What is hunting over decoys?
Hunting over decoys means bringing the game to you instead of stalking it. For bird hunting you use decoys, and sometimes calls, to make the birds fly in towards your position. It is one of the oldest and most engaging forms of hunting there is.
Which birds can you hunt over decoys?
The species most commonly hunted over decoys in Sweden are:
- Crow – An excellent species to learn the technique on. Note that it is not open all year: crow is hunted during the general open season, with dates that vary by county, and shooting outside that season is only allowed under Sweden's protective hunting rules.
- Jackdaw – Often mixed in with crows. Reacts strongly to decoys.
- Woodpigeon – A popular summer and early-autumn hunt over stubble fields.
- Gulls – Can be hunted over decoys along the coast, but which gull species are legal and when varies by species and county – check the open seasons in force before you go.
Basic gear for hunting over decoys
1. Decoys
Decoys are the most important item you will buy. For a beginner, silhouette decoys are the smartest choice – light, affordable and simple to handle. Start with 6–12 decoys of the species you intend to hunt.
2. Hide
You have to be completely concealed. Birds have outstanding eyesight and spot movement instantly. Use camo netting, existing bushes and cover, or build a natural hide (blind) from branches and leaves.
3. Shotgun
A 12-gauge shotgun is the standard. Use shot size 5–7 (US numbering, roughly 2.5–3 mm) depending on the species.
4. Camouflage
Clothing in muted colours that blend into the surroundings. Do not forget gloves and a face mask – hands and face are what the birds pick out first.
Step by step: your first hunt over decoys
- Scout: Find an area the birds are already using. Look for flight lines and feeding areas.
- Choose your spot: Set the hide up along the birds' flight line, ideally with the wind at your back.
- Set out the decoys: Place them 10–25 metres from the hide. Mix the postures and turn the beaks into the wind.
- Wait patiently: Sit completely still. When the birds notice the decoys and start to circle, wait until they are within range.
Rules you need to know
In Sweden, electronic calling devices (recorders, speakers) are prohibited for hunting, while manual calls are permitted. Always check the open seasons for your species and your county on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website. If you hunt in another country, check your own national and regional rules – legal species, open seasons and the rules on calls vary widely across Europe.
Ready to get started? Our silhouette decoys are ideal for beginners – easy to carry, quick to set up and built to last season after season.
