Texas-Rigged Duck & Goose Decoys
A step-by-step “how to” with pictures.
Guides along the Texas gulf coast have long been innovators of waterfowl hunting methods and strategies. The modern history of waterfowling in Texas goes back to the 1800’s and the days of market boats with cannon-like guns used for massive harvesting of rafting birds. These boats were the invention of north eastern hunters and the hunting techniques almost certainly were brought to Texas by migrants to the area. One of the first Texas innovations in waterfowling came as the result of rice farming in the southeastern part of the state. Rice crops attracted large numbers of wintering geese and many farmers and landowners began hunting them for pleasure and then for profit.
One such hunting pioneer was Mr. Jimmy Reel, who founded the Bucksnag Hunting Club in Garwood, Texas. He is widely accredited with the invention of the “Texas Rag Spread” that is now popular across North America. Another invention in waterfowl hunting is the “tangle free” duck decoy system. Although I am not sure where this originated, I do know that it has been perfected among Texas coastal waterfowl guides to include an easy quick release system using climbing carabineers. This system allows for easy set-up, pick-up and storage of dozens of decoys at a time and is helps keep hands dry on cold mornings.
In the Duck and Goose Hunting Pages of LeaseHunter, we have posted the step by step instructions on how to make Texas-Rigged Duck Decoys and Texas Goose Rags. These instructions and pictures are the courtesy of a guide friend of mine who graciously allowed us to share them with you. The processes for both of these are easy and straight forward and will allow you to have a complete waterfowl decoy set-up in a weekend.
