13 best floating decoys

Floating decoys are commonly used in hunting, especially waterfowl hunting, to attract target species of birds or waterfowl. These decoys are designed to mimic the appearance of real birds, such as ducks, geese, or other waterfowl, in order to lure in live birds within shooting range. They are an essential tool for hunters to increase their chances of a successful hunt. Here are some key points about floating decoys:

  1. Purpose: Floating decoys serve the primary purpose of attracting live birds by creating the illusion of a safe and desirable environment. They make the hunting area appear more appealing to passing waterfowl, encouraging them to land or fly closer.

  2. Materials: Decoys are typically made from various materials, including plastic, foam, and wood. These materials are chosen for their durability and buoyancy, allowing the decoys to float realistically on the water's surface.

  3. Realism: Floating decoys are designed to be as realistic as possible. They often feature lifelike paint jobs, detailed feather patterns, and accurate body shapes to resemble the target species. Realism is crucial to convincing live birds that the decoys are safe and attractive companions.

  4. Types: There are different types of floating decoys available for different waterfowl species. Hunters may use duck decoys, goose decoys, or even swan decoys, depending on their target.Some decoys are also designed to mimic feeding or resting postures, adding further realism to the spread.

  5. Motion: Some advanced floating decoys come equipped with motion features. These may include built-in keels that allow the decoy to move with the water's natural currents, or motorized systems that create ripples or splashes to mimic feeding or landing birds. Motion can enhance the effectiveness of the decoy spread.

  6. Decoy Spreads: Hunters typically arrange multiple floating decoys in a specific pattern, known as a "decoy spread," on the water's surface. The size and arrangement of the spread can vary depending on the hunting strategy and the species being targeted.

  7. Decoy Accessories: To enhance the realism and effectiveness of floating decoys, hunters often use accessories such as decoy anchors, lines, and jerk strings. These tools help control the placement and movement of the decoys.

  8. Regulations: It's important for hunters to be aware of local and federal regulations regarding the use of decoys, including any restrictions on the types and numbers of decoys that can be used. Violating these regulations can result in fines and penalties.

Floating decoys play a crucial role in waterfowl hunting, helping hunters attract birds to their location and providing them with a better shot opportunity. Their realistic appearance and strategic placement contribute to successful hunting outings.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best floating decoys on the market
  

The Pond Guy Pair of Floating Fake Swans, Plastic Lifelike Decoys to Deter Geese, Pair (2)

Based on 115 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Deter geese, save money & time by reducing the need for chemicals, and further decorate your water feature with this Floating Swan Decoy Pair. Swans are very territorial animals as they naturally compete with geese for nesting space and food. It is well known that a pair of goose repellent decoys can deter or even scare away a flock of geese before they have the chance to nest!

  • Protect your Pond, Lake or yard from Geese and unwanted wildlife or waterfowl.
  • Use these floating decorative pair of Swans on Land or Water.
  • Durable Lifelike Painted Plastic Construction For Years Of Use.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it have multiple anchor points
Answer: There is only the one loop at the end of the neck that locks in under body that can be used for anchoring.
Question: What is the best way to anchor these in the lake? Do they come with any weights
Answer: They do not come with weights. I anchored mine by tying them with line to bricks. The line was longer than the depth of the lake so the wind could move them around. It works perfect, it has discouraged both geese and blue heron.
Question: Can I use rope and stakes to anchor to the ground
Answer: Sure. There is a little plastic loop under the neck that you could run the rope through and attach to a stake.
Question: What's the shipping time
Answer: Shipping time is 4-7 business days.

Flambeau Outdoors 8036SUV Storm Front 2 Mallard Decoys, Classic Floaters - 6-Pack

Flambeau Outdoors

Based on 186 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our banner decoy series takes its name after the most anticipated phenomenon of the waterfowl season—the arrival of fresh birds with a storm front. Carved by renowned master carvers, Storm Front 2 decoys are a deadly fusion of what the birds need and the hunter demands—unsurpassed realism and unequivocal durability. From a proprietary polymer blend for "battleship" longevity in the field to the ultra-visible, ultra-violet and ultra-effective use of UVision paint technology, the Storm Front 2 series has duping the ducks season after season down to a perfect science.

  • STORM FRONT 2 SERIES: A deadly fusion of what the birds need and the hunter demands—unsurpassed realism and unequivocal durability.
  • FLOATING DECOYS: These Flambeau Outdoors decoys float in classic Canada Goose posture for heightened on-the-water realism. Proprietary keel design features tie-off points for versatile motion in current or wind and depth adjusting anchor eyelet.
  • PATENTED UVISION PAINT TECHNOLOGY: Paint scheme of unparalleled realism that reflects the real ultraviolet signature of waterfowl plumage to the eye of live bird for the most convincing decoy scientifically possible.
  • REALISTIC DESIGN: These decoys feature a high-definition Mallard paint scheme. Carved by renowned master carvers Tom Christie, Dave Van Lanen and Rich Smoker.
  • 6-PACK INCLUDES: 6-Pack includes Active Drakes, Semi-resting Drake, Semi-resting Hens. 14'' size.
  • Sport type: Tactical & Military

User questions & answers

Question: Do they have a weighted keel
Answer: The pink mitt is fake. The pink from the mitt came off on my skin the first time I used it. I also saw a couple of mistakes on the wording on the box. I told Amazon I thought it was fake and they immediately refunded my money. The brown mitt that comes with the original fake and bake.... I have washed many times and it has never lost any color. I’m sticking with the original fake and bake which I have bought from Amazon and direct from the manufacturer several times and been pleased with the product from all sources.
Question: what are dimensions of these decoys
Answer: The tan duration of St. Tropez is about 2 or 3 days. You should know that St. Tropez makes a prettier tan but it is much more high maintenance. If you don't use it *exactly* as instructed you will look like you have a skin disease. When the tanned dead skin cells start to slough off, they don't all come off at once and it is very noticeable with St. Tropez that some of your skin is still tan and some ia not. The learning curve on St. Tropez is much steeper than that of Fake Bake. If you are ready to put in the work, St. Tropez will give you an amazing tan, but if you need something low maintenance, stick with Fake Bake.
Question: Do you have to weight these or will they float upright / fine on their own? (Trying to entice my pups into the water
Answer: I honestly can't see much of a difference, and I am a very fair-skinned redhead. It may develop slightly darker with the first application, but I'm going back to the original Fake Bake Flawless spray. There's just not enough of a difference to warrant spending a few extra dollars!
Question: Are they to big
Answer: The mitt should be brown. Not pink.

Product features

Duck Decoys

Our decoys are designed to be functional, realistic, and long lasting. Everything you want out of a decoy designed to keep the quackers coming back.

Goose Decoys

Our geese decoys are a deadly fusion of what the birds need and the hunter demands—unsurpassed realism and unequivocal durability.

Calls

Don't take a chance with a call that doesn't perform every time you need it to. Our calls are designed to stand up to travel and weather and deliver the results you're willing to spend all day looking for.

Bags and Accessories

Our waterfowl bags and accessories offer the next level of rugged smarts when it comes to staying equipped in the field. Don't give your equipment a second thought.

About Flambeau Outdoors

As a family owned company from its foundation in 1947, that very philosophy remains the backbone of our brand and serves as the origin story of our logo—shared memories of hunting and fishing by the Sauey family under sunrises over the Flambeau River. Over 72 years later, our company remains dedicated to providing quality hunting and shooting sports products that are more than just standalone tools of the trade—we provide a legacy as a heritage brand that stands behind its product as the sportsman’s and sportswoman’s constant partner in the outdoors.

Petyoung 30 Inches Floating Crocodile Decoy for Pool, Pond, Garden and Patio, Floating Alligator Decoy Goose Duck Control Garden Park Decor

Petyoung

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification:

Item Type: Garden Pond Decoration

Color: As Shown

Material: Foam

Product Size: 80x15x12cm



Package Including

1 x Floating Crocodile Garden Decor

  • Material: Made of lightweight foam material, can float on the water and have a life-like motion with wind and water movement.
  • Realistic Look: Featuring vivid scales, eyes and teeth, just look like a real crocodile.
  • Safe: Non-toxic UV resistant paint is safe to wildlife and ensures no color fading.
  • Multipurpose: Can be used to scare away ducks, geese, herons, and more, protect your valuable fish and a beautiful pond. Keep your fish safe.
  • Occasion: Ideal for golf courses, parks, amusement parks, koi ponds, fish and shrimp farms, and even as a bathing toy for residential pools.

Floating Crocodile Head Water Decoy (13 x 6 x 3 Inches) - Garden or Pond Art Decor for Goose, Predator, Heron Control

Based on 381 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Not remote controlled

Protect your fish with a fun and realistic looking floating crocodile head decoy

Looks just like a real crocodile! Realistic features including the scales, eyes, and teeth. Deter any bird or creature that tries to come near your pond. The wind and water current will allow the floating foam croc decoy to freely float around as if it is swimming. Protect your fish or just scare your friends!

Features:

  • Large size: 13” x 6” x 3”

  • Made of high-quality materials that are built to last in any body of water

  • Water pond decoy to scare away birds, heron, geese, and other predators. They won’t dare try to mess with your crocodile!

  • UV protected exterior to prevent the crocodile head from fading in the sun

  • Protect your valuable fish and beautiful pond

Use Anywhere:

  • Golf course to keep wildlife off the course or out of the water hazards

  • Parks to keep geese away

  • Your backyard koi pond to protect your expensive and beautiful fish

  • Bath toy for your kids

  • Place in your garden or lawn

  • Simply use as a fun home decoration for anyone who loves crocs, gators, and other wildlife

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Add to Cart Now and start protecting your pond or lake today! This product is not able to be tethered

  • Realistic Look – Our large 13” x 6” x 3” floating crocodile head looks just like the real thing. Floating fake foam croc head that flows freely in the water with life-like movement. Use in your pool, pong, lake, or wherever you want
  • Garden Pond Decoy – Exciting floating pond decor or to use as a gator decoy to scare away geese, herons, and more. Keep your fish safe. Great for golf courses, parks, amusement parks, koi pond, pool, or even as a bath toy
  • Quality Built – Made with high-quality materials that is built to last for a long time in your pond, lake, or pool. Non-toxic UV resistant paint makes it safe for other wildlife to be swimming with it
  • Not Just for Water – Not just a water decoy. Love crocodiles or alligators? Use the realistic crocodile head anywhere in your house as some cool home decor. Crocodile toy for kids room
  • Crocodile water decoy head is NOT remote controlled

User questions & answers

Question: can you attach a weight or anchor
Answer: I’m hoping so! We will try a weight and use silicone around where we attach it so no water can get into the head. There is no hook or loop to do it though...you will have to macgyver it.
Question: Will this scare predators from turtle pond such as opposum, raccoon, coyote, foxes? Will it accidentally scare the turtle
Answer: I use it to scare the ducks away from my pool however you will have to spray cost it with waterproof repellent due to paint wearing off in water. It should help scare away predators not sure if turtles will be scared away too?

Pond H2o Floating Duck Family Pack, Includes Male & Female Mallards and 3 Ducklings

Pond H2o

Based on 67 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Floating Mallard Duck Decoy Family Pack is are made of hard plastic with Long lasting paint to make the family look realistic and last. Each Floating Mallard Duck Decoy Family Pack comes complete with a full sized male, female duck and three Ducklings. Each life-sized Mallard Duck Decoy is detailed painted to look life like. Weighted base or keel for stability to enable the pair to float in an upright position. Eyelets complete the base for tethering. The Three Floating Duckling Pond Decoys are adorable yellow replica ducklings that are painted with realistic markings and are made of blow-molded hard plastic.  Pack of three floating yellow duckling decoys. The floating ducklings have a counter weight at the base to keep them upright. Eyelets complete the base for tethering. Made of hard wearing materials that will look great in any pond, pool or water garden! Floating Mallard Duck Decoy Family Pack is perfect for decorations, alternatively attach a sturdy cord to the holes & the other end to your pump; to enable you to hook your pump out with ease!  Floating Mallard Duck Decoy Family Pack will add color to any pond! are perfect for decorations, alternatively attach a sturdy cord to the holes & the other end to your pump; to enable you to hook your pump out with ease! Pack of three floating yellow duckling decoys with parents. Floating Mallard Duck Decoy Family Pack, will add color to any pond! Perfect addition to any pond, lake, water garden or pool. Will add personality and color, as well as possibly help attract the real thing!! Pondh2o quality branding!

  • One - Lifelike Floating Polyresin Mallard Pair, Pack of two Mallard type Ducks. Pack Contains a Male and Female type. Floating with Securing eye loop. Each Mallard Size is 14 Inch Tall x 6 Inch Wide x 6 Inch Deep. Hard Wearing Materials. Attractive Realistic Colors
  • One - Cute Floating Polyresin Yellow Ducklings, Pack of three realistic ducklings. Ducklings Size each is 4 Inch Tall x 2 Inch Wide x 3 Inch Deep. Can be connected via eyelet at the bottom and weighted to prevent the ducks from being driven to the edge of the pond.
  • Long Lasting Realistic Paint
  • Kit is Specially designed with the these products to Help Protect your Pond from Unwanted Visitors as well as look Great
  • Strong Polyresin Construction

User questions & answers

Question: Will they stand up if placed on the ground
Answer: Hi No have a weighted bar to keep them upright in the water
Question: Can I Recycle This
Answer: Check with your municipality

Qfauto Yellow Plastic Duck Decoy Cute Floating Duck fit for Garden Pool or Pond Water Decor (2)

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price
  • Plastic Duck Wildlife Decoration.They are all hollow belly Resin.It can be put in fields or float on the water due to its plastic material.
  • Super cute, charming, exquisite and lifelike lovely yellow ducks,Vibrant and bright color, delicate manual sculpture workmanship, environmental friendly resin and durable
  • The Benefits Of Duck Purple Mini Floating Ducks Decoy Hunting Shooting Mallard Deterrent Repeller Pond Pool Decor - Pool Ponds Decorations Ornamental Decoration To Users
  • Ideal for golf courses, park districts, fish and shrimp farms, industrial park lakes and even residential pools,Add these Duck into your pool or pond to create a noticeable addition to your yard.

SPROTW Floating Alligator Head Decoy, Deter Animals Solution Float Gator for Pool Pond Garden Defender Decoration, 13 x 5.8 x 2.8 Inches Also a Trick Toy

Based on 191 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You Might Have Been Plagued By Annoying Animals Before, Sprotw Now Prepare an Environmentally Friendly & Easy to Use Solution for You to Solve the Problem.



Alligator Head Feature:

- Made of high quality natural resin, harmless to health and environment.

- Durable built for long lasting.

- Realistic gator lifelike crocodile head design and fierce eyelet.

- Both pond/pool/garden defender & home decoration.

- UV protected can prevent the gator head from fading due to weather.



Specifications:

Material: natural resin.

Size: 24'' x 20'' x 9''.

Type: alligator head decoy.



Package Included:

1 x Alligator head.

  • [Super Realistic Crocodile Head] SPROTW crocodile head has a very real crocodile look, the skin texture and head size based on the actual size of the crocodile head.
  • [Effective Keep Animals Away] The realistic floating gator head used its fierce eyes and look to scare off animals, such as raccoons, ducks, geese, birds. Better eyelet than the useless alligator head.
  • [Garden & Fish Protector] It’s a lifelike terrific decoy to keep your garden & pool clean and keep the fish safe, wonderful decor for pond, pool, garden, lake, etc.
  • [Quality Material] Made of Natural Resin, harmless to the body and environmentally friendly, durable enough to last for a long time.
  • [Defender & Decoration] The realistic alligator head not only can keep animals away and also can be a ornament in the garden or pool, It’s also good as a Halloween gift and home decoration.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work in north PA
Answer: It looks like an Alligator wether it’s North Pennsylvania or South Florida. An Alligator is an Alligator, but you would more likely see a live one in South Florida!
Question: Can you get a replacement cover for the battery compartment
Answer: there is no battery compartment in the one I got...

Swan Decoy, White Floating Swan Statue Decorations, Pond Bird Deterrent Ornament Resin Pond Goose Duck for Garden Park Swan Bird Scarecrow (swan)

KOET

  • Can be put in fields or float on the water.Highly simulated 3D swan sculpture for decorating your garden.
  • Hollowed body, lightweight and floatable, can be used anywhere.Can be put in fields or float on the water.
  • Made of XPE material, durable and realistic.Not just for hunting but also as a decorative ornament for garden ponds.
  • Deterrent Decoration Pond Bird Yard Ornament Swan Sculpture Realistic Decoy
  • Package Includes:1* Swan sculpture, Material: XPE, Size: Approx. 36x17.5x25cm, Color: White

Aquascape 93000 Floating Alligator Decoy, 36 inches, Green

Aquascape

Based on 595 reviews Check latest price
  • Floating alligator decoy keeps predators out of your pond
  • Hinged design makes for a convincing, lifelike decoy
  • Detailed in non-fading, no-glare, all-weather paint
  • Provides a fun way to keep your fish safe
  • Measures 36 inches in length

User questions & answers

Question: Received this today but has no instructions. What is the fishing line for
Answer: Thanks for your question. The fishing line is included to allow you to anchor the gator in your pond. Just like Graystone Creations said, the hinged body has a sort of swimming motion when the gator is anchored in a stream or an area with a light flow. If you need more help you can call Pond & Garden Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 Cody H. Customer Service
Question: How long is the head part
Answer: Thanks for your question. The head measures about 10" long. If you need more help you can call Pond & Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 Cody H. Customer Service
Question: How do I assemble. The head has a key ring, the tail has place to connect, but the body has nothing to attach anything to
Answer: Hello! I just wanted to confirm that the other two answers on here are correct. It does appear you have a unit suffering from a factory defect. There should be two connection pieces on the center part of the ornament. I recommend you get in contact with the the seller to arrange replacement. Need more help? Call Pond and Garden Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 -Cody H. Customer Service
Question: What is it made of
Answer: I'd have to say its a hollowed plastic. Ours has held up very well in a pond for 2 yrs. no color loss & floats good. Still pleased w/ purchase.

Homyl 2pcs Swan Hunting Decoys Floating Goose Decoys Garden Decors Yard Scarer Highly Simulated 3D Lifelike

Homyl

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price
  • * Made of premium XPE environmental material, durable to use.
  • * Lifelike swan decoy, can be put in fields or float on the water.
  • * Hollow body, lightweight and foldable, can be used anywhere.
  • * Highly simulated 3D lifelike swan decoy with weighted keel.
  • * Not just for hunting but also as a decorative ornament for garden ponds.

User questions & answers

Question: How do you keep them from floating away from your dock
Answer: I went to Walmart and bought a chain (small, galvanized, and hooked one end to bottom of swan and put a fishing anchor on other end. They are floating out from dock.

Poolmaster 30-Inch Floating Crocodile Decoy for Pool, Pond, Garden and Patio

Based on 133 reviews Check latest price
  • For decor and ambiance in pools, ponds, gardens and patios
  • Life-like detailing; made from sturdy and weather-proof polystyrene
  • Float in water or display on land; may help keep unwanted animals and birds away
  • Not a toy - for decoration only
  • Measures 30-inches long

User questions & answers

Question: On the Poolmaster Crocodile Head float, does this one have solar power eyes
Answer: No, but they're kind of reflective. (BTW, we use it in a lake, close to shore, tied to a line attached to a brick. Pretty funny for people coming up the dock when they catch sight of it)
Question: I plan to put him in the flowerbed by my pond. Is he durable enough to last a couple of years out of water? I've read some bad reviews on durability
Answer: Sadly, it will not last. Had mine for a year and two months and it lost it's original spot and I just have it tucked away remotely in my garden where it's barely seen. It has large cracks across it's body and is quite faded from the sun. I never had it in the pool but sitting on rocks in my landscaping. It's made of the exact material as my indoor over door scroll wall hangings so I honestly don't believe this item is even meant for outside. It should be about $20. The price is not warranted at all. It's a shame.
Question: How tall is this
Answer: 6" tall by 19" long
Question: Is it solid foam or hollow plastic
Answer: Hollow plastic

Outdoor Water Solutions ARS0195 Airstone Floating Alligator Marker

Outdoor Water Solutions

Based on 222 reviews Check latest price
  • Attractive alligator marker attaches to airstone housing bucket or a bucket of your choice
  • Makes it easy and convenient to clean your diffusers or to adjust their physical location without having to drag everything into shore
  • Allows user to raise bucket, move and/or monitor the airstone
  • ARS0195
  • Attractive alligator marker attaches to airstone housing bucket or a bucket of your choice
  • Makes it easy and convenient to clean your diffusers or to adjust their physical location without having to drag everything into shore
  • Allows user to raise bucket, move and/or monitor the airstone

User questions & answers

Question: do you think it would work in a northern state
Answer: Thanks for your question. Most migratory birds will have experience with gators and will avoid this decoy. We've had minimal success with northern ducks such as Mallards and Woods but geese, swans, egrets, and heron can be successfully deterred by this gator. We also recommend moving the decoy around to help increase the illusion of realism. If you need more help you can call Pond & Garden Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 Cody H. Customer Service
Question: Can this be used in place of a floating duck for sprinkler systems
Answer: I would think so. I use mine to keep herons from taking my fish, and it has been very effective, but think it could serve the same purpose as a floating duck.
Question: Is it hollow
Answer: Yes. It is about 1.75" thick w/a long hollow core. There is a small metal eye inserted in the top of the underside to attach a very narrow rope to for an anchor. btw - the pictures on the web are very accurate. Can't wait to put it in my pond
Question: How big of an rc boat could i fit in this aligator head? there is a traxxas blast rc boat that is 24'' long, is that to long
Answer: Thanks for your question. While the head is 28", the gator's hollowed area tapers off towards the back of the neck. You have closer to 20" of usable space for the RC boat. If you want more help you can call Pond and Garden Depot at 1-866-305-5459.Cody H. Customer Service

Flambeau 5889LO Floating Swan, 2-Pack

Flambeau

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price
  • 3 Easy to assemble parts (body, neck, & head)
  • Both Floating swan are full sized and very life like.
  • Easily converted to a resting position for land use. Neck can be positioned upright or in the lowered position
  • 3 tabs on body for easy anchoring Two Anchoring stakes included (see photo)
  • Note: Due to the size of this decoy and the box it ships individually (35

User questions & answers

Question: What is your Return policy and costs if any
Answer: i am a customer, i am not a seller so don't know the meaning of the question
Question: how do you secure the sawns in a lake so they don't float away
Answer: My swans are floating in my in-ground swimming pool to deter the mallard ducks from taking it over. However, if you want to secure them in a lake, you can tie a weight on them. There is a small ring that you could put a rope through and tie a weight onto it. I am sure that it wouldn't "sink" the swan, just keep it suspended in an area where you place it. You can also insert a stake in the ring to keep in on the shore so the wind won't blow it away.
Question: Are the shell decoys? Can they stack together for easy moving
Answer: The decoys as with any other stagnant item in the water will get dirty at & below the waterline. TJB-INC recommends removing the decoy from the water as needed to be lightly cleaned. If over time the color fades, you can always re clean and spray paint the body white again. I have had mine for 10 years and painted it once.
Question: Does the swan suppose to have a complete body or is the bottom suppose to be hollow
Answer: It's hollow ....it floats great...it looks very real.

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