Getting water out of decoys primarily involves proper drainage and thorough drying to prevent damage and maintain their effectiveness.
Water can accumulate inside duck and goose decoys for various reasons, including leaks, poor seals, or accidental submersion. Promptly removing this water is crucial to prevent internal damage, mold growth, and an increase in weight that affects their buoyancy and handling.
The Importance of Water Removal
Water trapped inside a decoy can lead to several problems:
- Weight Imbalance: A waterlogged decoy becomes heavier, affecting its natural movement in the water and potentially causing it to sink or sit unnaturally low.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Stagnant water creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can degrade the internal material, produce foul odors, and compromise the decoy's structural integrity.
- Material Degradation: Over time, continuous exposure to moisture can weaken the plastic or foam material of the decoy, leading to cracks or deterioration.
- Freezing Damage: In cold weather, trapped water can freeze and expand, causing the decoy to split or crack, rendering it unusable.
Effective Methods for Draining and Drying Decoys
The process of removing water from decoys often involves a combination of manual draining and air drying.
1. Identifying and Addressing Leaks
Before attempting to drain the water, it's essential to identify how the water got in. Common entry points include:
- Cracks or Holes: Small fissures in the decoy's body, often caused by impacts or wear and tear.
- Loose Keels or Inserts: Points where the keel is attached or where weights are inserted can develop gaps.
- Plug or Valve Issues: Missing, damaged, or improperly sealed drain plugs.
Inspection Tips:
To find a leak, gently squeeze the decoy to see if water or air escapes from any points. For a more thorough check, submerge the decoy in a tub of water and look for bubbles rising to the surface. Mark any leak points with a permanent marker.
2. Draining the Water
Once potential leaks are identified, the next step is to drain the water.
- Locate Drain Plugs/Openings: Many decoys come with a drain plug, usually located on the bottom or tail end. Remove this plug. If there isn't a dedicated plug, you might need to find the largest opening, such as where the keel is attached or any significant cracks.
- Gravity Drainage: Set the decoy in a rack with the tail pointed down to drain remaining water. This position allows gravity to pull the water out effectively. You can use a dedicated drying rack, a fence, or even prop them against a wall.
- Shaking and Tilting: Gently shake and tilt the decoy to encourage all the water to flow towards the opening. You might hear the water sloshing inside, indicating there's still more to come out.
- Pressurization (Carefully): For stubborn water, some hunters carefully use a low-pressure air compressor (like those for blowing out sprinkler lines) to force air into one opening while water exits another. Exercise extreme caution to avoid over-pressurizing and damaging the decoy.
3. Thorough Internal Drying
After the bulk of the water has drained, internal drying is critical to prevent mold and ensure the decoy is completely dry.
- Extended Air Drying: Leave the decoy in the rack for an extended time period to remove all water and allow the decoy to dry inside. This can take several days, especially in humid conditions or for decoys with small openings. Ensure good air circulation around and through the decoy.
- Warm, Dry Environment: Place the decoys in a warm, dry area, such as a garage or shed, but avoid direct, intense heat which could warp the plastic.
- Desiccants (Optional): For extremely persistent moisture, a small bag of desiccant like silica gel can be placed inside the decoy (if accessible) to absorb residual humidity.
Step-by-Step Water Removal Process
- Inspect for Leaks: Carefully examine the decoy for any cracks, holes, or loose components where water might have entered.
- Open Drainage Points: Remove any drain plugs or identify the largest opening available.
- Gravity Drain: Place the decoy tail-down in a rack or propped up to allow all visible water to flow out. Shake and tilt as needed.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: Leave the decoy in a well-ventilated, dry area, tail-down, for several days until completely dry inside.
- Repair Leaks: Once dry, clean and repair any identified leaks using appropriate waterproof adhesives or sealants (e.g., marine-grade epoxy, plastic repair kits). Ensure the repair is fully cured before redeploying.
- Replace Plugs Securely: If applicable, reinsert drain plugs, ensuring they create a watertight seal.
Preventing Future Water Intrusion
Proactive maintenance can significantly reduce the chances of water getting into your decoys.
- Regular Inspection: Before and after each hunting season, inspect all your decoys for cracks, loose keels, and compromised drain plugs.
- Proper Storage: Store decoys in a way that minimizes stress and impact. Decoy bags or slotted storage containers can prevent abrasion and cracking.
- Secure Plugs: Always ensure drain plugs are tightly secured before placing decoys in the water.
- Seal Repair: Promptly repair any minor damage or hairline cracks to prevent them from becoming major water entry points.
Common Decoy Water Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Waterlogged Decoy (Heavy/Sinking) | Cracks, loose plugs, manufacturing defect | Drain thoroughly, locate and seal leaks, dry completely. |
| Sloshing Sound | Residual water inside | Extend drying time, re-position for better drainage, use airflow. |
| Mold/Mildew Odor | Trapped water, insufficient drying | Thoroughly drain and dry, consider internal cleaning if accessible (e.g., with diluted bleach solution, then rinse and dry again). |
| Decoy Warping/Cracking | Freezing of trapped water | Prevent water entry; ensure decoys are dry before storing in freezing temps. |
By following these steps, you can effectively remove water from your decoys and extend their lifespan, ensuring they remain an effective tool in your spread.
