[mallardhunter]

What is the best way I could spend $50 on my snow goose spread. I have about 200 texas rags that I really don't like, but they get the job done, and I also have 2doz. windsocks. It is a $50 gift certificate for Cabelas. Any ideas anyone?

 

[ks_waterfowler]

Economy Northwinds. I have looked at the real geese silos that are $50 and wasn't really impressed. Looked alot better in the catalog but what doesn't? Maybe some one piece shells. I would also think about some snow goose tflags (really gets their attention) or goose magnets.

Let me know what you decide.

 

[mallardhunter]

I was thinking about getting some of the econo windsocks too. I already have t-flags. I was also thinking about some of the magnets too, but I am not sure what I need more.

 

[mallardhunter]

Anyone else have any other ideas?

 

[Admin2]

Sell the gift card to a friend for the $50. Then take the $50 cash and go to Knutsons and buy some headless tyvek wind socks.

 

[mallardhunter]

I have friends to sell it too :umm: j/k I just might have to do that :mrgreen: I have heard that those decoys don't hold up well, is that true?

 

[Chris_Hustad]

Knutsons are alright, we've used them. But I don't like the wooden dowels for stakes, break too easy...especially in the north areas when we have to deal with frozen ground more often.

Building a snow spread isn't really cheap. I've tried working all the angles on the cheap side and you end up selling and starting over. Any windsock with the stake going through the plastic and NOT the tyvek will last a long time. So if you're planning on doing it right down the road, don't skimp on quality...you'll regret it later. If you have no intention on going big I'd just say to buy more rags and try to work on having a good ratio of snows/blues (as close to 50/50 as possible).

My .02

 

[h2ofwlr]

What Chris is talking about the "plastic" he means the plastic collar. You use 3/16" 6061 Alum or Stainless steel stakes. You grommet the holes through the plastic neck collar in which the metal stakes go through it.

With ANY tyvek bodied wind sock using wood dowels---you really need to tape the top and bottom holes with white or brown duct tape so the tyvek in the long term will not rip (the high winds really can do a number on it otherwise).

Maybe later I'll post a how to of how I make my wind socks.

A totally agree with Chris on the quality asspect, do it right the first time is always best. Also the 50/50 mix is best in the MO, NE, SD, ND flyway. On the coasts--it is a lot different-mostly all white there. So replicate what the ratios are where you hunt.

 

[Fowl_habit]

Hey Boys... Right now is a great time to watch the local Gander stores....
I just got 6 dozen economy northwinds for $17 per dozen...

This time of the year, they give stuff away

Jerr

PS.. I found a guy in Iowa who is cutting them out and selling them, complete with stakes... cheap... you got to assemble them.. I ordered a dozen to try, I'll let you know if they are worth a try

 

[mallardhunter]

$17 a dozen I wish I had a big store around here, but I don't, and the little places don't have any sales. Anyone else have any ideas because I might be going down there tomarrow.

 

[Fowl_habit]

I bought Canada socks....
Paint them like Blues...
OR... even better
Turn them inside out... whalaaaa... snow decoy...
You can still use them for Canada's

Jerr

 

[Ducksbeus]

Cut some old campaign signs and add a little paint for cheap silos...Cut up some white sheets and add black paint, and, buy the dowls by the yard, for cheap socks....Spend the change for lunch at Hooters...
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Y'all have a nice day!