Hey guys n gals, turkey season opens April 15th and I'm looking for a new decoy. Going to be purchasing the Montana Decoy's Papa strut gobbler, and looking for a lightweight, preferably collapsible/packable resting hen decoy.
What is your guys' preferred decoy???
I like the collapsible foam material. I use 1 alert hen and one feeding hen with the jake
Avian X are the best looking decoys that bring I'm in close. They are a little pricey at around $100 but they loook gooood.
I second avian x. Unbelievable realism
Avian x are amazing, have had turkeys go eye to eye with them and inspect them one end to the other , even talk to them. Killed 3 toms in nebraska and 1 in new york over them last year...I'm convinced.
Those avian Xs have taken decoys to a whole new level of realism, not just the turkeys but their waterfowl decoys as well. They may be more expensive, but they're worth it.
I just picked up the Avian-X Jake/Breeder Hen combo from Cabelas. There a little heavy but they are well made and tough as nails. They're the most realistic decoy I've ever seen. :thumbsup:
I was just getting ready to post a question about the Avian dekes and then I saw this thread and my ??? were answered!! Thanks fellas!
Steve
Avian x are nice but for a little more money,the dsd gets my vote for lightest most realistic decoy available. Awesome is an understatement.
I run the jake from bestturkeydecoy.com and use a breeder hen from DSD. I can't complain with the results i've had the last couple of years and opportunities for my friends and family. Very real looking dekes and if you fall asleep and look out, don't shoot your dekes.LOL
We run one Avian jake and two Primos PHD hens per guide and have had tremendous success. The Avian jake get POUNDED several times per year and the PHD hens are great to carry around. You can fit two of them in a cargo pocket and you have to be careful not to shoot the things they are so real looking.
Here they are in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QkknrlJs2iM
How are the avian x and dsd for folding up and carrying in the back pouch of a vest?
I use an AvianX hen also. They dont fold up real good like a regular foam decoy....but the realism is well worth it. The only trouble I have with mine is that when I pull the air release on the bottom and roll it up. When its time to get it back out it doesnt want to inflate all the way. I end up having to blow it up with the air vent. The past few times Ive used it I have just left it inflated and crammed it in the carrying bag that comes with it. A little bulky...but it sure looks real!
I just carry the decoys in a carrying bag that they come with.
Avian X decoys here too. I just leave them inflated and use the carry bags. Definitely the best looking decoys I own.
They are both very realistic. The dsd's you do not have to blow up, and are a good bit lighter than the avian x. It's personal preference. I use a polaris ev to haul my blind and setup around, so it really isn't a factor. I set up pull the buggy out of the way and cover it with camo net.
We've been using a skinny jake and a couple of foam hen decoys. I bought an inflatable bobble head hen from Spts Guide and it looks real(cheap too).
Kent Zocher's tom was beating up that skinny jake when he shot it.