Wild game attraction device and method

• US 7,043,865 B1
• Filed: 10/08/2002
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Huntwise Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Huntwise Incorporated
• Inventors: Crowe, Claude M.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROWAN, KURT C
• Application Number:
  US10/266,898
• Time in Patent Office: 1,316 Days
• Field of Search: 43/2, 43/3, 43/261
• US Class Current: 43/3
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 31/04 Beater rattles
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 31/06 Decoys

Abstract

A floating decoy system is provided for agitating the surface of a water body on which the device is deployed in a manner that is attractive to live game animals (e.g. live waterfowl). The system includes a frame, which is disposed partially above and partially below the surface of the water and suspended from a plurality of floating means. The device also includes an agitator assembly, which is slidably mounted to the frame above the surface of the water and produces ripples on the water surface and the sound of splashing water. The ripples and sound of splashing water are intended to simulate an active area where wild game are swimming, feeding, and interacting. Additionally, an airborne decoy may be mounted atop the frame to give the device added attractiveness to wild game. An alternative embodiment requires the removal of floating means and the anchoring of the frame to the bottom of the water body. The invention further includes a method for attracting live game animals to a target area by agitating the surface of a water body in a manner that simulates the appearance and sound of swimming, feeding, bathing, and commingling live game.

Claims

1. A device for attracting wild game, said device comprising

(a) a frame, said frame floating in a waterbody and further comprising

(i) a vertical member;

(ii) a plurality of legs, each of said legs having a proximal end and distal end, said proximal ends of said legs being attached to and radially projecting from a base structure, wherein said legs may be folded upwards from a substantially horizontal position into a position substantially parallel to said vertical member, and wherein said legs may be held in said substantially horizontal position and in said substantially parallel position by way of locking means;

(iii) said base structure being attached to said vertical member, wherein said locking means comprises a plurality of side plates pivotally attached to said base structure and fixedly attached to each of said legs;

an aperture in each of said side plates;

a plurality of spring retainer pins, said spring retainer pins being fastened to said base structure, wherein each of said legs may be locked in said substantially horizontal position by depressing said spring retainer pin and subsequently releasing said spring retainer pin into said aperture,

(b) a plurality of floating means, said floating means being attached to said legs;

(c) an agitator assembly, said agitator assembly adapted to agitate the surface of a water body in a manner attractive to wild game.