Abstract: A duck shooting resort layout having a body of water, a peripheral embankment encircling the water, a duck hunting region within the resort, and duck hunting blinds within the hunting region from which hunters may shoot ducks. The resort includes trained ducks taught to fly only within the hunting region. Multiple embodiments, with islands, piers, or embankment fingers, are described that safely allow a high density of hunters within a given land area. A method of training ducks to fly only within the hunting region is described. A construction method for the resort layout is described that allows a terrain to be sculpted into the structure of the invention at a minimum of cost and movement of dirt. The water depth may increase toward the channel ends for harvesting fish by partial draining, and fish grading screens may be provided at the ends for harvesting fish.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises a decoy assembly comprising a plurality of L-shaped legs, in which a two or three dimensional decoy is attached to each vertical member of the L-shaped legs, the horizontal member of each of L-shaped leg being pivotably affixed to a pivot point.

Abstract: A water fowl (e.g. duck) decoy system in which the decoy's wings (20/120), which are flat and both longitudinally and laterally extended by, for example, having one or more, curved lobes (23/123A&B, note FIGS. 1& 5B), producing a disc like shape, preferably of a size of at least about nine (9″) inches in “diameter,” with contrasting colors (e.g., dark olive & white; cf. FIGS. 5B & 5C) on its flat sides with one or more stripes on its lighter side, are rotated at a relatively high speed (e.g., ˜600 rpm+, e.g., more particularly ˜600 or ˜750 rpm or up to ˜900 rpm or greater), producing a “strobe” like effect for enhanced visibility of the decoy to flying ducks. Additionally, the decoy (1/101) has a laterally disposed, direct, in-line, DC electric motor drive (30), with laterally directed, dual shaft connectors (note FIG. 3) directly connected to the wings.

Abstract: A decoy has outwardly projecting wings rotated by a motor secured by modularized mounting system shrouded within a lifelike plastic shell. The mounting mechanism comprises a resilient internal plate comprising integral bosses for connection to the shell. One boss receives a motor mount and a battery clamp respectively securing the internal battery and the motor that dynamically drives the wings. Shoulders defined in the boss and the motor mount are engaged by downwardly projecting lips projecting from the battery clamp and the motor mount, and the motor is retained within a special rectangular orifice. Axle ends projecting from the motor quick-connect with the wings. A special coupling with angled slots quick connects or quick-disconnects the wings and allows folding. A spring on each axle yieldably maintains the wings in place. The wings rotate about their longitudinal axis. The wings stop moving with their bright white bottoms aimed downwardly.

Abstract: A decoy, for simulating a waterfowl rotating to a feeding position. The body (10) houses a motor and torque enhanced axle (11), remote control receiver and switches (12) and battery (13) for intermittently rotating an axle with outer end (15), located outside the body, slid onto a decoy mounting post (20) that is fixed to the stand(16). Rotation of the axle causes the decoy to rotate vertical and horizontal, as well as causes the water in which the decoy is deployed to splash. The remote control receiver combined with the remote control transmitter (22) permits operator selectable durations of vertical or horizontal positioning. The decoy also has a unique fitting (15) and (20) as well as the line (18) for attachment to the stand (16), which allows for quick assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy with a self-retracting anchor line includes a body defining a closed interior space in which is disposed a spring biased anchor line reel. An anchor line is wound on the reel and trained out of the body through a port in the breast of the body. A spring biased manually actuatable lock member is disposed in a bore formed in the body at the breast and includes a passage through which the anchor line is trained and normally snubbed between the lock member and the decoy body. The anchor line may be paid out off of the reel through the lock member and the port in the breast of the decoy above the normal waterline of the decoy body and connected to an anchor. The anchor line is retrieved and retracted by digitally actuating the lock member to release the line for retraction by the spring biased reel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decoy apparatus with wind-driven rotatable wings. The rotatable wings are mounted on a shaft member, which extends transversely through a bird-like body portion. Head-on horizontal-axis rotor blades are integrally mounted on the rotatable wings for collecting and converting kinetic wind energy to rotational power in the shaft member. When collected and converted to rotational power, wind energy causes the wings, the shaft member and the rotor blades to rotate in unison through 360 degrees about a horizontal-axis of rotation extending through the shaft member. The wings and integrally-mounted rotor blades co-rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter-clockwise direction depending on the wind energy being directed against the rotor blade members. The rotor blade members thus create wing movement in the wings and in the rotor blades for alluring game located vertically, laterally and longitudinally relative to the decoy apparatus.

Abstract: An animated decoy which is constructed to simulate movement of an actual waterfowl/bird in its natural setting. The body of the decoy is fabricated from a plastic or hard foam material and is inserted in a cover made from PVC or similar material. The PVC cover is imprinted with an actual photograph of the body of the species of waterfowl/bird that the hunter or photographer intends to lure. The body of the decoy is provided with openings so that appendages of the decoy may be removably mounted on the body. These appendages are mounted for controlled animation and are coordinated with the photograph of the particular species to enhance the realistic effect.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy with a self-retracting anchor line includes a body defining a closed interior space in which is disposed a spring biased anchor line reel. An anchor line is wound on the reel and trained out of the body through a port in the breast of the body. A spring biased manually actuatable lock member is disposed in a bore formed in the body at the breast and includes a passage through which the anchor line is trained and normally snubbed between the lock member and the decoy body. The anchor line may be paid out off of the reel through the lock member and the port in the breast of the decoy above the normal waterline of the decoy body and connected to an anchor. The anchor line is retrieved and retracted by digitally actuating the lock member to release the line for retraction by the spring biased reel.

Abstract: A water fowl decoy has an outer buoyant layer molded around an inner buoyant core material contained within the outer shell. The outer shell has a bottom opening for receiving a removable keel. The opening has front and rear walls with at least one indentation. The keel has a front edge and a rear edge with at least one detent which matingly engages the corresponding indentations on the front and/or side walls of the opening in the outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the art of waterfowl decoys and in particular a decoy assembly which incorporates a plurality of waterfowl bodies. The assembly may be readily folded for storage and transport and opened and locked into position for usage. The decoy assembly comprises a central member which is flanked with a pair of secondary members. In usage these secondary members are locked into angular relationship with the central member. The assembly is molded from a high density, closed cell, polymeric material and incorporates integral molded locking means.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an improved method of animating a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. An offset support assembly supports wing and paddle appendages that attach to a rotating or oscillating output shaft extending from the body of a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. The rotation or oscillation of the offset wing appendages produces a visual quality replicating the flapping of wings. The paddle appendages propel a floating decoy on the surface of the water and impart a side-to-side movement. The invention can be used to impart a more realistic motion and appearance to either floating or pole-mounted decoys, or can be used with decorative sculptures or models.

Abstract: A moving, floating waterfowl decoy propelled by a steam jet motor and used by hunters to attract waterfowl to the hunting area. The device is an addition to a standard commercial hollow floating waterfowl decoy of any species. The steam jet motor is powered by combustion of fuel and has no moving parts. The steam jet propulsion system provides lifelike natural movement, wakes, ripples and splashes to enhance attraction of a decoy set.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for making a realistic three-dimensional animal decoy. The method includes steps of photographing an array of views of an animal that is to be the subject of the decoy. The photographic views are arranged to make a flattened, aerial view of the animal. A screen is prepared that receives the view. The screen is positioned over a three-dimensional vacuum mold, and, with application of heat and pressure, is permanently formed into a three-dimensional animal shell decoy that has photographically realistic features.

Abstract: A bird decoy and method for providing simulated wing motion, or enhancing the appearance of motion of a simulated wing, and comprising a wing simulating structure for simulating wings of a flying bird, the wing simulating structure mounted to a support base for holding the wing simulating structure positioned with an upper surface thereof facing upward at least some of the time. Included is an electrical power source operatively connected for powering an electric illuminant, the illuminant preferably being multiple LEDs positioned to illuminate the upper surface of the wing simulating structure. The electric illuminant further operatively connected to automatic switching circuitry for switching the illuminant cyclically On and then Off in illumination upon the upper surface of the wing simulating structure, thereby providing a cyclical lighter then darker appearance, whereby the bird decoy visually simulates wing motion. The support base preferably includes a duck or goose shaped decoy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decoy apparatus with wind-driven rotatable wings. The rotatable wings are mounted on a shaft member, which extends transversely through a bird-like body portion. Adjustable-pitch rotor blades are integrally mounted on the rotatable wings for collecting and converting kinetic wind energy to rotational power in the shaft member. When collected and converted to rotational power, wind energy causes the wings, the shaft member and the rotor blades to rotate in unison through 360 degrees about a horizontal axis of rotation extending through the shaft member. The wings and integrally mounted rotor blades co-rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter-clockwise direction depending on the wind energy being directed against the rotor blade members. The adjustable pitch rotor blade members thus create wing movement in the wings and in the rotor blades for alluring game located vertically, laterally and longitudinally relative to the decoy apparatus.

Abstract: A motion decoy system is provided to attract a desirable quarry of waterfowls. The system includes a shaft having a plurality of arms and an outer bearing tube rotatably attached to each said arm. Each adjacent arm points to an opposite direction to each other. The shaft is rotatably supported under a body of water in a target area by multiple supporting posts. A plurality of floating decoys placed upon the water is operatively attached to the bearing tube by a guide wire. A motor is supported by multiple supporting posts beneath the water. The shaft is operatively attached to the motor. The motor is electrically controlled by a user, whereby said motor imparts rotation movements upon the shaft in response to control signals from the user, whereby rotations of the arms of the shaft causing animated movements of the decoys to attract the quarry of waterfowls, wherein said animated movement simulates feeding activities of ducks, geese, or other waterfowls.

Abstract: A motion decoy system is provided to attract a desirable quarry of waterfowls. The system includes a shaft having a plurality of arms and an outer bearing tube rotatably attached to each arm. Each adjacent arm points to an opposite direction to each other. The shaft is rotatably supported under a body of water in a target area by multiple supporting posts. A plurality of floating decoys placed upon the water is operatively attached to the bearing tube by a guide wire. A motor is supported by multiple supporting posts beneath the water. The shaft is operatively attached to the motor. The motor is electrically controlled by a user, whereby the motor imparts rotation movements upon the shaft in response to control signals from the user, whereby rotations of the arms of the shaft causing animated movements of the decoys to attract the quarry of waterfowls, wherein the animated movement simulates feeding activities of ducks, geese, or other waterfowls.

Abstract: A decoy mounting system enables the support or decoys constructed of thin, flexible materials, such as foam, rubber, PVC, and the like. A ground support stake for supporting the decoy has a semi-circular top portion defining an axially oriented surface and a pointed bottom end. A mounting bracket connects the ground support stake with the decoy and has a socket depending downwardly therefrom to receive the top end of the ground support stake, where the socket defines an axially oriented bore surface effective to engage the axially oriented surface of the ground support stake to limit rotation of the mounting bracket on the ground support stake.

Abstract: A duck decoy system for simulating a landing duck. The system includes a duck decoy body; a support member for being positioned above the duck decoy body; and elevator structure for coupling the duck decoy body to the support member and for lowering the duck decoy body downward from the support member to simulate a landing duck.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy having selected flocked surfaces, especially in black areas, provides intense coloration and prevents light reflection that would indicate artificiality of the decoy. A decoy form having a continuous visually observable peripheral surface is configured and colored to simulate a waterfowl attractive to waterfowl to be decoyed. The surface of the decoy form, especially in selected dark or black areas, is coated with flock material of the same color as the underlying decoy form to provide a flocked surface that has intricacies and irregularities that prevent the reflection of coherent light beams and tend to absorb impinging light. The flock coating is established by covering the area to be flocked with adhesive, establishing flock in a continuous layer to cover the adhesive, and curing the adhesive for positional maintenance of the flock on the decoy form.

Abstract: An animated duck decoy having a mechanism employing a driver gear having gear teeth disposed on half its periphery, the other half being without teeth, which engages a driven gear mounted on the same axle with a grooved wheel to wind and unwind a cord attached to an anchor in order to produce repetitive movement of the decoy. The animated duck decoy may be disposed to simulate a diving duck by attaching the cord to an anchor which can be placed on the bottom of a body of water. The animated duck decoy also may be disposed to simulate one duck chasing another duck by tethering it to a tree and attaching the cord to a conventional duck decoy which is tethered to a second tree by an elastic cord.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy for selectively simulating feeding in water. An articulating apparatus includes a motor, a threaded rod, a weight, a motion-reversing toggle switch, and a motion-reversing sliding plate having forward and rearward-stopping tabs. The motion-reversing toggle switch is toggled forwardly when the weight moves forwardly enough to contact and move the forwardmost-stopping tab forwardly, causing the motor to reverse, and when the weight moves rearwardly enough to contact and move the rearwardmost-stopping tab rearwardly, the motion-reversing toggle switch is toggled rearwardly causing the motor to reverse, with such back and forth motion of the weight causing the body to duck in and out of the water and imitate feeding.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for moving a decoy carrier (B) upon a trackway (A) for operating under the control of a hunter through a linear connector (C) against the force of a constant tension spring (D) wherein a motor driven belt (E) is radio-controlled in response to operation by the hunter. A camming device (F) reverses the direction the turkey decoy faces at the end of each traversing motion.

Abstract: An animated waterfowl decoy apparatus includes a decoy housing, a pair of decoy wing members rotatably connected to the decoy housing, and an elongated stand supporting the housing to position the decoy housing over the surface of a body of water. The apparatus may be readily converted between wind-powered operation and motor-powered operation.

Abstract: A folding decoy or other representation is formed of a single sheet of laminated material having opposite face plies and a central core sandwiched therebetween. Preferably, a waterproof, plastic material having a corrugated core is used, but other laminated materials may also be used as desired. The decoy is formed by cutting out a planform silhouette and then making a series of scores which extend through one of the face plies and the core material, leaving the opposite face ply uncut. The scores are made from opposite sides of the sheet to provide for folding in either direction, as desired. A series of such scores may be made, with different scores providing for different folds in different directions and orientations. This allows a person to use a single decoy blank to form decoys having different postures as desired, to add greater realism to a group of decoys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decoy apparatus with wind-driven rotatable wings. The rotatable wings are mounted on a shaft member, which extends transversely through a bird-like body portion. Adjustable-pitch rotor blades are integrally mounted on the rotatable wings for collecting and converting kinetic wind energy to rotational power in the shaft member. When collected and converted to rotational power, wind energy causes the wings, the shaft member and the rotor blades to rotate in unison through 360 degrees about a horizontal axis of rotation extending through the shaft member. The wings and integrally mounted rotor blades co-rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter-clockwise direction depending on the wind energy being directed against the rotor blade members. The adjustable pitch rotor blade members thus create wing movement in the wings and in the rotor blades for alluring game located vertically, laterally and longitudinally relative to the decoy apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decoy apparatus with wind-driven rotatable wings. The rotatable wings are mounted on a shaft member, which extends transversely through a bird-like body portion. Rotor blades are integrally mounted on the rotatable wings for collecting and converting kinetic wind energy to rotational power in the shaft member. When collected and converted to rotational power, wind energy causes the wings, the shaft member and the rotor blades to rotate in unison through 360 degrees about a horizontal axis of rotation extending through the shaft member. The wings and integrally-mounted rotor blades co-rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction depending on the wind energy being directed against the rotor blade members. The rotor blade members thus create wing movement in the wings and in the rotor blades for alluring game located vertically, laterally and longitudinally relative to the decoy apparatus.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy that can assembled from a flat, planar sheet to a 3-dimensional decoy that is capable of stacking while assembled. Decoy comprises a sheet and an anchor. The sheet has an outer periphery shaped to resemble a waterfowl when the sheet is assembled in a 3-dimensional state, with a head, body and shoulder. The sheet substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, except for a bifurcated head. The head has a pair of members that are specifically asymmetrical to appear more realistic. The sheet also has a pair of shoulder segments that are aligned by flexing the sheet along the longitudinal axis and securing using an anchor. A plurality of decoys may be stacked, while in a fully assembled state and with anchors intact. While stacked, the anchors may be moved to a position that locks the stack so that individual decoys cannot be removed until the anchors are moved to a position that releases the stack.

Abstract: A goose decoy is disclosed comprising a body frame having a neck frame selectively removably secured thereto. The body frame and the neck frame are comprised of flexible steel banding material so that the body frame and neck frame will move due to wind action thereagainst. The neck frame is covered by a neck sock while the body frame is covered by a body sock. The neck and body socks are comprised of a fabric material imprinted with the colorings of a goose. A stake is inserted upwardly through the body of the decoy and is secured to the body frame to support the decoy in various positions.

Abstract: The present pulley action decoy system enables a single hunter or other person to simultaneously and collectively move a series of waterfowl decoys floating in a shallow body of water, to simulate the movement of a resting flock of waterfowl. The decoys may be distributed in an apparently random pattern, but are linked by a single actuation line, with branches optionally extending from the line. The distal end of the line, and branch or auxiliary lines extending therefrom, are secured to anchor posts or stakes and are provided with springs or other resilient means enabling the body of the line to move resiliently when the first end of the line is drawn by a hunter or person in a blind or other location. One or more corner posts or stakes are used to guide the line at each point where a change in the direction of the line occurs. The present system may accommodate a large number of changes of direction and/or decoys installed upon the line, due to the low friction pulley action provided at each post or stake.

Abstract: Decoys, such as full-body and shell goose decoys, are produced from same shaped decoy bodies and/or different shaped decoy bodies, having a plurality of different shaped foot-and-leg assemblies removably attachable therewith, wherein the pair of legs and feet of each different shaped foot-and-leg assembly have a different spatial arrangement of legs and feet than the pairs of legs and feet of each of the other different shaped foot-and-leg assemblies. When each of the different shaped foot-and-leg assemblies is individually attached to a decoy body, the decoy body is positioned in a different position relative to a surface, when placed upon the surface, than the position the decoy body is positioned in relative to the surface when having the other different shaped foot-and-leg assemblies individually attached thereto and correspondingly placed upon the surface.

Abstract: Wind-powered apparatus includes an animated figure depicting an animal. The body, wing and tail portions of the animal figure can be readily replaced to provide different apparatus configurations and appearances.

Abstract: A decoy moving apparatus for attracting animals including a set of reels attached to a clutch system which is workable on an automated drive motor system. The clutch system works to engage and disengage the reels to takeon/take-off line which is extending from the reels to at least one stake or decoy anchor reference point, wherein the line is attached to a decoy pulled between the reels and one or more anchors, whereby the takeon/take-off of the line with the decoy apparatus moves the decoy back and forth and/or rotates the decoy on its axis. The decoy may float in water, mounted to a sled type mounting base, or suspended from a wire, depending upon the habitat of the animal to be attracted to the viewer.

Abstract: A device for anchoring and moving a buoyant water fowl decoy consisting of a weighted base, a stabilizing component and an elongated member. The stabilizing component and elongated member are coupled to and extend from the base. To the base and the elongated member are attached connection elements for connecting the device to a water fowl decoy. A pulling line is also coupled to one of the connection elements. The pulling line extends from the connection member to the hunter's blind where the hunter may remotely actuate movement of the decoy.

Abstract: A windsock includes an elongated fuselage with outwardly extending dihedral wings. A dihedral spar extends along the wings and is joined with a coupling that is movably positioned within the fuselage cavity. A stabilizer is also mounted to the coupling and is movable within the fuselage through a limited range of motion.

Abstract: A collapsible support bar comprising an inner bar provided with collapsible buttons which retain two outer portions in place in either the collapsed or extended portions. Both the inner bar and the outer portions are provided with drilled holes into which dowels can be inserted. The inner bar is also provided with a hole which fits over a vertical pole. The collapsible support bar can be used to make an apparatus to lure wild birds by placing the collapsible support bar onto a telescopic vertical pole with an attached stake at the bottom to place the pole firmly in the ground, with decoys inserted into the drilled holes. In other embodiments the top section can include a plurality of arms radiating from a central hub, evocative of the branches if a tree. In yet another embodiment a plurality of poles can be used with collapsible support bars located between each pole.

Abstract: A water fowl decoy is disclosed. The decoy has an outer shell having a shape of a desired water fowl. The outer shell preferably comprises a urethane microcellular elastomer material. A buoyant core material is contained within the outer shell. The outer shell has a bottom which defines an opening for receiving a removable keel. The opening has front and rear walls of the outer shell define at least one indentation. The keel has a front edge and a rear edge each defining at least one detent which matingly engages the corresponding indentations on the front and/or side walls of the opening in the bottom of the outer shell.

Abstract: A bird decoy is disclosed comprising a body frame having a wing frame and a plurality of different neck frames which are selectively removably secured to the body frame. The frames are comprised of flexible steel banding material that allows the body, neck, and wings to move independently with, and in response to, the wind. Each frame is covered by a separate sock, which is comprised of a fabric material imprinted with the feather patterns and colorings of a selected species of bird. Feet, comprising flexible strips of metal, are coupled to the body of the decoy and selectively positioned according to the desired decoy pose. A stake is inserted upwardly through the body of the decoy and is secured to the body frame to support the decoy in various positions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for making a realistic three-dimensional animal decoy. The method includes steps of photographing an array of views of an animal that is to be the subject of the decoy. The photographic views are arranged to make a flattened, aerial view of the animal. A screen is prepared that receives the view. The screen is positioned over a three-dimensional vacuum mold, and, with application of heat and pressure, is permanently formed into a three-dimensional animal shell decoy that has photographically realistic features.

Abstract: A collapsible game decoy permits lifelike appearance during use and easy transportation or storage before or following use. The fully-assembled decoy comprises a decoy body and an air-capture-and-retention system associated with the decoy body. The air-capture-and-retention system releasably clips or snaps onto the decoy body. The resultant fully-assembled decoy is easily inflated through an air port in the air-capture-and-retention system and may be quickly collapsed, for example, manually.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding movable wings and feet to a conventional hollow waterfowl decoy includes a battery powered electric motor with a rotary disk operatively connected thereto, disposed in the hollow interior of the decoy body, a pair of wing assemblies extending through a pair of opposed slots in the sides of the decoy body and connected to the rotary disk and a pair of foot assemblies extending through a second pair of opposed slots in the sides of the decoy body and connected to the rotary disk, such that activation of the motor and resulting rotation of the disk produces oscillatory motion of the wing assemblies and foot assemblies to simulate the movement of live birds. A method of adding movable appendages to a waterfowl decoy and a method of adjusting the movement of such appendages are also provided.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy with interchangeable moveable appendages includes a body with a hollow interior and two opposed sides with shaft apertures extending through the two sides in opposed relation to each other, a drive assembly with two battery powered electric motors, each having a rotatable output shaft, disposed in the hollow interior of the body with the output shafts extending through the shaft apertures on each side of the body of the decoy, and a variety of appendage assemblies each removeably connectable to an output shaft of one of the motors. Each appendage assembly has a hub and at least one appendage such as a wing and/or a paddle connected to the hub, so that upon activation of the motors the hubs rotate and the appendages move to simulate movements of live waterfowl.

Abstract: Different shaped decoys each having a same shaped decoy body and a pair of legs, wherein the pair of legs of each decoy differs in shape from the pair of legs of each other decoy by having a different spatial arrangement of legs, such that the legs of each decoy are in different positions than the legs of each of the other decoys.

Abstract: A self-propelled waterfowl decoy to float on and propel itself along the surface of a body of water includes a body with a hollow interior and two opposed sides with shaft apertures extending through the two sides in opposed relation to each other, a drive assembly with two battery powered electric motors, each having a rotatable output shaft, disposed in the hollow interior of the body with the output shafts extending through the shaft apertures on each side of the body of the decoy, and a pair of paddle wheel assemblies each connected to an output shaft of one of the motors and each having a hub and at least one paddle extending outwardly from the hub, so that upon activation of the motors the paddles rotate to engage the surface of the water to propel the decoy along the surface and splash water toward the rear of the decoy.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a waterfowl in flight includes a pulley disposed at a first position well above the surface of a body of water, and a motor disposed at a second position near the surface of the water, where the two positions are horizontally separated by about 50-200 yards. The motor includes a drive shaft operable to rotate in response to torque produced by the motor. A capstan is attached to the drive shaft of the motor for rotating in response to the rotation of the drive shaft. The apparatus includes a loop of flexible line formed into an oval having first and second ends. The first end of the oval is looped over the pulley and the second end is looped over the capstan, such that the loop is held in tension between the pulley and the capstan. Attached to the flexible line is a waterfowl decoy made of buoyant material shaped to resemble a type of waterfowl in flight.

Abstract: A duck decoy is provided which is molded or otherwise formed in a unitary manner from high density material such as polyurethane. The decoy floats and has a low profile and lifelike appearance and can be made to simulate the appearance of many duck species. The decoy is fabricated in single unitary piece including the head and body portions. The high density material has a high impact resistance of about 900 pounds per square inch and is extremely rugged. The decoy can withstand a shotgun blast without losing its appearance and without losing its structural integrity. The decoy is extremely light and typically weights about 6-8 ounces. The decoy can be hand painted and have realistic taxidermy glass eyes. The decoys are one of the lightest decoys commercially available without losing their durable rugged quality. The decoy has a low profile and a resting position of the head. The low profile and low weight of the decoy allows a hunter to carry several dozen decoys in a bag without assistance.

Abstract: Decoy wings include a connector with a central hub and arms projecting forwardly, rearwardly, and out the opposing sides thereof. The connector is removably connected to a decoy body with a pair of elastic bands encircling the body and engaging the forward and rearward arms of the connector. Each decoy wing includes a frame member with a hook portion on the inward end which will engage a hook-shaped channel formed in the bottom of the connector hub and side arms. A flexible fabric sheet is connected to each frame member to provide an animated appearance to the decoy.

Abstract: A mounting, motion, and staking device for half-shell type decoys, which, during periods when horizontal forces are absent, allows the mounted decoy to assume an initial at-rest facing direction and position as selected by the user due to operative gravitational forces, and which further allows the mounted decoy to rotate on a bearing ledge in response to natural, manual, or mechanical horizontal force, and which further allows the mounted decoy to rotate in a reverse manner, returning to its at-rest position and facing direction when such horizontal force has been reduced or eliminated, such force causing the reverse rotational movement being gravity.

Abstract: An animated waterfowl decoy apparatus includes a decoy housing, a pair of decoy wing members rotatably connected to the decoy housing, and an elongated stand supporting the housing to position the decoy housing over the surface of a body of water. The apparatus may be readily converted between wind-powered operation and motor-powered operation.