DECOY (from de-, Fr., Lat. de-. down + coy, OF. coi, quiet, from Lat. quietus. still, front gales, repose). A contrivance for luring game into a snare or within the range of a weapon. In Eng land for centuries 'decoys* have been contrivances for capturing as well as alluring ducks, by driving theta into tunnel nets, or by catching them in a cage built on a platform on the water, into which they were enticed by feeding. To-day both these especial methods are obsolete; but the principle of the tunnel net still remains in the decoys built in the fresh-water pools near the coast, which attract the birds on their arrival from over sea. At the corners of the pool curved ditches are cut and covered with wile arched hoop-nets, gradually diminishing in size. The wild ducks are enticed to the mouth of the tunnel by live, tame (locks, trained for that purpose, who gradually lead the wild ducks into it, upon which a tame thick shows himself among the reeds momentarily. and disappears, to appear again higher up. This excites the wild ducks' curiosity. and they go on and on to a point where the keeper shows himself. Then the ducks rise on the wing. They are afraid to pass back by the netn, so they go farther and farther up the netted archway, thinking that it may lead them into the open. but it leads them
up to the end of the pipe, which by this time is on land, after which they are all easily caught.
In America the decoys are entirely different. They are painted wooden imitations of ducks (or other birds, as the case may be) anchored on the water in such a way. as from above, apparently to swim about. The decoys are set out in dif ferent order, according to the quarry the hunter is after, as naturally as possible. Thus, in open water shooting for ducks, when the wind blows across, they will be displayed in two converging lines, heading into the wind. In shooting with the wind. the decoys arc set out in the shape of a diamond. The gunner then retires to his blind, or into his sink-box. The ducks are effectually allured to alight. to share the good things they imagine the decoys to be enjoying, and are thereby brought within shot-range. De coying is applicable to numerous kinds of wild fowl and waders, and to geese and other birds on land. A perfect knowledge of its possibilities is only to he acquired by long and close observa tion, and by mechanical skill in making the decoys, Consult : Folkard. Fowler (London, 1859-6-i-75.97) ; Galloway, The Book of Duck De coys (London, NSA).