AK_Skeeter
WKR
Domestic ducks (even dead frozen ducks) cost over $30 each up here in Alaska.
Typically we use the same duck for at least 10 training sessions.
After training in water, our club hangs the ducks in the field while other retrievers are working.
Back home, I dry the ducks overnight with ducks sandwiched between 2 box fans.
The next morning, each dried duck is wrapped in newspaper and put in the freezer.
For group training, I use a beer 12-pack box which is perfect to hold 4 mallards.
These boxes stack nicely in the freezer and if I need 8 ducks for group training, I take 2 boxes out of the freezer.
To maximize "shelf-life" we typically train with ducks partially frozen in the body, so thaw time is important.
We a 12-pack box, 18 hours of thaw time results in wings and necks thawed, body still partially frozen.
Typically we use the same duck for at least 10 training sessions.
After training in water, our club hangs the ducks in the field while other retrievers are working.
Back home, I dry the ducks overnight with ducks sandwiched between 2 box fans.
The next morning, each dried duck is wrapped in newspaper and put in the freezer.
For group training, I use a beer 12-pack box which is perfect to hold 4 mallards.
These boxes stack nicely in the freezer and if I need 8 ducks for group training, I take 2 boxes out of the freezer.
To maximize "shelf-life" we typically train with ducks partially frozen in the body, so thaw time is important.
We a 12-pack box, 18 hours of thaw time results in wings and necks thawed, body still partially frozen.
