I only use 6 full bodied plastic dekes. I set 3,, in a triangle pattern,, over a corn cob/pumpkin/melon or whatever field I'm hunting. Then I set 2 more together,, not quite facing each other head on,, on something else about 5-7yds away. The last deke stands looking into the wind,, birds like to land into the wind,, but I never face them into the sun. Place your dead crows in your spread as you go too. If you have one out at say 70yds,, go get it & set it in the spread. Keep them out of the shade also if you can. Crows don't like to be in the shade apparently. At least I never observe them in the shade anyhow. Keep your dekes about 25yds in front of you. You will be close to the edge of their circling pattern as they fly around to look things over. Try to keep the wind at YOUR back if possible also. Otherwise a crosswind is the next best.
The actual number of dekes varies by hunter & his/her experiences/preferences. We've used as few as 3 & as many as 12 to get started in the AM. I've read where folks put out 100 but I'm a little lazier than that. LOL
HTH
BTW-- Paint them flat black.
