Painting up my Crane decoys

Phil C · 11-18-2021, 02:35 AM

I painted up a dozen Sandhill crane decoys this evening. I have had these for about 20 years and it was time to refresh. Not the best job but they look much better than they did.
I have a do it yourself Crane hunt starting on November 27 and hope these decoys will lead to success.
Now to figure out what gun and shells I will use. Anyone tried the TSS shells for Waterfowl? What size shot did you use?

Jay Oliver · 11-18-2021, 08:00 AM

Those look good! I am going to go in December for the first time. The guide listed BBs or #2s as shot sizes that work best and recommended tighter chokes. I am going to use RST 10 Gauge 2 7/8" 1 3/8oz of #2s. I will be using a damascus gun so wanted to stick with bismuth.

Good luck on your hunt!

Kevin McCormack · 11-18-2021, 10:13 AM

So Phil; what layout pattern do you use for your decoys? Fishook? "Y" with a long or short tail? 'Family' groups?

Big D · 11-18-2021, 08:45 PM

Glad I'm not trying to carve elephant decoys. Geese are heavy enuff

Phil C · 11-19-2021, 09:37 PM

Kevin I kind of just set them out in front of my blind. Success has been hot and cold.
I need to read up on decoy sets. I guess I need to do some research as it might actually improve my odds.
Bought some geese decoys that I will use for a confidence addition to the field.

Phil C · 11-20-2021, 08:19 PM

I could not find any full body crane decoys after months of looking. Bought some Heron decoys and painted them. I am guessing they will look good enough.

Mike of the Mountain · 11-21-2021, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillip Carr

I painted up a dozen Sandhill crane decoys this evening. I have had these for about 20 years and it was time to refresh. Not the best job but they look much better than they did.
I have a do it yourself Crane hunt starting on November 27 and hope these decoys will lead to success.
Now to figure out what gun and shells I will use. Anyone tried the TSS shells for Waterfowl? What size shot did you use?

Phil, that hunt is on my bucket list.

Double Lab · 11-21-2021, 11:57 AM

Mine too. Rib-Eye of the sky. Yumm!

That's thinking out of the box Phil. Good luck!

Mike of the Mountain · 11-21-2021, 12:31 PM

Daryl, maybe we should put a trip together??

Mike of the Mountain · 11-21-2021, 12:33 PM

Here's a crane decoy set-up I'd use. It's a family group.....