[hev_E_shot]

Are any "regular joe's" using stuffed decoys? I live in Washington and know guide services that use them but wonder if anybody not in a guide service is using stuffers. I have all the materials to start making them, I just need the birds in the freezer

 

[11-48shooter]

Stuffed decoys, wow thats idiodic!

 

[nr_gooseslayer]

I personally have never seen them in use by anyone around here. If I could afford some and store them I would probably have some around. Nothing gets more realistic than a good stuffer, except maybe a live goose.

 

[hev_E_shot]

Stuffed decoys, wow thats idiodic!

Sorry about that...I meant stuffed geese used as decoys
All the geese my family gets this year are going to be turned into stuffers over next summer. I have one in the freezer, I'll post a picture when I'm done...

 

[hev_E_shot]

I'm going to be busy...I have 6 geese to work on :shock:

 

[ponass]

I've seen lots of talk about stuffers and I have to agree. They would have to be the next best thing to live birds. But with that come some questions:

1. How do you store, transport, and maintain them?

2. Can you transport them across state/country borders without some kind of permit?

3. Are they legal in all states and or countries?

 

[duckman1106]

Stuffers look great........for a short time. I do taxidermy as a hobby and I can tell you if you even half *** stuffing a goose you are looking at 8 hours of work and at least $25 to $30 a piece. Not only that but they would be a nightmare to maintain. Feathers will fall out and after you clean up the grease on the inside of the hide so they don't rot you lose alot of the water resistant effect of the feathers. They will get trashed in a good rain. Plus they are delicate. Imagine taking that honker or that mallard off your mantle and throwing it in a trailer or a decoy bag. It wouldn't last long.

If you really need ultra realistic decoys get some hardcore decoys. Greenhead Gears look good too. They will last and cost about the same or at least not much more than making stuffers. Use the amount of time you would spend scraping fat off a goose hide and work some overtime. You will save time, money, and frustration.

 

[hev_E_shot]

Thanks for your insight. I have stuffed a few birds before so I know they are delicate and a slow process. I just recently hunted over dropzone elites and stuffers, and they are both amazing decoys. I have 2 dozen GHG decoys that I'll be hunting over full time, I just want to add some real birds in the spread when I know the weather will be in my favor.

 

[The Finisher]

hey heavyshot was just wondering if u ever finished a few of those stuffers and how they held up in the feild ?

 

[The Finisher]

also if u did finish some wut did u use for a base and did u pull the bone out uf the legs

 

[Mikef_mapleglen]

I'm a regular guy. I know a bit of time has passed since you posted this question but I can tell you that from personal experience, they are the best.
I have made 24 and swear by them. Nothing compares to this kind of decoy. IT TAKES ME ABOUT 1 1/2 to make one. Toughest part is storage & transportation.
A little bit of high school anatomy and a strong stomach helps too.

Want some tips, write me

 

[legband]

as for waterproofing your stuffers u might try some waterproofing spray..they make it for waterproofing shoes..etc..ive never used it on decoys but u could try it

 

[mdgooseman]

www.goosestuffers.com