Balloon decoy systems and methods of making balloon decoys to assist in hunting or capturing various species of bird are disclosed, which overcome drawbacks inherent to conventional methods of attracting birds to a desired hunting or capture area. A balloon decoy includes a first portion fused to a second portion, a valve, and a first tether attachment point disposed on an exterior surface of the second portion. A balloon decoy system includes a bird-shaped balloon decoy and a ground unit coupled via a tether. The ground unit includes a remote-controlled reel disposed within an outside shell with an opening, which can accommodate the tether. The outside shell may be painted or otherwise colored to exhibit camouflaging properties. The balloon decoy system may also include a plurality of balloon decoys coupled via tethers.
