I usually just run n gun without decoys but I may use decoys this year. I'd like them to be portable and not too bulky. The Avian X look real nice but are $80 a piece.
Thanks,
Mike
Look at the closeout/sale racks. I carry a couple old sceery blow ups. look good , work well and were 5-10bucks. There if I want them but i dont use them much, mainly when taking others, it gives them confidence to sit still.
Quote from: Vabirddog on February 26, 2014, 12:18:41 PM
Look at the closeout/sale racks. I carry a couple old sceery blow ups. look good , work well and were 5-10bucks. There if I want them but i dont use them much, mainly when taking others, it gives them confidence to sit still.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/4-ultimate-turkey-decoys.aspx?a=329250 (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/4-ultimate-turkey-decoys.aspx?a=329250) These are what I ordered from other's I had talked to. I was told that they would work just fine. I have them and seem pretty durable and I can carry all 4 in a small backpack if I wanted to.
I picked up a pretty boy jr last year for $20.
looks like you can pick up a funky chicken for $21!! :turkey2:
http://www.academy.com/shop/browse/hunting-decoys-bags-turkey-decoys/_/N-599422807
If light weight is what your after, I'd go with the tried and true feathflex! If you loose your stake you can use a branch . That used to be the standard, my how things have changed! But there is still a purpose for them!
Quote from: JuniorPre 360 on February 26, 2014, 12:41:05 PM
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/4-ultimate-turkey-decoys.aspx?a=329250 (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/4-ultimate-turkey-decoys.aspx?a=329250) These are what I ordered from other's I had talked to. I was told that they would work just fine. I have them and seem pretty durable and I can carry all 4 in a small backpack if I wanted to.
Yep, what mine look like, just hens tho, I carry a red sock piece to turn one into a jake if need be.
I have a set from primos, my feelings on decoys are that I use them to help get a gobbler to within that 40 yard range. I know the Dsd's and xavian x's look great but at 45 50 yards does it matter? If he's close enough to see the itty bitty details he should have already been killed.
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I have used Primos for several years. They will meet what you are wanting to do. But midway through last season I got a DSD Jake and WOW. I now have 3 DSD hens to go along with the Jake.
I've got 4 DSD's, but I like the new Zinks for traveling hunts...
mudhen
I got a flock (2 hens and Jake) from academy there brand game winner I think for 25 buck they look pretty good and for the money I couldn't beat them I dont use decoys that much anyway
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I think I can get another year out of my feather flex dekes.
I keep them in the truck but rarely use them.
I take them on every out of state trip because you never know what situation you'll be facing.
This is the one I bought a couple years ago from Dicks sporting goods and it works fine. Durable and cheap but a little bulky but I don't notice it when its in my game pouch.....
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17088776&cp=4406646.4413993.4414427.12114907
Hard to beat the Avian though. I thought $80 was a hard pill to swallow as well but they're so realistic. I bought one and didn't regret it, bout to get another. Really turkey hunting doesn't cost like all my other game species anyway so why not buy a top end decoy.
Right on Tucky, I've got all the Avain Decoys everyone I've hunted with now own one, they look so real. The LCD Jake and the Looker hen is a killer combo big ole Tom just can't resist.
I've got a B-mobile that I got on clearance, and I use a real tail on it. Then my hens are Cherokee Sports inflatables, but I use the A-Way Outdoors Turkey Skinz (it's real feathers) and the head is already molded from a real hen.
They're not DSD's or Avians, but my dekes look darned good for a heck of a lot cheaper!!
Quote from: Limbstrutter on February 26, 2014, 09:31:43 PM
Right on Tucky, I've got all the Avain Decoys everyone I've hunted with now own one, they look so real. The LCD Jake and the Looker hen is a killer combo big ole Tom just can't resist.
Looking hard at these but not sure if these Texas Rios would even know the difference.
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Hey Mike: The *best* ones are the ones that work! ;) My old Feather Flex dekes still "work", so to me they're the best - and they're cheap. Bought mine a long time ago; for grins, I searched & found 'em on eBay for ~$25 each (avg price)
If you're not sold on using decoys, I'd do like others have suggested - wait until a close-out & get them at the end of the season & use 'em next year -- whichever ones float your boat. Or find someone locally on Craigslist (or FB garage sale) that's wanting to dump their turkey stuff.
My brother, like you, is a run-n-gun hunter from way back; he got some decoys, and *rarely* ever uses them.
I much prefer runnin' 'n gunnin', but down deep in Dixie, the birds don't play that game as well as up north and out west. They don't gobble as much either. At least to my experiences.
If you are looking for light & packable the Avian X is NOT the decoy you are looking for. Sure they are collapsible, but they are kind of a pain to inflate. I had a jake & a hen. Used them on one hunt & returned them. When inflated the are big...about the size of a beach ball. They are also on the heavy side. I finally broke down & bought a couple DSD's. They are a little smaller & a little lighter and are more life like(to me any way).
If you want light & packable, you can't beat the Featherflex decoys. I used mine for about 10yrs. and killed a lot of birds over them before replacing them with the Avian X's.
If your looking for cheap just go to walmart and pick up there's for $15 each. They will work. These ultra life like decoys are more for us than the turkey's.
I've used the Primos PHD decoy for a couple of seasons now. I like it and most of all its light and very easy to pack around. It also is very easy to blow up.
God Bless
So.....
What's the best bet for a good looking packable jake that'll fit in my vest and I can put out quickly?
I got one of thoughs new avain- x breeder decoy. The decoys only takes me 1.5 breaths to blow the decoy. I love it. I can see myself using the decoy a lot more when I run and gun
If you want the best, then no further tha Flambeau Outdoor products; their 2014 lineup is the Best I've ever seen; they are as real as it gets for a lot cheaper than most offered.