Turkey hunting is a pursuit that combines skill, patience, and the right equipment. As a seasoned hunter who has traversed the diverse landscapes of California and Colorado, I’ve come to understand the pivotal role of turkey decoys in a successful hunt. My preferred choices – submissive, half- or quarter-strut jake decoys – have proven effective in both the open fields and the wooded areas where turkeys roam. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of selecting and using turkey decoys, drawing from years of experience and the varied terrains these birds inhabit.

Safety, a cornerstone of responsible hunting, is paramount, especially in areas shared with other hunters. We’ll discuss how to transport and use decoys safely, minimizing the risk of misidentification. Moreover, we’ll explore the key factors that seasoned hunters like myself consider crucial when selecting turkey decoys: durability, realism, ease of setup, and portability. These aspects are vital for adapting to the ever-changing conditions of the wild.

Join me as we explore the world of turkey decoys, sharing insights and strategies that can enhance your hunting experience, whether you’re aiming for a grand slam or simply enjoying the thrill of the hunt.

Overview of 8 Best Turkey Decoys

1. AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen

2. FlexTone Turkey Decoy

3. Avian-X Hen Turkey Decoy

4. HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Lite Flock Jake

5. Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Decoy

6. Spring Fling Turkey Decoy

7. MOJO Outdoors Tail Chaser Max

8. The Grind Turkey Decoys

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List of 8 Best Turkey Decoys: Reviews & Recommendations

1. AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen

★Key Features

• Purpose: Specifically designed for turkey hunting, the LCD Breeder Hen is a popular choice for luring gobblers by mimicking a mate-ready hen.
• Unmatched Realism and Detail: Features high-quality feather detail and intricate paint schemes, offering an inviting pose and superior realism.
• High Performance: The decoy is 15% smaller than an actual turkey, ensuring realistic movement without unnatural spinning, and mimics the natural reflection of real hen feathers.
• Rugged and Durable: Made of collapsible dura-rubber, it is resistant to creasing and denting and remains quiet in the field, capable of withstanding tough hunting conditions.
• Easy Transport and Storage: Its Lifelike Collapsible Decoy (LCD) design allows for easy folding into a compact size, making it lightweight for travel and storage. Comes with a collapsible carbon stake and carry bag for convenient setup.

✔ Pros

• Good track record in attracting turkeys
• Detailed and lifelike design
• Resistant to wear and tear
• Easy to carry and set up

❌ Cons

• Doesn’t move in still conditions
• Some older birds may not be fooled

This turkey decoy is an exceptional choice and easily takes first place in my list of the best turkey decoys, thanks to its outstanding realism and quality. Initially, I was hesitant about the high price, but it has proven to be a worthwhile investment.

The lifelike appearance of this decoy is unmatched, making it a game-changer for spring setups. Its realism significantly enhances its effectiveness in the field, attracting turkeys more consistently than other decoys I’ve used. While it is collapsible, it requires inflation, which may not seem practical at first. However, this feature doesn’t detract from its overall value.

The decoy is also accompanied by a large carry bag, which is perfect for the run-and-gun style of hunting and adds to its convenience. The combination of hyper-realistic design, durability, and practicality makes this decoy the top choice for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport looking for an effective and reliable option

2. FlexTone Turkey Decoy

★Key Features

• Tactical Advantage: Designed to challenge the dominance of nearby toms, this decoy effectively attracts them by appearing less threatening due to its compact body.
• Authentic Appearance: Meticulously crafted to resemble a young male turkey, the Flextone Thunder Creeper boasts detailed molding, a true-to-life paint job, a short beard, and a foldable jake tail fan for enhanced realism.
• Adaptable and Lightweight Design: Equipped with a light carbon stake, this decoy offers the flexibility to be positioned statically or to rotate freely. It can also incorporate a real turkey fan (sold separately) for an extra touch of authenticity.
• Robust and Long-lasting: The decoy is constructed from a tough plastic blend, ensuring it can endure challenging outdoor conditions and remain reliable over time.
• Convenient Portability and Setup: The Thunder Creeper’s compressed profile makes it easy to carry and store. It boasts a simple setup with an attached carbon stake, while maintaining a realistic appearance from all angles.

✔ Pros

• Durable construction, ensuring longevity
• Quick and easy to set up, portable for various uses
• Effective in attracting birds quickly during hunts, suitable for creeping
• Versatile for use with a real turkey fan or as a yard decoration

❌ Cons

• Some users find it slightly small for certain hunting strategies

Firstly, the decoy excels in appearance. It boasts great detail and a lifelike design, which has garnered numerous compliments from passers-by when used as a Thanksgiving yard decoration. This realism is not just superficial; it extends to its functionality in hunting scenarios. Many users have noted its effectiveness in attracting birds quickly, with some reporting success within just 10 minutes of use. This makes it a valuable tool for hunters, especially those interested in sneak strategies.

The decoy’s construction quality is another strong point. It is described as well-made, suggesting that it will withstand various outdoor conditions and last for many years. This durability, combined with its ease of setup and portability, enhances its versatility. Whether it’s used for holiday decorations or hunting, it seems to fit the bill perfectly.

An additional feature that stands out is its compatibility with a real turkey fan. While the decoy comes with a fan, which is admittedly a bit on the artificial side, the ability to replace it with a real one adds to the realism and effectiveness, especially for hunting.

The only minor drawback mentioned is its size, which some users found to be slightly small for specific hunting techniques. However, this doesn’t seem to detract significantly from its overall utility and effectiveness.

In conclusion, whether you’re a hunter looking for an effective tool or someone seeking authentic-looking outdoor decorations, this decoy offers great value for money. Its realistic appearance, durable construction, and versatility make it a top choice in its category.

3. Avian-X Hen Turkey Decoy

★Key Features

• Effective Hunting Strategy: The LCD Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is designed to entice gobblers into close range, facilitating a better shot opportunity. Its size, being 15% smaller than a real turkey, along with a relaxed posture, makes it less intimidating and more appealing to gobblers.
• Behavioral Attraction: Emulating a hen that responds to a gobbler’s advances, this decoy plays a crucial role in luring longbeards by creating an illusion of a responsive hen.
• Superior Lifelike Quality: Boasting ultra-detailed paintwork and true-to-life reflective feathers, the LCD Feeder Hen offers exceptional realism, captivating gobblers as they get closer.
• Long-lasting and Quiet Material: Made from PVC dura rubber, the decoy is not only durable for long-term use but also quiet, minimizing disturbances in the field.
• Convenient Portability: Its collapsible design allows for easy transportation and storage, making it an ideal choice for hunters on the move. It comes equipped with a collapsible carbon stake and a carry bag for hassle-free setup.

✔ Pros

• Easy to inflate following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Highly effective in attracting gobblers, improving hunting success
• Versatile for various hunting styles, including ambush setups
• Delivered as described and promptly

❌ Cons

• Can become stiff in cold temperatures
• The inflation valve is inconveniently located near the legs
• Some instances of leaks reported

This Avian X decoy, particularly the Feeder Hen model, stands out for its exceptional realism and quality, making it a noteworthy choice for both seasoned and novice turkey hunters. Its super-realistic appearance is a significant advantage, as it can be the difference between attracting a gobbler successfully and having it turn away. The quality of these decoys is top-notch, placing them among the best in the market.

The ease of inflation is another plus, provided the instructions are followed correctly. However, it’s important to note that these decoys can become stiff in cold temperatures, so it’s advisable to let them warm to room temperature before attempting to inflate them.

In comparison to other products on the market, the Avian X Feeder Hen offers superior detail and durability. While some decoys may be less expensive, their effectiveness and construction quality often don’t match up to the Avian X. The first-hand experience of purchasing additional units after being impressed with the initial one speaks volumes about its value.

The instructional aspect is also commendable, with clear guidelines available on the Avian X website and YouTube. The tip about not overfilling and giving the decoy a hot shower for flexibility adds to the user-friendly experience. This decoy is light enough for active hunting styles but excels in ambush scenarios, demonstrating its versatility.

The only downside noted is the placement of the insufflation valve, which can make inflation a bit challenging due to its proximity to the legs. This minor inconvenience, however, doesn’t overshadow the overall effectiveness and quality of the decoy.

4. HUNTERS SPECIALTIES HS Strut Lite Flock Jake

★Key Features

• Pack of 3:- This set includes a Jake gobbler decoy, an Upright Hen decoy, and a Feeding Hen decoy, all crafted to be more effective when used together.
• Jake Turkey Decoy: This decoy is a hollow-body gobbler model designed to incite aggression in real turkeys. The presence of the Jake decoy is meant to provoke a tom turkey into reacting, potentially leading to better hunting opportunities.
• Feeding Hen Turkey Decoy: This hollow-body hen decoy plays a crucial role in signaling safety to other turkeys in the area. Its posture and design suggest a relaxed and safe environment, which can be enticing to other turkeys.
• Upright Hen Turkey Decoy: Similar to a hollow-body design, this decoy aims to create an impression of safety in the woods. Its upright stance can provoke real turkeys to approach, thinking the area is secure.
• Exceptional Detail and Realism: The decoys boast a flake-resistant paint job with best-in-class detailing, making them extremely realistic. This high level of realism is key in fooling even the most cautious and wise old toms.

✔ Pros

• Realistic enough to attract birds effectively
• Versatile usage, even without stakes
• Can be reshaped with a hairdryer
• Good shape retention after use

❌ Cons

• Arrive rolled up and difficult to straighten initially
• Emit a noticeable rubber smell

These turkey decoys are crafted from a thick, heavy vinyl rubberish material, which speaks to their sturdiness and durability. The robust construction ensures that they can withstand various field conditions. The paintwork on the decoys, especially the Jake and sitting hens, is of great quality, contributing to a realistic appearance that is essential for successful hunting.

A significant advantage is how the Jake and sitting hen decoys effortlessly pop back into shape when exposed to sunlight, indicating that they are well-made and can recover their intended form after being packed away. However, the feeding hen decoy seems to have a design flaw, with a sunken section at the neck. While this might not be a deal-breaker – as you can position the affected side away from view – it does indicate some inconsistency in manufacturing.

A notable concern is the practicality of transporting these decoys. Their heavy and bulky nature might pose a challenge, especially when considering additional gear like a popup blind on a rainy day. For hunters who need to travel light or cover large distances, this could be a significant drawback.

Given these factors, leaving the decoys in the field (if not hunting on public land) could be a practical solution, although this approach would require some planning and additional equipment like a tarp for protection.

5. Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Decoy

★Key Features

• Field-Proven Design: The Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen is crafted to replicate smaller, less intimidating turkeys, making them appealing targets for dominant gobblers.
• Authentic Poses and Coloring: Both the Hen and Jake models boast realistic poses and coloring, closely mimicking real turkeys in appearance.
• Compact and Portable: Their smaller size not only makes them less intimidating to gobblers but also ensures they are easier to pack and lighter to carry, facilitating quicker setup in the field.
• Bully-Attracting Profile: The smaller profile of these decoys, particularly the Lil’ Gobbstopper Jake, is designed to attract larger gobblers looking to assert dominance.
• High-Definition Detailing: Despite their affordability, these decoys feature excellent detail and high-definition paint, rivaling more expensive alternatives.
• Ultra-Realistic Head Postures: The head postures of these decoys are ultra-realistic, contributing to their effectiveness in attracting turkeys.
• Easy Transportation: Both models have a light-weight, collapsible design, making them very portable. They also come with a two-piece stake for easy setup.
• Effective Pairing: When the Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen and Jake are used together, they create a compelling scene that is likely to draw in dominant toms, enhancing the chances of a successful hunt.

✔ Pros

• Lightweight and portable, easy to carry and set up
• High-detail, lifelike paint and appearance
• Using the Hen and Jake together increases effectiveness
• Simple setup with collapsible design and included stake

❌ Cons

• Smaller size may not be suitable for all hunting scenarios
• Requires storage space, despite being collapsible
• Possible initial rubber smell that might need airing out

The decoys in this set are praised for their sturdiness and realistic design, making them an effective tool for turkey hunting. Their solid build is a significant advantage over foam alternatives, offering better durability and a more lifelike appearance. This quality was notably successful in attracting turkeys, as evidenced by hunters who reported attracting toms within the first 20 minutes of their hunt and facilitating memorable experiences for young hunters.

However, the sturdy construction of these decoys also means they don’t compress or collapse, which can make them awkward to carry over longer distances from a vehicle. One user found a practical solution by using a mesh sack for transport. The decoys’ effectiveness in the field was proven, as they were instrumental in securing a successful hunt, even allowing one hunter to record the experience of their children’s first turkey hunt.

A notable drawback is the packaging of the hen decoy inside the jake, which can lead to the hen not fully unfolding, leaving a noticeable dimple even after exposure to sunlight. Despite this issue, the decoys proved to be effective enough on opening day to bring a gobbler within range.

For hunters looking for non-inflatable options, this set offers a great deal with both a hen and a Tom. The ease of setting them up, with simple screw-in stakes, adds to their appeal, allowing hunters to quickly set up scenes for hunting.

6. Spring Fling Turkey Decoy

★Key Features

• Compact Design: The decoy is designed to be both size-efficient and collapsible, making it easy to pack and carry multiple units without struggling with space or weight.
• Realistic Appearance: Developed from a real photograph of a hen turkey just before breeding, this decoy offers exceptional realism, which is crucial for attracting big toms.
• Popular 2-D Design: This decoy is noted as Montana Decoy’s most popular 2-D hen decoy, indicating its wide acceptance and effectiveness among hunters.
• Complementary Pairing: It pairs effectively with other products from Montana Decoy, like the Jake-Purr-fect and Fantastic Tom, creating a more enticing and realistic scene for turkeys.
• Effective for Hunting: Specifically designed to mimic a seductive hen in a breeding posture, this decoy is highly effective in spring woods for luring toms, capitalizing on their breeding instincts.

✔ Pros

• Effective in attracting gobblers from a distance
• Realistic appearance with good coloring and movement
• Suitable for hunters of various experience levels
• Enhances hunting strategy with infrequent and soft calling

❌ Cons

• Limited effectiveness in enticing gobblers to come very close to the decoy

This decoy offers a unique combination of convenience and realism, especially for those who prioritize portability in their hunting gear. It’s designed to fold down to a nearly pocket-sized package, similar to Montana Decoy’s other products like elk and antelope decoys. This feature makes it exceptionally packable and lightweight, ideal for hunters who need to travel light or cover significant distances.

While it’s a 2D decoy, the high-quality and realistic image compensates for its lack of three-dimensionality to a large extent. However, potential buyers should be aware that its effectiveness might be limited if a tom approaches from an angle that doesn’t showcase the 2D image well. This is a tradeoff for its compact design and should be considered when planning your hunting strategy.

Despite this limitation, the decoy stands out for its high-quality image, which is significantly better than many ultra-cheap options available in sports shops. It offers great value for its price, combining realism with affordability.

For hunters concerned about budget or those looking for a lightweight, easy-to-pack decoy, this product comes highly recommended. With smart usage, taking advantage of its strengths and being mindful of its limitations, it promises many successful turkey hunting seasons.

7. MOJO Outdoors Tail Chaser Max

★Key Features

• Effective Concealment: Designed as a turkey decoy fan, it effectively hides the hunter while calling or creeping close to turkeys, deceiving even the most cautious toms.
• Enhanced Realism: The decoy includes an artificial fan with a painted gobbler head, significantly increasing its lifelike appearance. There’s also a redesigned hub allowing the addition of a real turkey fan for further authenticity.
• User-Friendly Design: Features easy-to-use, built-in erect legs for conveniently holding your gun upright off the ground, which is helpful during long waits.
• Adapted for Modern Hunting Gear: The housing has been elevated to accommodate various gun sights, making it versatile for different hunting setups.
• Portability: The design is extremely portable and folds for easy carrying, making it ideal for hunters who move frequently.
• Convenient Attachment: Includes a clamp to hold the turkey fan securely on your shotgun barrel, ensuring it stays in place during movement.
• Enhanced Hunting Strategy: The ‘Scoot and Shoot’ style of hunting facilitated by this decoy allows hunters to actively approach turkeys, often leading to mature gobblers charging the decoy for a close-range encounter.
• Game-Changing Experience: Using this decoy can significantly change turkey behavior, making it an essential tool for both calling and active hunting strategies.

✔ Pros

• Highly effective in attracting turkeys
• Quick response from birds, even at long distances
• Provides the opportunity to choose from multiple targets
• Enhances the overall hunting experience with its performance

❌ Cons

• Durability issues with the bottom edge fraying after use in rough terrain
• The potential need for reinforced construction for greater longevity

The fan decoy proves to be an exhilarating and effective tool for turkey hunting, particularly in terms of enhancing the stealth approach. The user’s encounter after a rainy morning showcases the decoy’s ability to attract and hold a turkey’s attention, even at a considerable distance.

Upon spotting a turkey approximately 150 yards away, the hunter strategically retreated attached the fan to the gun, and then approached the bird using a low squat walk. Remarkably, the decoy captured the turkey’s focus immediately upon re-entering the field. Despite the turkey being a hen, the decoy allowed the hunter to close to an impressive 30 yards without alarming the bird. The hen’s fixation on the fan rather than the approaching hunter highlights the decoy’s effectiveness in masking the hunter’s presence.

While the hen did not exhibit the aggressive behavior often seen in gobblers, the experience of getting so close in an open field demonstrates the decoy’s potential in real hunting scenarios. This close encounter, made possible by the fan decoy, was described as a thrilling experience, underscoring the product’s effectiveness.

8. The Grind Turkey Decoys

★Key Features

• Robust and Lightweight Build: The decoy is made from strong EVA material that is both durable and lightweight, ensuring it maintains its shape over time.
• Scratch-Resistant Finish: Features a heat-treated, textured paint process that effectively resists scratches and flaking, maintaining its appearance.
• Lifelike Design: Boasts an irresistible combination of accurate head and body anatomy along with realistic iridescent feather colors and details.
• User-Friendly Handling: Designed for ease of holding, particularly when employing the reaping technique in hunting.
• Efficient Setup Mechanism: Comes with a heavy-duty stake featuring an integrated footstep, allowing for easy setup in various ground conditions.

✔ Pros

• Constructed from durable materials
• Proven to be effective in attracting turkeys
• Easy to use and handle during hunting
• Quick and responsive customer service for resolving issues

❌ Cons

• Some issues with the stand’s stability
• Limitations in the return policy may affect buyers who purchase well in advance

The turkey decoy stands out for its exceptional realism and attention to detail, making it a highly effective tool for attracting turkeys. The vivid coloration and lifelike design are particularly noteworthy, as they contribute significantly to its success in the field. Made from durable materials, the decoy promises longevity, ensuring that hunters can use it for multiple seasons.

Ease of use is another plus. Hunters have found it straightforward to handle and deploy, which is crucial during the dynamic conditions of a hunt. This user-friendliness is complemented by the decoy’s effectiveness, as it has been reported to elicit strong responses from turkeys, enhancing the overall hunting experience.

Customer service also deserves praise. The manufacturer’s prompt and efficient handling of issues, such as replacing orders when parts are missing or damaged, adds to customer satisfaction and trust in the product.

How To Choose A Turkey Decoy

Choosing the right turkey decoy involves considering several key factors to ensure you select a decoy that enhances your hunting experience and increases your chances of success. Here’s a guide based on the information available:

1. Realism and Detail: Look for a decoy with high detail and a lifelike appearance. Realistic feather patterns, accurate coloring, and true-to-life postures can significantly improve the decoy’s effectiveness in attracting turkeys.
2. Material and Durability: Select a decoy made from durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions and rough handling in the field. EVA material, for example, is both tough and lightweight.
3. Ease of Transport and Setup: Consider how easy the decoy is to carry and set up. Lightweight, collapsible decoys are preferable for hunters who need to move frequently or cover long distances. Features like a heavy-duty stake with an integrated footstep can make setup easier.
4. Type of Decoy: Decide whether you need a 2D or 3D decoy. While 3D decoys offer more realism from all angles, 2D decoys are typically more portable and easier to set up.
5. Specific Turkey Behavior: Choose a decoy that fits the behavior you’re trying to mimic or provoke. For example, Jake decoys can provoke dominant toms, while feeder hen decoys can suggest a safe and relaxed environment.
6. Customer Service and Warranty: Consider the manufacturer’s customer service and warranty policy. Responsive customer service and a good warranty can be important if you encounter issues with the decoy.
7. Additional Features: Look for extra features that might enhance the decoy’s effectiveness, such as the ability to add a real fan or different head postures.
8. Price vs. Quality: Balance the cost of the decoy against its quality and features. While more expensive decoys often offer better realism and durability, there are also budget-friendly options that can be effective.

Remember, the best decoy for you will depend on your specific hunting style, the terrain you’re hunting in, and the type of turkeys you’re targeting. Carefully consider these factors to choose a decoy that best suits your needs.

Frequently Ask Questions:-

1. What are the most effective types of turkey decoys?

This question often addresses the various kinds of turkey decoys available, such as hen, jake, or strutter decoys, and which type is most effective for different hunting scenarios or times of the turkey season.

2. How do I position my turkey decoys for the best results?

Hunters frequently ask about the best ways to set up their decoys in the field, including the distance from the blind or sitting area, positioning relative to wind direction, and arranging multiple decoys to simulate natural turkey behavior.

3. Can turkey decoys scare away turkeys sometimes? If so, when should I avoid using them?

This question concerns the potential for decoys to sometimes have a counterproductive effect, especially with wary or experienced turkeys, and seeks guidance on when it might be better to hunt without decoys.

4. How important is the realism of a turkey decoy?

Hunters often inquire about the importance of the decoy’s realism in terms of color, texture, and posture, and whether investing in a more realistic, often more expensive, decoy is worthwhile.

5. Are there any specific strategies for using turkey decoys in different terrains or weather conditions?

This question explores effective strategies for deploying turkey decoys in various environmental conditions, such as in woods versus open fields, or during windy, rainy, or sunny weather.

Final Thoughts on the Best Turkey Decoys

Using decoys in turkey hunting can be highly beneficial. They provide the visual stimulus turkeys often require to approach your position. When turkeys are fixated on a decoy, it gives hunters extra room for essential actions, like positioning a firearm or drawing a bow. Additionally, witnessing a dominant gobbler approach a strategically placed decoy for an intense showdown is an unparalleled experience. While there are numerous advantages to using decoys, there are occasions where it’s more effective to rely solely on hen calls, enticing toms to seek out the call’s origin without a decoy’s presence.