The 5 Best Motion Duck Decoys to Make Em’ Dive-Bomb-[Buying Guide]

Best Motion Duck Decoys Quick Look

Every waterfowl hunter knows that having a broad spread of decoys is key to attracting those tasty ducks.
But no matter how expensive or how many decoys you have, if the water is flat and still, the ducks are not coming in for a landing. We all know this disappointing feeling well. Nothing looks more unnatural than a bunch of mallards sitting perfectly still on flat water, and the ducks know it. This is where motion duck decoys come in. Available in many forms, functions, and prices, motion decoys add much-needed life to your spread. Ripples, splashes, and natural movement are just what the ducks need to feel comfortable to come in close. But with so many products on the market, how do you know what is worth your time and money? Are you looking to get the best bang for your buck, or do you want the top of the line? We address all this as we guide you through the best motion duck decoys and affordable alternatives to draw in those birds.

How We Choose the Best Decoys

We only recommend products that we would purchase for ourselves, friends, and family. That’s why we take these critical factors seriously.

Durability– A flimsy product can let you down and ruin your hunt. So expect the best of the best if it’s on our list. 

Value– Nothing is worse the paying a high price for what turns out to be a piece of junk. Just because a product is expensive doesn’t mean it is made well. Likewise, just because a product is inexpensive doesn’t mean it is bad quality. Ultimately we only recommend products of value for money.

What Type of Motion Decoy is Best for Me?

There are many forms of these devices that fit different needs. Here are the main types to take note of…

• Spinner– Usually, a duck on a pole over the water or land with spinning wings simulating a landing duck. Works on and off the water and is a must for a new decoy collection. It can become less effective in late season when ducks become more aware of hunter’s decoy tactics.

• Rippler– A vibrating device that adds small waves, ripples, and movement to other decoys. Usually in the form of a feeding duck. An important part of every decoy spread and very cost-efficient.
• Splasher– Simulates duck feeding with dramatic movement and splashes. Very effective in convincing ducks it is safe to land. Usually on the expensive side. 

Jerk Cords are a great alternative to motion decoys and very affordable. A jerk cord connects throughout a series of standard decoys that, when pulled, creates movement throughout.

 

 

The 5 Best Motion Duck Decoys List 

• Best Decoy Overview.
• #1 Lucky Duck Water-Proof HDI [BEST OVERALL]
• #2 Lucky Duck Agitator [RUNNER UP]
• #3 Mojo Butt Up Rippler [BEST BUDGET]
• #4 MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Mini Mallard/Hen
• #5  Lucky Duck Splasher HD
• Best Alternative- Motion Ducks Ultimate Decoy Spreader and Jerk System

 

#1 Lucky Duck Water-Proof HDI [BEST OVERALL]

 Lucky Duck is known for its excellent quality control and dependency in the field. This product showcases just how devoted the brand is to its customer’s satisfaction. What makes this decoy stand apart is that it’s the first waterproof spinner on the market, something you would expect for all spinners in the first place. This decoy is more expensive than the average spinner, but you get what you pay for. Most motion decoys are made of dinky plastic, but this product is made of a specialty blend of highly durable EVA plastic for years of use. Never buy AA batteries again, thanks to the rechargeable 7.4V lithium-ion battery. Run time is 14-16hrs. It also features injection-molded magnetic wings and a foam-filled body for buoyancy. Most spinners only include a three-foot pole for mounting, but seven feet are included with this model! Along with a carrying case and remote for long-range operation. This package, though expensive, is overflowing with value and quality. All of these reasons combined make this the ultimate motion decoy.

Key Features 

• Fully waterproof spinner
• Operates on a Lithium-ion battery to withstand any weather and provide consistent power
• Best-selling HD body style
• Completely sealed battery box
• External remote program button, external charging port, and external on/off button
• Foam-filled for buoyancy
• Injection-molded magnetic wings with life-like wing print
• Includes:
  • 7.4-volt Lithium-ion battery and smart charger
  • 6 piece 7′ stake
  • HD remote kit
  • Gear bag

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

 

Check out this product overview from the great people at Rogers Sporting Goods

Manufacturer’s Video

 

 

#2 Lucky Duck Agitator [RUNNER UP]

  We know what you may be thinking. What’s this, Another Lucky Duck Product? Yes! Lucky Duck is seriously that good at making products! The Lucky Duck Agitator is a duck butt decoy that adds realistic water disturbance with a lifelike motion to your spread. Simulates mallard duck feeding aggressively while creating splashes through the exhaust tube on the back. Armed with a 12V lithium rechargeable battery, the Agitator will run for 6-8 hours. The splashing motion gives ducks the confidence they need to commit to their landing. This is a great option overall that breaks up the water very effectively.

 Key Features 

• Realistic duck butt with lifelike motion
• Throws water to simulate an aggressive feeding mallard.      
• Removable exhaust tube for easy transportation
• Easy access battery box with charging port
• Will run 6-8 hours
• Three timer settings to vary the look of multiple Agitators
• HD remote kit ready – sold separately
• Includes:12V lithium-ion battery and charger

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

 

 

 

 

#3 Mojo Outdoors Butt Up Rippler [BEST BUDGET]

 

 There is a reason the Mojo Butt Up Rippler is a top seller on amazon! This is the go-to motion decoy for anyone looking to add motion without breaking the bank. A spinning weight inside creates a 360 ripple pattern simulating a feeding duck. Placing in the middle of other static decoys is a great way to make your whole spread look alive and active. Runs for 4-6 hours on four AA batteries. This product was created as a request from Jase Robertson of Duck Commander. This decoy packs exceptional effectiveness at an incredible value, thus winning the title of best budget motion decoy.

Key Features

• TOP OF ITS CLASS: Innovative life-like design
• BRING YOUR SPREAD TO LIFE: Realistic mallard drake body in the “butt-up” feeding position
• PROVEN DESIGN TO COAX IN MORE GREENHEADS: Specifically designed motion to create ripples just like live ducks
• STAY IN THE BLIND ALL DAY: Operates up to 6-8 hours on 4 AA batteries (not included)
• BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME OF HUNTING: Easy battery installation through removable screw-lock housing

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

Mojo also has a full-body version with the same 360 rippling system. You can check out the manufacture’s video below.

 

 

#4 MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Mini Mallard/Hen

Mojo Outdoors has created a great alternative to the more expensive spinners on the market. Enter the Mojo Elite Series Mini Mallard. Also available in hen style to give extra variety to your spread. Every part is connected to a central support frame for smoother, quieter, and more efficient operation. Flexible feet ensure stressless transport and storage. Sports a flexible body to prevent cracking if dropped. Runs for about 7 hrs on four AA batteries. This is a great option for any hunter who wants quality at a reasonable price.

Key Features

• INNOVATIVE DESIGN FOR LESS WOBBLE: boasts an advanced design that places the motor, Battery, and other operating components inside a solid housing that attaches to a support pole
• ULTRA-REALISTIC: Special, removable housing Comes enclosed in a Special, precise-fitting decoy skin with true-to-life feather detail and color for a realistic look
• EASY TO SET UP: Cam lock support pole, drop-in battery holder, and easy on/off magnetic-attached Wings
• LESS RATTLE CREATES A MORE REALISTIC LOOK: smoother, quieter, and faster, and more user-friendly decoy
• REMOTE COMPATIBLE: Compatible with the new USB Connect Multi-Decoy remote/receiver (not included).

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

Check out this product overview from Rogers Sporting Goods

 

 

 

 

#5  Lucky Duck Splasher HD

Coming in last but certainly not least, The Lucky Duck Splasher HD. Resting on a heavy-duty foam float the Lucky Splasher HD simulates a swimming duck, splashing its wings on the water. This cutting edge device combines the flashing of a spinner with the splashes of a water motion decoy into one ultimate package. We love our rechargeable batteries here at RLR, so we are excited this model contains a 6-volt rechargeable battery with smart charger! Made of strong EVA plastic that prevents cracking further extending decoy’s life. So if you need water motion with the attractive flash from a spinner, the Lucky Duck Splasher HD is for you.

Key Features

• Combines the flash of a spinning wing decoy with splashing water
• Mimics live ducks on the water
• Runs continuously or on timer mode (10 seconds on and 5 seconds off)

  

• Water-activated switch
• HD remote kit ready (sold separately)
• Includes:
  • Injection-molded magnetic wings with splashing straps
  • 6-volt battery and smart charger
  • Heavy-duty foam float

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

 

 

[Best Alternative]- Motion Ducks Ultimate Decoy Spreader and Jerk System

Sometimes you just can’t afford a bunch of fancy motion decoys. We understand this and want to have a product on our list for everyone. We believe the spreader systems from MotionDuck are the most advanced, effective, and practical method of adding movement to your decoys. Much like a jerk cord, MotionDuck has created a system that connects throughout multiple decoys giving them the appearance of swimming in unison. Check out the video below to see it in action.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON

 

 

 

Conclusion

Motion decoys really are a must if you want to catch a ducks eye from high altitudes. Ducks are very smart birds and will avoid your spread the moment they do not feel comfortable. That is why motion is so important. It is recommended to have at least one if not more motion decoys on the water to be truly effective.  We hope our list of 5 Best Motion Decoys has been both helpful and informative in guiding you to the right product. We want our readers to have the highest possible chance for success in the field. Thank you for reading and God bless. Check out our other posts on waterfowl HERE.