of birds come in that I dont want to shoot, so I just dont shoot them. I have had ringers sit inside my spread too, which also helps bring in birds.

Good point, thanks. We saw lots of ring necks in our scouting trip post season. We would get to a spot and see normally around 10-15 ring necks with 5 or so mallards mixed in and some woodies, and the mallards and woodies are what we want!!

You should always match what you see as far as birds on the water to species of ducks in your spread. Also, you should see how the different species of ducks are interacting with each other and match that. BY that I mean are they sitting mixed in with one another or are they segregated but sitting in the same general spot. If you pay attention to little details like that it will make your spread look a whole lot better.

Agree...if you dont want to shoot ringers, don't shoot them. MEANS MORE FOR ME! Love ringers.

So what I'm hearing from this thread is that I need more dekes??? Anyone want to tell my wife that for me?

Thanks for the input!! Guess I will put out some ring neck deeks this year! More deeks for the shelf!!

Ringers should be a part of any normal spread.

I agree with everything that Dave and Foosh say

Would 6 be enough?

Yeah. Six should do

PM sptaylor, he uses those diver decoys a lot

Im on the other end...no need to put that much thought into it. Maybe put out a few more mallar hens...but really no need to ever have ringer decoys. Just a personal thought. I run only mallards and maybe a pintail drakes. I do have a dozen "custom cans". I painted old flambeaus with white backs on them for open water canvasback hunts. A lot easier for the ducks to see.

I met some guys this last year that shot tons of birds over painted 2 liter bottles. It was a challenge a friend of theirs gave them!

The hunting local is more important than anything...