the ultimate confidence Decoy

Ardea herodias

Waterfowl hunters setting a spread of decoys often use a confidence decoy to add realism to the scene they have created. Ducks know that great blue herons, coots and crows are among the wariest of birds. If they are mingling peacefully with the "ducks" on the water, then there is no need for alarm and the passing flock will often come in. They have been in use since the nineteenth century by waterfowlers hunting ducks and geese.

I discovered a company that even manufactures "confidence cows"! Apparently, in agricultural areas, cows are viewed by wild turkeys as benign beings, and snow and Canada geese will come in to a harvested field populated with grazing cows , to the benefit of turkey and goose hunters hiding in blinds. The manufacturer claims the "confidence cow" works for deer hunting as well. Deer will avoid cows, so strategically placed cows can steer those big bucks in the direction you'd like them to travel, kind of like those orange traffic cones!

The fake bovines only weigh 5 lbs, and you can order one for $49.95, plus shipping, if you'd like a change from pink plastic flamingos for your yard decor or decoy collection.