What decoys are you guys running these days? I'm looking for something well made, lightweight, that I can toss in a bag on my back or toss in my vest pouch. My current set is several years old from Gander Mountain and are in rough shape
dsd or avian x - prone to leaks on the avian but will fold up the dsd is a bag and tote deal but is as good as they come in my opinion
DSD 1/4 strut Jake and a DSD Upright Hen. I can fit both in one bag. Bulky, but worth it. They got the size and posture just right, the turkeys just respond to them differently.
You don't need them
You don't "need" 80% of the crap you carry, but some like it!
DSD are incredible quality, when I carry one I use that carrier that came with my RNG. would be easy to make your own with some para cord or bungy cord. Just put something ornage over the jake head if you use a jake, I rarely use any decoys on public!
I picked up a used Dakota jake a few years ago, and that's about all I carry now. It's a little bulky, but it still fits in my vest along with my lounger chair.
I used the Avian-X LCD 1/4 strut jake & breeder hen combo yesterday (3-15-23) for the first time for the opener in Mississippi.
Gobbler did not hesitate to run to the set-up while stopping to strut every few yards.
I just used an older 1/4 strut jake sometimes and Avian x lay down hen decoy...
DSD upright hen and Jake, I've had mature gobblers run right past the hen to get to the Jake.
None for me.
Avian X for me. I just picked up the Laydown hen to go with my 1/4 Strut Jake and feeding hen. I can't wait to illicit a fight this spring. I've never seen one in person before so it should make for a GREAT show, even if I don't pull the trigger. Popcorn Please!
Use them if you need em , if not ..then not
I would recommend the Dave Smith ones , buy once.. cry once ....very high quality
Avian X decoys hands down. They're so realistic and I've had a ton of success with them. There's a good review of them at https://southeasternbowhunting.com/avian-x-turkey-decoys-tested-and-reviewed/ (https://southeasternbowhunting.com/avian-x-turkey-decoys-tested-and-reviewed/).