The duck decoys usually are placed in the center of the spread along with a couple of spinning-wing decoys to steer the ducks into the middle of the set. Ducks don't normally land right with the goose decoys, but they want to be close because they know where the geese are, is where the food is.

If the ducks won't commit to landing in the center of the spread, we'll move the duck field decoys to the ends of the arms of the spread and place our blinds accordingly. If we're using just field-duck decoys, we'll place them in a long "J" shape, clustering the decoys at the top of the "J," while placing fewer decoys toward the tail of the "J."

As a general rule, cluster the decoys if the weather is cold and spread them out more if the weather is mild.

How many decoys you use is a matter of personal preference and logistics. If you can drive into the field and have a trailer full of decoys, go for it. Most times, it seems like you can't have too many decoys. Still, often two or three dozen decoys are all you need if they're in the right place and you've done your homework.

During rainy falls when sheet water often accumulates in the fields, you can spot a few field decoys on dry ground and put half a dozen floaters in the water. The setup is deadly.

Motion can be a big aid in attracting attention to your spread and sealing the deal. Geese seem to shy away from spinning winged decoys, but ducks seem to love 'em. The sight of a duck flapping its wings means there are birds on the ground and there's food to be had. Ducks greedily hop-scotch each other when feeding in fields, hoping to get to the next cob of corn ahead of their brethren. A spinning-wing decoy can imitate this frenzied motion and attract ducks from a distance.

Flagging is another way of attracting ducks to your decoys. Ducks and geese are always flapping their wings when feeding or resting in fields. Fluttering a black flag is a good way to attract a passing flock's attention and imitate feeding birds. An alternative is to add wings, called Flapperz, to your decoys. The wings attach right to the decoy with Velcro strips and flip and flop in even the slightest breeze. For more information on Flapperz, call (269) 857-4838 or visit the company online at www.flapperz.com.

Cover Up with Camo
Hiding in a cut wheat field or corn field can be difficult, but doing so has never been easier with today's camouflage patterns and equipment. Modern camouflage patterns blend right in with whatever type of cover you're hunting. The intricate mixes of shadows and leaf configurations make hunters nearly invisible, even in sparse cover.

The best place to hide when field-hunting is among the decoys. That can be as simple as lying between a couple of corn rows. Make sure your feet and face are hidden, too. If there's snow, simply throw a white sheet over you or wear white camouflage.

My 50-year-old-something back isn't up to that kind of duress anymore. I use a lounge-type chair that is thickly padded, comes in corn field camouflage, is highly mobile and doesn't take up much room. Cover yourself with a camouflaged piece of burlap and you're invisible.

Other hunters go one step farther and use the popular layout blinds with great success. Ducks have keen eyesight and are unusually spooky when approaching a field spread. To be successful, you need to be well hidden.

Calling All Ducks
Calling can be a great attraction when hunting ducks in fields. A long, loud hail call is great for getting the attention of passing flocks, and a greeting call mixed in with a few feed chuckles will help convince wary ducks they are missing out on a free lunch.