The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted a brand new patent, US Patent No. 12,616,189, titled “Game decoy system.” This innovative technology represents a massive leap forward in the outdoor recreation and hunting sectors.
Filed by DAM Decoy Company, a business based out of Overland Park, Kansas, this patent lists Brian A. Bruns as the primary inventor. By implementing automated control mechanics into a field-ready device, this breakthrough completely transforms how outdoor enthusiasts interact with wildlife management and decoy setups.
Why the Game Decoy System is So Innovative
Traditional decoys are largely passive or depend on simplistic, repetitive motorized patterns like spinning wings or basic vibrations. These legacy systems often fail to mimic realistic behavior and frequently require complex underwater rigging, heavy external batteries, or continuous manual oversight via a handheld remote control. The invention from DAM Decoy Company eliminates these drawbacks by embedding an intelligent, programmable positioning system directly into the decoy body itself.
The core innovation lies in its highly intuitive, on-body user interface. Featuring dedicated physical inputs, such as push buttons built directly into the decoy shell, it allows hunters to program specific spatial anchors while out in the field. Users can establish a low energy return point based on a first position and a distinct travel center point based on a second position. The onboard controller processes these coordinate points to guide its integrated propulsion system dynamically. This capability gives the decoy the unique ability to navigate autonomous, lifelike paths over a body of water without requiring continuous manual remote tracking or bulky external support equipment.
June 2026 Patent of the Month for Kansas State
Due to its brilliant engineering and regional impact, this system has been named the Kansas State Patent of the Month for June 2026. This prestigious recognition honors outstanding technological advancements emerging from the Sunflower State. DAM Decoy Company, operating out of Overland Park, perfectly showcases how Kansas is becoming a vibrant hub for agricultural, outdoor, and robotic technologies.
The selection committee chose this patent because it successfully resolves a multi-decade logistical challenge for the outdoor sports market. By miniaturizing advanced low-power positioning systems and robust aquatic propulsion into a rugged, weather-resistant frame, this invention bridges the gap between sophisticated robotics and traditional field sports. It serves as an exceptional model of local entrepreneurial innovation, driving technical interest and economic value to the regional economy in June 2026.
Eligibility for the U.S. R&D Tax Credit
The practical applications and development phases of this patented system are highly aligned with the qualifications for the United States Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 41. To qualify, a company must satisfy a four part test: the work must be technological in nature, aim to create a new or improved function, eliminate technical uncertainty, and follow a structured process of experimentation. The design and manufacturing processes behind this game decoy system require intensive technical exploration to overcome aquatic engineering challenges. Perfecting a water-resistant enclosure that houses delicate microcontrollers, managing battery life to maintain the low energy return point, and minimizing hydrodynamic drag all involve substantial experimental testing. Additionally, writing the proprietary software algorithms that translate physical button inputs into exact motor propulsion sequences constitutes qualified computer science and software engineering. Because these iterations require continuous design, testing, and refinement, the associated engineering wages, prototyping supplies, and testing expenditures are prime candidates for substantial federal tax incentives.
