Any recommendations on a collapsible decoy. I currently use a DSD upright hen but would like a smaller profile if there's something realistic. Thanks in advance.
They don't seem to be very well received, but I think the primos photoforms are pretty nice. They fold really well and do fine unless you've got a lot of wind...but I'm a newbie!
They are all pretty bad to look at, but it's not human eyes that matter...
I got a three-pack of Photo-Form for $30, look ok, but I still don't really like them, hoping to find a way to get all the folds and wrinkles out...
Needed the jake for travel hunts though...
Quote from: mudhen on March 11, 2023, 05:04:10 PM
They are all pretty bad to look at, but it's not human eyes that matter...
I got a three-pack of Photo-Form for $30, look ok, but I still don't really like them, hoping to find a way to get all the folds and wrinkles out...
Needed the jake for travel hunts though...
I have one too. Going to try and put it in the sun. If that doesn't work I was thinking about a beach ball from the dollar store to "inflate" it
The montana purrfect pair has worked well for me for years now. They may not look the best but are effective. I think there's something to the iridescent & the loose feathers that help it.
The heads & tail stay in whatever posture you want them. I typically put some leaves around the stake to hide that part.
I've had several hens hang out for long periods around them & have always stayed really calm. The jakes always get super excited & the tom's tend to show off from far away to right up on 'em.
The packability is unbeatable.
I picked up two Primos Photoform Hen Turkey Decoys at the end of season last year for around $10 each and really liking them.
Have already had turkeys in the decoys, so I'd say they work.
Only negative is one-piece stake which barely fits in the backpack.
I typically pack a funky chicken as well.
Primos Photoform
Avian X LCD decoys collapse. I have one of the Jake decoys, but haven't ever used it in the field.
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My AX LCR jake collapsed! Permanently!
I'm not a decoy guy but I've heard good things about the Montana decoys
Quote from: Tca126 on March 11, 2023, 07:43:52 PM
Primos Photoform
X10, I only use decoys on very rainy days in the open fields.....
Don't laugh but my first decoys were cut thin plywood silhouettes. We would paint one solid black and the other one with white and red paint and we fooled several gobblers with this homemade decoys. Then came along the Primos feather flex decoys that the paint would peel off, but man this was a major setup from those wood silhouettes. Then we got the improved version of the feather flex decoy and many , many gobblers have been killed using these decoys.. So if i was just wanting something to carry that is light weight i would get another better and improved feather flex decoy from Primos.
Quote from: squidd on March 11, 2023, 06:54:24 PM
I picked up two Primos Photoform Hen Turkey Decoys at the end of season last year for around $10 each and really liking them.
Have already had turkeys in the decoys, so I'd say they work.
Only negative is one-piece stake which barely fits in the backpack.
I typically pack a funky chicken as well.
That's what I'm trying this year. 2 photoform hens and a funky chicken.
One setup used last week
I have a photo form hen and jake. I don't use them often but they are easy to carry.
Quote from: wyetterp on March 11, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
The montana purrfect pair has worked well for me for years now. They may not look the best but are effective. I think there's something to the iridescent & the loose feathers that help it.
The heads & tail stay in whatever posture you want them. I typically put some leaves around the stake to hide that part.
I've had several hens hang out for long periods around them & have always stayed really calm. The jakes always get super excited & the tom's tend to show off from far away to right up on 'em.
The packability is unbeatable.
I have these. I really wish they would put a better looking head on them. Don't think it would hurt the packability that much. I have had these decoys spook more than one bird when they got too close to them.
I thought about cutting the head off another decoy and gluing it on instead of the soft cloth head on the Montana
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I don't use a decoy, but I hunted with a guy from Arkansas who used a black shopping bag on a stake. And he had killed a lot of turkeys.
Have a good one, Bo
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When i see the need i use a decoy. Especially if I'm hunting large fields, and big open areas. Some of the best shows are watching how turkeys react with a decoy. You hunt the way you want and enjoy your day in the outdoors. You have to love those beautiful sunrises and what a day of turkey hunting has to offer regardless. Using decoys or not that's your choice. IMO ... I use a blind also for those days that are rainy as a back up plan and i still get to enjoy these bad weather days hunting.
Quote from: wchadw on March 12, 2023, 08:06:38 PM
Quote from: wyetterp on March 11, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
The montana purrfect pair has worked well for me for years now. They may not look the best but are effective. I think there's something to the iridescent & the loose feathers that help it.
The heads & tail stay in whatever posture you want them. I typically put some leaves around the stake to hide that part.
I've had several hens hang out for long periods around them & have always stayed really calm. The jakes always get super excited & the tom's tend to show off from far away to right up on 'em.
The packability is unbeatable.
I have these. I really wish they would put a better looking head on them. Don't think it would hurt the packability that much. I have had these decoys spook more than one bird when they got too close to them.
I thought about cutting the head off another decoy and gluing it on instead of the soft cloth head on the Montana
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Well that stinks. The only time I've had any issues was from what I perceived to be a lack of motion. I don't strap mine down any more. I want a little motion in them from the slightest breeze. If the wind picks up I position the tail to keep it from spinning. Never had em spook since.
If you think it's the head, your idea of diy head replacement sounds like a great idea. Lol, the frankentana decoy. Love it. Please post up pics if you do. It actually sounds like it could easily be done with them. It's just a pliable wire coil in there. You may be on to something.
I rarely use a decoy though & not usually one to hunt from a blind or open agro fields.
Ok, if we are just talking something light weight or collapsible, their probably not going to look as realistic as say a DSD/Avian. So what I did is buy a cheap foam decoy and then bought a skin wrap from I believe was A-way?? It's barely a pound all together and pretty real looking. Great for running and gunning, if you only want a hen! As far as a Jake, I bite the bullet and take a DSD Jake along. Most of the time the one hen will do the job without the Jake.