What decoys to buy?

Love my Avian-X decoys. I use the jake with a couple of hens early, then ditch the jake for either a single or 2 hens. See what works, or doesn't, and mix it up when things aren't working.

https://youtu.be/rYsOf2UFeJs

Have been using the same Walmart jake and hen set for a number of years, the hard rubber foldable type, not the foam ones. They've held up well and have attracted their fair share of curious toms.
Having said that, I was at Cabelas recently -pre lockdown- and was incredibly amazed at the lifelike appearance of the Avian X set, real high end stuff. I think it's time for me to stop being a cheapskate and pay-up for the top tier stuff.

I have an avian hen and a full strut tom. My hunting style is mobile I like to move and I don’t use a blind. I find the Tom doesn’t deflate very well and carrying it with a fan tail as well is cumbersome, too cumbersome for my liking with backpack, gun hen decoy etc. As a result he’s seen little use in the last two years. I even find the hen a pain When it’s inflated To be honest and also inconvenient to constantly inflate/deflate. Something to be considered imo.

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Originally Posted by Doug

I have used every combo from 0 decoys to 6 decoys, 4 hens and 2 Jake's, all have worked. I don't care the brand, just purchase the best you can afford. I like a hen or two and a Jake with tail as my favourite. I am not a fan of a Tom with tail, it can be intimidating to other birds, you will generally find that they only attract other large Toms. I have my first Tom tail on display; but now I have no problem harvesting a Jake, I find the big old Toms just that, big and old, tougher than a young Jake.

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This is what I've just done. Bought what I could afford. Picked up the primos Tom and hen, $56. Let you know in a couple weeks how it works out.

I use an avian x, and a bobbin head, both hens, but honestly, I've shot more birds with no decoys out than with them out, so don't be afraid to try with none. I have a tom and a jake as well, but haven't had any luck with them out.

Work on your calling. I find its more important than a $300 decoy. The decoy is useless if you can't call for crap.



S.

Whats everyones thoughts on what to put out? I have a hen and a jake decoy...was thinking of just starting out on opener with just the hen...Ive got 1 nice tom strutting for 3 hens for the last 3 mornings. Same spot...any suggestions?

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Originally Posted by Jow

Whats everyones thoughts on what to put out? I have a hen and a jake decoy...was thinking of just starting out on opener with just the hen...Ive got 1 nice tom strutting for 3 hens for the last 3 mornings. Same spot...any suggestions?

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At least if you get the hens to come to your decoys the Tom will want to take a round out of the Jake decoy so it might bring him close enough....


Or....He might stand at 60 yards and strut for 20 minutes until he loses interest and buggers off. I've had it both ways lol


Guess that's what makes turkey hunting so fun.

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