[goose_dog]

Who here has used Texas Rags in there spread? I was thinking about buying some of these to make a huge addition but I never used them and was wondering how they respond to wind conditions. I live in North Dakota and Ill tell you it gets pretty damn windy in those open fields.

 

[husker]

I have been looking to add some to my spread as well but am very skeptical. I have talked to some guides here in Nebraska and they say they are noisy in windy conditions. They say to use socks instead but the price tag on the rags is more appealing to my eye. Anyone else have an opinion??

 

[ChrisHustad]

They're popular for economic reasons. No way will you amass a large spread any cheaper. I haven't used them for a long time, simply because they're a pain. They aren't durable so you'll find yourself spending a lot of your time replacing them. If you've ever seen what North Dakota winds can do to rags in a cornfield you wouldn't even waste your time with them.

We've moved completely to windsocks for a long time now. We make our own and they come out to about $28/dozen. But they're grommeted and on stainless steel stakes so upkeep on them is very minimal.

My .02

 

[husker]

How do you make them, techniques, and materials? It doesnt seem like they would be that hard to make but I am having a hard time finding the materials and the techniqes to make them.

 

[goose_dog]

http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/northwind-decoys.php'

Good method, I have found tyvek in smaller rolls though...

 

[nr_gooseslayer]

We hunt snow geese almost entirely over those rags and have pretty good success. Earlier this year, we tied white trash bags to cornstalks and shot a bunch of snows, and some crazy mallards. We live near a National Wildlife Refuge, and just set up our decoys on a field 1/4 mile from our house and have success. I have to agree that they don't hold up the best, but when you have to compete with 10000 other geese the more white the better.

 

[savinthetundra]

texas rags are a very cheap way to make your spread huge and a nice tip is to use your rags to make up the middle and use your more detailed shells and or silouttes and big foots around the outside with some scattered in the middle but it is a nice way to double if not triple the size of your spread. I know this has nothing to do with this but the tighter your spread the better off you are

 

[savinthetundra]

texas rags are a very cheap way to make your spread huge and a nice tip is to use your rags to make up the middle and use your more detailed shells and or silouttes and big foots around the outside with some scattered in the middle but it is a nice way to double if not triple the size of your spread. I know this has nothing to do with this but the tighter your spread the better off you are

 

[allstar]

Hello, This is my first post on this forum. RE; the texas rags, If you are having to carry your spread in I strongly recommend these. They dont look as good as windsocks but they do work!
You can make your own from components or buy them already assembled. I have both and for the money, I would buy them ready to go.
With reasonable care they will last well. One guy can carry a couple hundred so 5 guys can get a 1000 decoy spread out. They do not readily swivel so if you get a big wind change they must be repositioned.
Mix in about 1 northwind windsock with upright head to 50 or so rags. If possible I like to use about 1/4 blues.
Tundrasaver has a good point on the tight spread. I have a theory this is better with flocks while the more open spread seems attractive to singles.
Wear a pair of gloves. Sticking 3-4 hundred of these in the dirt will work up a nice blister in your palm.

I do have a question. Are there any Photographic type finished rags, specifically blues available?

 

[Gman]

I do have a question. Are there any Photographic type finished rags, specifically blues available?

Not that I'm aware of and I watch new products like a hawk. It's hard for any manufacturer to spend a lot of money on a rag considering how easily they tear.

 

[Elite_Digger]

I'm new to this forum, but I have experience with rags because that's all I have. I have too many hobbies and not enough money to go around so I got by the economical way and just bought 150 or so rags. My buddy and I were able to assemble them with one good night of work and they work great for me/us. My wife's handy with a sewing machine so she made me a camo sling which I ran a couple of 1" dowels through the sides. Resembles a wide stretcher. I can fit all my rags in it, tie the dowels together and easily carry them on my shoulder along with all my gear. Makes it easy for the times I go out by myself and have to walk a few hundred yard to my spots in the fields....As far as durability, I've used these now for about 7 years or so, and besides the few that the dowels came untaped, or the few that got holes poked through the plastic while putting them out in the dark, they're still working great. Sure, it'd be nice to have some full body shells, but these are all I have and they get us geese every year!
Digs

 

[mallardhunter]

I like these windsocks on this site. http://www.knutsondecoys.com/decoys/snowblue/knutson/windsock.html