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Turkey looking has commanded our springtime calendars for the previous 20 years. We’ve chased gobblers all through america and Mexico, looking a mean of fifty days throughout a half-dozen states every spring, whereas stacking up a World Slam and a number of Grand Slams. As we put together for each hunt, we fastidiously scrutinize each gear merchandise, particularly the most effective turkey decoys.
Decoys are nearly all the time a part of our turkey looking arsenal, and we solely depend on probably the most lifelike ones after I’m attempting to fill a tag in a brand new state. Right here’s a have a look at the most effective turkey decoys for a number of the most typical looking eventualities you’ll face irrespective of the place or the way you’re chasing turkeys.
Turkey Decoys and Hunter Security
The most effective turkey decoys are extremely lifelike, which implies that it’s doable for hunters to mistake a decoy for the true factor. You have to be extremely cautious when utilizing tom or jake decoys on public lands and even personal floor the place different hunters are current. Whenever you’re transporting decoys, make it possible for heads, followers, and beards are tucked right into a bag with a strip of orange tape on the skin. By no means use a reaping decoy on public land or on personal land the place different hunters is likely to be current. Additionally, keep away from utilizing a reaping decoy or strutting tom decoy in heavy cowl. If there’s any query about security, merely go away the decoys within the truck.
The Finest Turkey Decoys: Evaluations & Suggestions
Finest Hen Decoy: Avian X HDR Hen
Picture by Alex Robinson
Execs
- Extremely-realistic
- Minimal glare
- A number of head positions (upright model)
- Correct measurement and physique posture
Key Options
- Non-chip paint
- Flocking on again
- Gentle and sturdy
- Consists of two head positions (within the upright place)
- Consists of decoy bag
When to Use
- When looking open hardwoods
- If you happen to solely wish to carry one decoy
- Together with a jake or tom decoy
The HDR Hen is probably the most lifelike and helpful hen decoy we’ve ever hunted with. If you happen to’re going to set only one decoy, use this one.
This blow-molded hen decoy seems to be lifelike in each facet: feather element, physique place, measurement, hell, even the legs look actual. The decoy is available in feeding and upright physique positions. The upright hen has two interchangeable head positions. One is a high-stretched head, which signifies a dominant hen. The opposite is a decrease head place to point a submissive, breeder chook.
You’ll discover that the decoy is flocked on the again, a wonderful contact that not many different turkey decoys provide. This decoy is a superb alternative for hunters who largely name in open hardwoods. In that state of affairs it’s typically finest to have one highly-visible and lifelike hen decoy. The Avian-X HDR Hen suits the invoice completely.
The opposite prime hen decoy in the marketplace is the DSD hen, however I just like the Avian-X hen a bit higher as a result of, to me, it seems to create barely much less glare in direct daylight. Nevertheless, each are ultra-realistic choices. —Alex Robinson
Finest Price range Hen: Flextone Thunder Chick
Picture by Alex Robinson
Execs
- Inexpensive
- Stake is hooked up
- Practical for the value
Key Options
- Two physique place choices
- Gentle and sturdy
- Value: $50
When to Use
- Nice entry-level decoy
- Good for constructing a variety of a number of hens
Most budget-priced turkey decoys don’t look superb. Their molds and physique positions are unnatural, and the paint schemes are a bit off. However Flextone’s Thunder Chick is a contented exception. For about $50 you may have a sensible, sturdy decoy that can final you a lot seasons of arduous looking. The Thunder Chick is available in two physique place choices: upright and feeding. The stake is hooked up to the deke with a bit of elastic so to’t lose it. I’ve hunted with the feeding model of this decoy for some time now and depend on it after I resolve to run a number of hens. It blends in surprisingly properly with a flock of Avian-X and DSD decoys. —Alex Robinson
Finest Jake: Dave Smith Decoys ¾ Strut Jake
Picture by Alex Robinson
Execs
- Extremely lifelike
- Not too large for operating and gunning
- Smaller measurement doesn’t intimidate gobblers
- Made in America
Key Options
- Consists of Carry Bag & Stake
- Steel stake
- Flocking on the again
When to Use
- Whenever you’re attempting to problem toms
- Nice for pairing with a pair hen dekes
- When operating and gunning with decoys
DSD launched this decoy in 2009, and it’s nonetheless the baddest jake deke in the marketplace. The very first thing you’ll discover about this decoy is its good physique posture design. It seems to be like a jake that desires to enter strut however isn’t fairly dominant sufficient to take action. Additionally the decoy is barely smaller than a full-sized jake, making it much less intimidating and extra packable. In different phrases, he’s a turkey that any tom may whoop. The paint job, particularly across the head, is a murals. There’s flocking on the again so as to add realism. Within the sunshine this decoy lights up properly, however there’s no harsh glare.
The brand new model contains elective fold-away legs, which add additional realism. I like that it comes with a metallic stake which is able to assist you safe this deke into even the toughest floor. Sure, this decoy is costlier than a variety of others in the marketplace, nevertheless it seems to be unimaginable and it’s made in America. It’s a decoy you’ll be proud to hunt over. —Alex Robinson
Finest Strutter: Dave Smith Decoys Strutter
Picture by Alex Robinson
Execs
- Giant profile actually stands out
- Extremely detailed
- Produces iridescent shine, however not glare
- Made in America
Cons
- Requires actual fan and beard
- Too large and heavy for run and gun looking
Key Options
- Flocking on the again
- Two head shade choices
- Wings are solid to the physique
- Comes with carry bag and stake
When to Use
- Whenever you’re attempting to problem a flocked-up boss tom
- Searching personal land
- Whenever you’re planning to sit down for a very long time
That is probably the most lifelike turkey decoy that I’ve ever seen. It completely suits the profile of a dominant strutting tom, and it might be the important thing device for convincing a reside boss tom to strut his means into vary.
This strutter decoy isn’t splendid for each looking state of affairs. It’s massive and ponderous, so that you received’t be operating and gunning with it. Additionally, you shouldn’t hunt with this decoy (or any tom decoy) on public lands. However when you’re looking a dominant gobbler in a non-public subject, that is the deke you need.
One caveat is that it requires an actual fan and a beard. The fan screws into the again with a easy washer and nut. You’ll must do some experimenting to make it possible for your fan will keep unfold out within the wind. Plus, utilizing the true fan requires a bit extra setup time and care when transporting.
However the payoff is an ultra-realistic strutter. I believe the beard is elective. In comparison with the opposite prime strutter decoy in the marketplace, the Avian X HDR, I just like the DSD coloration higher. The Avian X decoy is nice, however to my eye it seems a bit too golden within the sunshine. Alternatively, the Avian X does include a collapsible synthetic fan. Total, it’s extra packable and simpler to move. It additionally has interchangeable head shade choices. —Alex Robinson
Finest Light-weight: Montana Decoy Wiley Tom 3D & Miss Purrfect XD
The light-weight Wiley Tom 3D and Miss Purrfect XD turkey decoys are the most effective total for any model of turkey looking.
Execs
- Light-weight,minimal bulk
- Simple to shove into turkey vest
- Stake system prevents spinning in wind
- Fast deploy
- Miss Purrfect XD: a number of stake positions for various physique postures
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Stitching on tom head may be fragile
Key Options
- Lower than 5 kilos mixed weight
- Three dimensional
- Simply folds for storage
-
Hen:
adjustable head; “feather cuts” for lifelike texture -
Tom:
choice so as to add actual feathers to tail and wings
When to Use
- When operating and gunning
- When reaping (with the tom decoy)
I used hard-bodied turkey decoys for years, and whereas they’ve advantages, the additional weight and bulk is an pointless burden for almost all of my turkey pursuits. I’m additionally not completely bought on 2D (flat) turkey decoys for conventional stationary setups, so I used to be wanting to attempt Montana’s new line of packable 3D turkey decoys.
I used the Miss Purrfect XD, Jake Purrfect XD, and the unique Wiley Tom throughout 2021 — my most profitable turkey season ever. The Wiley Tom 3D is an improve from the unique Wiley Tom. It has extra lifelike dimensions that pack down properly for operating and gunning, but it really works simply as properly for reaping or stationary setups. I examined the prototype throughout a fall turkey hunt and killed a gobbler the primary morning.
Stuff the Wiley Tom 3D and the Miss Purrfect XD hen turkey decoys in your vest and also you’ll be lined for almost each turkey looking state of affairs. And if you wish to run a jake imposter as an alternative of a tom, simply use the second (greater) row of tail feather holders on the Wiley Tom 3D to imitate the pronounced middle major feathers of a jake fan. —Josh Dahlke
Finest Reaping Decoy: Mojo Scoot N Shoot Max
Picture by Alex Robinson
Execs
- Giant profile hides hunters
- Simply customizable
Key Options
- Detachable wings
- See-through mesh window within the fan
- Optionally available stake
- Detachable blaze orange on wings
- Appropriate with actual fan
When to Use
- When reaping turkeys on personal land
- When reaping with two hunters
- Non-public land solely
Reaping turkeys is a controversial tactic. However it may be profitable and truthfully, it’s fairly enjoyable. If you happen to’re going to reap turkeys be sure that to solely do it on personal land and use a top quality decoy just like the Scoot N Shoot Max.
With the Max, Mojo has upgraded its authentic Scoot N Shoot decoy with elective wings that actually assist to cover a hunter behind the decoy. I additionally just like the mesh window within the fan. This enables the hunter to keep watch over the goal tom whereas remaining hidden.
However this decoy might be handiest with an actual fan. It comes with a mount that means that you can connect one. Merely reduce one feather from the fan in your viewing window and begin crawling. The stake means that you can stick the decoy within the floor when it’s time to shoot. It additionally comes with blaze orange strips that button into the wings. I believe it is a good security consideration, however realistically, you shouldn’t be attempting to reap turkeys in an space the place different hunters can see you. Use this decoy solely when you find yourself positive there are not any different hunters current. —Alex Robinson
Finest Combo: Avian-X HDR Strutter and Feeding Hen
The Avian-X HDR Strutter and Feeding Hen turkey decoys ship astounding iridescent realism and element up shut and from a distance.
Execs
- Tremendous lifelike
- Adjustable elements for varied eventualities
- Constructed for years of heavy use
Cons
- Reasonably cumbersome
- Costly
Key Options
- Vivid paint jobs and flocking
- Sturdy shells
- Practical legs
-
Strutter:
modular design (two head choices; add/take away wings; adjustable beard size); metallic stake -
Hen:
built-in stake for straightforward storage - Decoy baggage included
When to Use
- Searching fields
- Focusing on dominant toms
When Fred Zink’s crew launched Avian-X decoys round 2010, the brand new LCD (Lifelike Collapsible Decoy) design, that includes inflatable rubber our bodies, was all the trend. I’ve watched dozens of gobblers crumble over Avian-X decoys. Lately, the model transitioned from rubber our bodies to the extra frequent plastic shells that you simply’ll discover with most premium turkey decoys. However one issue has all the time remained fixed with Avian-X turkey decoys: realism. The inflatable dekes had been nice as a result of they might be damaged all the way down to a manageable measurement for journey, and I even as soon as conveniently packed an Avian jake for a Gould’s hunt in Mexico. Whereas the brand new HDR (Heavy-Responsibility Realism) plastic variations aren’t fairly as cell, I’ve tagged many gobblers over them because of their hyper-realistic seems to be.
The HDR Strutter decoy incorporates a modular design. You may swap between pink/white/blue (subordinate tom) and stable white (dominant tom) heads, and the adjustable artificial tail fan and beard permit you to remodel the decoy from tom to jake. The tail fan and wings are detachable, so you may add actual feathers at your leisure.
The HDR Feeding Hen has a content material physique posture that would lure in lovesick gobblers or just entice different hens to start out a turkey get together (the boys will finally come knocking).
Or you may pair the 2 decoys to check the ego of a dominant tom and trick him into your setup.
Finest Inexpensive Combo: Primos Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen and Jake
Smaller, much less intimidating decoys.
Execs
- Light-weight
- Packable for cell or stationary hunts
- Low value
Cons
- Plastic stakes
- Not as lifelike as top-end dekes
Key Options
- Further small profiles
- Excessive-quality paint schemes
When to Use
- Nice starter decoys
- When concentrating on sub-dominant turkeys
At lower than $60 the Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen and Jake combo from Primos provides a variety of worth in a small bundle.
With smaller profiles, the jake is much less intimidating to skittish gobblers, and the hen is less complicated to hold than full-sized decoys. Deploy these decoys collectively to simulate a mating pair, or run them individually, relying on the reactions of your late-season targets. Think about beefing up the plastic stake with a metallic substitute so that you received’t have to fret about penetrating more durable floor.
Find out how to Select a Turkey Decoy
Deciding on a turkey decoy is determined by your looking techniques and choice, nevertheless it doesn’t must be troublesome. Determine your funds first, after which work out your most typical looking model. Select probably the most lifelike turkey decoy(s) that you could afford, and ensure it accommodates your most certainly looking setups. Keep in mind, with some creativity, almost each turkey decoy can be utilized successfully for quite a lot of eventualities, and typically you’re higher off going with no decoy in any respect.
Learn Subsequent: Finest Turkey Mouth Calls of 2022
FAQs
Your decoy setups or what number of decoys you set out is basically dictated by seasonality (early vs. late season), looking stress, climate, and the dynamics of native flocks. As a basic rule of thumb, you’re higher off utilizing extra turkey decoys early within the season, whereas much less is usually extra within the late season.
Decoys aren’t obligatory for turkey looking. Many turkey hunters want calling with out decoys as a result of it forces gobblers to seek for the supply of calling. Oftentimes, gobblers will u0022hang upu0022 exterior of taking pictures vary as a result of in nature the hens sometimes go to them. That is the place decoys may be helpful. If turkeys see a decoy, they is likely to be extra satisfied to come back right into a setup reasonably than spooking once they don’t see a hen on the supply of calling.
Turkeys can develop into decoy shy in the event that they’re dwelling in areas with a variety of looking stress. Keep away from utilizing them on closely hunted tracts of personal or public land, or attempt much less intimidating decoy setups once you’re looking skittish birds, like decoys with extra relaxed or feeding postures.
Closing Ideas on the Finest Turkey Decoys
Searching turkeys over decoys can provide many benefits. Decoys can provide turkeys the visible affirmation they should shut the gap in your setup. When a turkey is concentrated on a decoy, it will possibly enable you extra leeway for making essential actions similar to elevating a gun or drawing a bow. And there’s nothing fairly like watching a dominant gobbler march right into a well-placed decoy setup for a very good ol’-fashioned beatdown. Whereas decoys provide many up-sides, typically you’re higher off not utilizing them, and forcing tom to come back on the lookout for the supply of your pleading hen calls.
