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General Discussion => Turkey Hunting Tips ,Strategies & Methods => Topic started by: luked on April 22, 2016, 08:36:42 AM

Title: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: luked on April 22, 2016, 08:36:42 AM
I haven't ever been big on decoys in the past but thinking I'm going to try and get some of the higher end decoys to try for next year.
Which do you all like better the DSD or AvianX

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Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: HFultzjr on April 22, 2016, 08:54:04 AM
I just purchased a Montana Miss Purr-fect.
Seems perfect for what I need and very realistic and portable.
Check Midway USA, as they have them on sale.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587093/montana-decoy-miss-purr-fect-turkey-decoy-cotton-polyester-and-steel

I didn't receive it yet, but will report back when I get it.
Videos of it on youtube.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: 2eagles on April 22, 2016, 12:54:23 PM
8 out of 10 guys will say DSD. 1 in 10 says another brand. THEN there's 1 in 10 that knows best and says Avian-X. That's me cuz they work!  :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: MK M GOBL on April 22, 2016, 01:26:58 PM
Easy DSD! It's why every other company compares their decoy to a DSD, own the best forget the rest.

MK M GOBL
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: KYHeadhunter02 on April 22, 2016, 02:39:12 PM
Zink avian x!
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: JLH on April 22, 2016, 09:00:49 PM
Deception Outdoors or DSD

I like to buy stuff made in America, by American busines owners whenever I can.

And in this case , they are clearly the best!
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Bowguy on April 22, 2016, 09:49:21 PM
DSD
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: stinkpickle on April 22, 2016, 10:12:11 PM
Just get the one that's on sale.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Spitten and drummen on April 23, 2016, 12:53:51 PM
Quote from: stinkpickle on April 22, 2016, 10:12:11 PM
Just get the one that's on sale.
This! You can kill birds just as effectively with a cheap 30 dollar foam as you can with a 100 dollar one. I know guys who still use their old feather flex decoys and hammer birds same as the first day they bought it.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: SteelerFan on April 23, 2016, 01:29:16 PM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on April 23, 2016, 12:53:51 PM
Quote from: stinkpickle on April 22, 2016, 10:12:11 PM
Just get the one that's on sale.
This! You can kill birds just as effectively with a cheap 30 dollar foam as you can with a 100 dollar one. I know guys who still use their old feather flex decoys and hammer birds same as the first day they bought it.

Yep. 


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014G078CM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1461432409&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=purr-fect+pair&dpPl=1&dpID=41Tr28YC49L&ref=plSrch
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Bowhuntr73 on April 23, 2016, 04:06:34 PM
Trust me, it isnt the decoys. I have Avian x and Steelerfan will attest that I had to replace the hens from leaks. Not from misuse either. I believe you get what you pay for- just not with this brand. Tried contacting them to no avail. They look great just get use to the turkeys looking like raisins on sticks out there!! ????
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: HFultzjr on April 23, 2016, 04:30:03 PM
Just got my Montana Miss Purrfect from Midway today.
I must say.....it's pretty dang nice for being on sale $34.99 (I think).
I can now retire some of my Cherokee Sports which have served me well, but are showing their age.
Montana Miss Purrfect is not as compact as Cherokee Sports, but set-up instant. No blowing up.
Much more realistic and can be put in 3 positions.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Triple Gobble on April 23, 2016, 07:33:36 PM
Montana Miss Purrfect gets my vote, easy
To carry, looks real, turkeys love it.  Try
It out, think you'll like it.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Spitten and drummen on April 23, 2016, 09:55:58 PM
I actually just ordered the miss perfect and the jake combo. I do not use decoys although there have been times they may work. They looked good , seem easy to carry and quick to set up , not to mention they are priced good right now. I will at least have them in my vest and will most likely give them a try next year.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: jims on April 24, 2016, 04:13:03 PM
If I strictly decoy hunted from a blind that was close the truck I would likely invest in DSD's.  I do A LOT of running and gunning so prefer decoys that are more compact and easier to carry.  I've had great results with Avians and the Miss Perfect looks like a great decoy for the price, weight, and compactness.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: 1iagobblergetter on April 24, 2016, 10:47:10 PM
I agree with getting something on sale. I was going to join in on the decoy craze, but held back due to remembering all the birds that I've called into my old ratty ones that are easy to carry. Then on first season when a big Tom came in and beat my Jake so hard he flew off the stake and still was stomping it on the ground until I stepped in and saved the poor thing. That sealed the deal I'm sticking with my old reliables.
Title: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: 2dogs1name on April 28, 2016, 08:36:44 PM
Quote from: HFultzjr on April 22, 2016, 08:54:04 AM
I just purchased a Montana Miss Purr-fect.
Seems perfect for what I need and very realistic and portable.
Check Midway USA, as they have them on sale.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587093/montana-decoy-miss-purr-fect-turkey-decoy-cotton-polyester-and-steel

I didn't receive it yet, but will report back when I get it.
Videos of it on youtube.
I use this one and it works!
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: TRG3 on April 28, 2016, 09:25:40 PM
This season, I used my Pretty Boy, Funky Chicken, and a foldable foam jake to take three different gobblers. All were set up just to the rear of a hen decoy staked to the ground in the breeding position. All three pulled in nice gobblers that came in to challenge the intruder tom, most likely something to do with the peck order. One year, I even made a gobbler decoy out of a black bucket with an added fan and wings attached to the bucket's side with which I took two gobblers via my flintlock fowler. Based on this, and several years of similar experience, I tend to lean toward the arrangement of the decoys as being more critical than how much you've paid for decoy reality. In the turkey kingdom, both gobblers and hens have a peck order. Their code of hierarchy is determined through constant fighting and intimidation within the flock, so when a "stranger" enters their world, it is not unusual for them to check out the new intruder, often wanting to challenge him. I try to use this chink in their armor to my advantage.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Cutt on April 29, 2016, 08:54:25 AM
Personally wouldn't waste my money on any of them, why buy something that isn't even needed to kill a tom? And some are rediculously expensive, where I'd use that money on shells or calls instead.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: husker on April 30, 2016, 11:32:02 AM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on April 23, 2016, 09:55:58 PM
I actually just ordered the miss perfect and the jake combo. I do not use decoys although there have been times they may work. They looked good , seem easy to carry and quick to set up , not to mention they are priced good right now. I will at least have them in my vest and will most likely give them a try next year.

+ 5 on the Montana combo.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: yelpy on April 30, 2016, 07:35:04 PM
DSD's when set up on a field but they sure get heavy at times.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Gooserbat on April 30, 2016, 09:28:21 PM
DSD or Avian X.  Both have advantages and disadvantages. 
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: gobblerhead on May 02, 2016, 05:03:26 PM
Check out Deception decoys. Had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the guys Friday and they are a great group of guys making an awesome decoy. Full bodies but not rubber like Avian X which I own two that have both have issues and not from being shot either. I killed a tom in Arkansas this year without a decoy and then killed two in 1 1/2 hrs in KS with a flock of decoys out. Who can understand a crazy ole bird.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: markjm15 on May 08, 2016, 09:44:13 AM
I love the avian x decoys. Very durable and realistic. They come with collapsible stakes and carry bags. My brother and I do a lot of running and gunning and they are no problem for us to break down or set up in less than a minute. They are a bit on the pricey side though.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: turkeykiller on May 08, 2016, 03:03:34 PM
The smokie baby is great.  :newmascot: :turkey2: :TrainWreck1:
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Sevenyearsandcounting on May 08, 2016, 05:43:21 PM
Avianx decoy has spooked a tom once. I really have not seen a bird react to it all yet. I was shocked because it looks great and were setting up in fields. Not sure if I'll bring it along anymore. Doesn't seem to matter.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: kjcamper on May 08, 2016, 11:21:49 PM
I will say that what brand of decoy you use is far less important than woodsmanship. That said I have been hunting since the '80s with a lot of different brand decoys. I purchased 2 Avian X brand decoys last year and had 2 Tom's take turns mounting one of them. I waited until they separated from the decoys before taking one of them. Never did I have a Tom mount one of my old foam decoys.I also had a hen come to them and she started acting aggressive toward the upright decoy purring and yelping and pecking at it. She got a Tom to gobble behind me that I didn't know was there and he came in strutting to the live hen's actions. Would the hen have acted that way towards my old Feather Flex decoys? I don't know maybe but I am glad I purchased the Avian X decoys.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Gobspur on May 09, 2016, 08:33:35 AM
My avian x hen just started leaking around the valve at the end of second season.  Lightly used and cared for too.  Common problem with these.  I like them otherwise, but their really chinese junk.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: wvlimbhanger on May 09, 2016, 10:10:45 AM
I'm a DSD guy.  They are easier to carry than you think, made in America, and don't have to worry about leaks.  My wife's uncle shot a bird that was right on my jake this spring, you can shake him and hear pellets rattle.  Can't tell a bit of damage by lookin at him.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: ilbucksndux on May 13, 2016, 05:52:51 PM
No more than I use a decoy(once maybe twice a season) a cheap one works just fine. I have a couple of HS decoys that the kids got me for Christmas or Fathers day several years ago and thats what I use. I can roll it up and put it in my vest so I have it if I need it.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: owlhoot on May 13, 2016, 07:31:33 PM
Quote from: Bowhuntr73 on April 23, 2016, 04:06:34 PM
Trust me, it isnt the decoys. I have Avian x and Steelerfan will attest that I had to replace the hens from leaks. Not from misuse either. I believe you get what you pay for- just not with this brand. Tried contacting them to no avail. They look great just get use to the turkeys looking like raisins on sticks out there!! ????
That's some funny stuff right there, lol
I have used a primo's b mobile and a old feather flex hen with good results in the past. Pretty much don't use decoys anymore. Too much stuff to tote around I guess.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Life of Riley on May 18, 2016, 07:55:03 PM
Are the Montana purrfect supposed to be Merriam or eastern turkeys?
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: EZ on May 19, 2016, 05:50:39 AM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on April 23, 2016, 12:53:51 PM
Quote from: stinkpickle on April 22, 2016, 10:12:11 PM
Just get the one that's on sale.
This! You can kill birds just as effectively with a cheap 30 dollar foam as you can with a 100 dollar one. I know guys who still use their old feather flex decoys and hammer birds same as the first day they bought it.

My only regret is that I wasn't the one who figured out how to get guys to spend $80-$100+ on a single decoy. It's kind of a blessing though. While they're sitting in a blind with their decoy "spread", I go kill the turkey. :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Bowguy on May 19, 2016, 08:13:08 AM
My opinion on the cheap decoy thing is I guess it may depend on where you hunt. I'm not a giant decoy user but use them w kids or roost set ups.
In the past with different cheap decoys I had ok sucess. In time more guys use them n the birds either ignored em or flat out blew up when they saw improperly painted drab decoys the just don't look real.
I mean if they're eyes are so great why would we discount that?
Since I switched to DSDs not one bird has spooked n any that saw decoys came in. It's almost unfair the advantage.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: jims on May 21, 2016, 09:59:00 PM
I got a pair of miss perfect decoys the other day and tried them on my last 2 outings.   I've always liked the Avians.  The miss perfect are super light and hardly take up any room in my pack.  If given the choice for running and gunning there is no comparison.  In fact, if someone offered me free DVD's or Avians I would rather carry miss perfect any day of the week for running and gunning.  They may not be "perfect" as the name implies but they are a joy to carry and set up quickly in the field!  DSD's may be super realistic but if you hike many miles in rough country like I do you are likely better off with Miss Perfect....also at a fraction of the price!
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: rblake on May 28, 2016, 08:17:26 AM
DSD is my go to when I plan on using a decoy. I do keep a miss perfect in my vest for those situations when I leave the DSD behind.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: wvmntnhick on May 30, 2016, 02:52:37 AM
Bought two of the Montana miss purrfect decoys. Sold my avian x. Loved it too but the weight got to be a pain in the butt. The Montana decoys I barely notice are there. The papa strut looks kind of crappy but I bet it'll still fool a gobbler. We make a big deal about the type of decoy we use. That really doesn't matter in my opinion.

It's easy to blame the arrow but the Indian is often at fault.
Title: Re: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: Marc on May 31, 2016, 12:59:52 PM
Any decoy that resembles a turkey will work sometimes.  My feeling on decoys, is I want the most realistic best ones I can afford for my situations...  I want a decoy that is most likely to create a positive response, and least likely to create caution or trepidation.  I do feel that pressured birds and cheap foam decoys might work against you in some situations.

I currently have a DSD leading hen, and an Avian X jake.

No doubt but that DSD makes the most realist and durable decoys (with Deception running a close second).  Something about that DSD jake really incites a reaction in some birds as well.

I went with the Avian X, cause the DSD was considerably more bulky and a bit more heavy than the Avian X...  Also the Avian has great motion in a light breeze (which for the most part the DSD does not).

I have no idea how good the Deception jake looks in person, but the hen looks good, and would probably take a few pellets.

I will say I had a leak in my Avian jake, but they replaced it with a new stake and bag to boot, no questions asked...  And they sent me the replacement decoy with a free shipping invoice for my defective decoy before I sent in the defective one....  I was quite pleased with the customer service.
Title: Which decoys do you all like
Post by: fallsflight on June 01, 2016, 09:07:08 PM
DSD.  I have never had as much positive reaction to a decoy than with the DSD.  Had hens kick the crap out of it, jakes try to have their way with it,  jumping on top of it and Toms fall flat out in love with it.  My friend bought the Avian, as it was cheaper and we had both decoys out at the same time when he first got it.  All the turkeys went right to the DSD and ignored the Avian. 


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