Flapping Duck Decoys

October 28, 2010

Question:I have a question regarding flapping wind duck decoys. I know that spinning wing duck decoys are not allowed until after Dec. 1, but what if they flap up and down rather than spin? Is this type of flapping wing decoy legal for the whole duck season? (Yoshio O.)

Answer: Decoy devices that are electronically powered or activated by anything other than natural wind to directly or indirectly cause rotation of decoy wings or blades that simulate wings are prohibited when attempting to take waterfowl between the start of the waterfowl season and Nov. 30 (Fish and Game Code Title 14, section 507). Wind-powered decoys and wings or wing-simulated devices that do not rotate or spin around a fixed point are legal to use to attract waterfowl prior to Dec. 1 and throughout the entire season. Flapping wing decoys are therefore permitted all season.