Use of Decoys When Hunting Waterfowl

November 6, 2008

Question: I understand it is unlawful to use electronic or mechanically operated spinning blade devices or spinning wing decoys when attempting to take waterfowl between the start of waterfowl season and Nov. 30. However, does this also exclude jerk string or pull string decoys that (a) “spin a wing” or (b) “flap a wing” by manual pull of a string? (Gambino A.)

Answer: Only natural wind-driven spinning wing devices may be used until after Nov. 30. The device you describe which would spin a wing falls under the mechanically operated category, thereby giving you an advantage, and thus is not allowed during this early-season period. The jerk string type decoys though which either flap a wing or just cause ripples in the water are allowed in the beginning of the season.