How far out do duck hunters normally place duck decoys?

Question

My nephew's friend has been missing for several days...The young man was duck hunting with two friends when he went to retrieve the duck decoys out of the water (by boat). The 2 men waited for him in the "blinds" and said fog rolled in and they lost sight of him. His boat was found 3 miles out in the Trinity Bay, turned over and anchored. They know that the worst has probably happened to him.
I can't ask my nephew questions because he is too upset, so I am asking you guys. I really would like to know how far out this young man was most likely going to get these decoys. Some sections of their story just doesn't sound right.

Thanks for all the serious answers in advance.

I suppose I should also ask if the decoys could have floated away? Are they just hollow plastic deals (like children's bathtub toys)? Seems like they would be hard to keep up with!

Answer 1

Decoys are set with in the effective range of the shot gun, which is not far at all I set mine up around 60 yards in most situations.
Decoys are anchored but some can get away if not set up right.

Answer 2

Decoys are usually set up anywhere from 30 to 60 yards. I'm a lazy but so I put them at about 15 yards and let them drift off. They are tethered to the bank anyway.

Fog
Overturned boat that's anchored

sounds like foul play. maybe just an accident. But, somebody ain't tellin' the truth.

sorry, I always hope for the best though.

Answer 3

you only put out the decoys 20-to 30 feet from where u are hunting he is in my prayers

Answer 4

decoys a used to lure in the birds gun range is less then 100 yards from were the blind was

Answer 5

place them far enough but not too far