What decoys to buy?

I'm in the market for decoys and would like some input on what you guys use. Do you have one set up for the whole season or do you change it up as the season progresses?

Thanks!

I'd prioritize buying the most realistic hen decoy you can afford.
I've been lucky enough to recover 2 road kill hens over the years and converted them into decoys.
Realism certainly makes a difference
https://live.staticflickr.com/832/40...b231693b_z.jpg[url=https://flic.kr/p/25qjh8Q]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw3vYnoLeNg

This is what I use. I put a real Jake tail on it. It’s been very effective, the spur holes and cuts can attest to that. If you go this route, buy an extra stake. They don’t hold up well when a monster gobbler jumps on the decoy. That’s happened a number of times. I also use one receptive hen decoy, positioned further away from the bush line when hunting field edges.
If money isn’t an issue, look at Dave Smith decoys...pricey, but taken care of, will last forever !!

Avien-X
i would just buy a hen or 2 to start.

Thanks for the replies! I've looked at the Avian x jake and hen combo a few times and though that might be a good start. Maybe I'll throw in an extra hen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rick_iles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw3vYnoLeNg

This is what I use. I put a real Jake tail on it. It’s been very effective, the spur holes and cuts can attest to that. If you go this route, buy an extra stake. They don’t hold up well when a monster gobbler jumps on the decoy. That’s happened a number of times. I also use one receptive hen decoy, positioned further away from the bush line when hunting field edges.
If money isn’t an issue, look at Dave Smith decoys...pricey, but taken care of, will last forever !!

---

I've seen that one on sale a few times and was debating on buying it! Thanks for the advice!

One DSD Hen is all you need to get started. Good Luck.

Although I've harvested turkeys using cheaper decoys in the past, I've upgraded to Avian X over the years and much prefer them

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.

DSD, no comparison.