Unfortunitly I didn't grow up duck hunting and up until this year I have only hunted with friends that had everything, but I will be hunting on my own this year. My question is what is a good amount of decoys to start out with and what type of birds to fill my spread with? I will be hunting south of Berwick on our family property and possibly a trip or two to the wax. Also any leads in the right direction on anywhere I can get a good deal on decoys would be a big help too. Thanks

craigslist.... there are always a few spreads available there.

Gamewinner decoys from academy are cheap and work fairly decent. That can get your foot in the door without costing you and arm and a leg.

Openzone2000.com

Before you go the game winner route check these out. I got some pintail and teal last year and they are holding up better than any of my high end decoys!
Can't beat the price!!!

G&H. Buy American. Do you really want to start out with Chinese decoys?!

As far as numbers and spread composition go, it depends on how the ducks congregate in the areas you plan to hunt. Setup like they do.

Remember that a spread of new decoys does not necessarily make a good hunt. Scouting for the right spot and proper concealment trumps new decoys every time. Lastly, unless you are a natural born wingshooter, spending some time on the skeet or sporting clays range before each season can help you make the most of the birds that do cooperate. Best of Luck!

Use the search feature..this has been beat to death..

Yeah I'd say try to find some on Craigslist.. I have some my dad had from way back in the day and them decoys are better than those high dollar ones today.
Like the other guy said match the ducks with your spread. When its calm and they out on big water they stay in pretty big groups so you would want a big spread but back in some lil ponds you don't need that huge spread. Throw out a couple dozen, get a jerk string and pound um.

The flambeau decoys have worked relatively well for me...they may not be the best out there but when I bought them they were only $25 a dozen so not a bad price

I like drake but they don't make them anymore g&h are prolly the best! They are proud of them but u get what u pay for

G&h look like shit, American r not

I never saw a set that looked like shit

I never cared for g&h. But in the grand scheme of things most products are just eye candy for the hunters anyway. Im making the switch this year to Dakotas.

I will be going threw my dekes in a few days possibly may want to sale a few.
I live in your area so if your interested let me know.

If you want to buy new, look at www.********
Even before I was pro staff for them, their customer service was incredible. Shoot me a pm if you decide to go that route and I'll get you a discount. They offer G&H, GHG, Dakotas, tanglefree, and others. G&H and GHG have not been updated to their website yet as they just completed the deal.

Thanks for the help everyone. Im ready to get out there and start learning the ropes.
WGuidry-let me know when you do I will definitely be interested. I work offshore so I may or may not be off but just let me know and we can make arrangements

will do buddy
i'm stuck working 7-12's right now but we fixing to go to 5-10's
so i will have a chance to sort through them

Man there are a million different opinions on this. The best you can do is get a few decoys and build your stock up over time. I use a mix of teal and mallard decoys in fresh water and I use teal, pintail and a couple mallards in pointe aux chene. Motion decoys are nice to have.
Some guys put out dozens of decoys and others do not. Duck calling is key in my opinion.