Decoy Care and Handling Guide

Decoy Care & Handling Guide

At IQ Decoys, we build decoys that are ultra-realistic, lightweight, and made to last — but like any tool designed for serious hunters, how you treat them matters. With just a bit of care, your decoys will stay sharp and hunt-ready for many seasons to come.

1. Use Slot Bags for Storage & Transport

We strongly recommend storing and transporting your decoys in individual slot bags.

  • Prevents surface wear from rubbing
  • Protects detail and flocking
  • Keeps rigging neat and untangled

Tossing decoys into a pile — even just for the ride home — is where most wear and tear happens.

2. Don’t Toss Decoys into the Spread

We get it — speed matters. But throwing decoys into the water increases the chance of:

  • Scuffing
  • Damage from hitting other decoys
  • Damage from hidden rocks, ice, or structure

Instead, place them by hand or lower them in gently. It only takes a moment and helps preserve the clean, realistic look that makes IQ Decoys so effective.

3. Keep Them Clean

Flocked and detailed surfaces naturally attract mud and debris in the field. Keep them in good shape by:

  • Rinsing with a hose or clean water after dirty hunts
  • Using a soft brush (no stiff bristles) to remove dried-on debris 
  • Letting decoys air dry completely before storage 

Skip the pressure washer — high-pressure water can degrade surface details and flocking over time.

4. Handle With Care

  • When stacking decoys in a boat, blind, or trailer:
  • Avoid banging them together
  • Don't drag or drop them

Keep rigging lines organized to prevent tugging or yanking

These aren’t eggs — but treating them with care extends their working life and helps them look sharp season after season.

5. Store Decoys Properly in the Offseason

When the season wraps up:

  • Rinse and dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight 
  • Keep in slot bags or on shelves — not loose in bins or under other gear

Avoid sealing decoys in airtight tubs if there's any moisture present — that’s how mold and mildew sneak in.

6. Avoid Chemicals and UV Damage

To maintain the finish:

  • Don’t expose decoys to gasoline, solvents, or insect repellent
  • Keep them out of long-term direct sunlight when not in use

While they’re built tough, long exposure to the wrong materials can still cause damage over time.

7. Quick Pre-Hunt Check

Take a quick moment before and after hunts to:

  • Check rigging and weights
  • Untangle lines
  • Inspect for general wear

Staying ahead of issues in the field makes your setup faster and more efficient.

Hunt Hard. Care Easy.

IQ Decoys are built to be hunted — not babied. But with a little basic care, you’ll get long-lasting performance, season after season. If you have questions or want to share tips from your own experience, contact us here or shoot us a message on Instagram.