You dont need to spend much on string and weights. My suggestion with the decoys would be, buy 1 dozen hot buys, and 2 or 3 duck butts. Or 1 dozen hot buys, and half dozen of another species.

Most every hunter in the united states uses 1 or 2 dozen mallards exclusivly. If you make your spread stand out, and more appealing to the ducks, you will have better success.

Example, if you are hunting a small river, you dont need 2 dozen decoys. Heck, you dont even need one dozen.The key is to match your spread to what you would see in the areas you are hunting. If you have a lot of wood ducks, you better have some wood duck decoys. Another tip,since you are a beginner dont call too much. Most times over calling will just hurt you.