:turkey2:I hunt in northern New England, we do not have the competition for hens that higher density areas do. My question is, what Jake decoy works best for you in your hunting situations? If we do not have a perfect set up when using a Jake decoy, we do not do that well. We still work birds but they get awfully shied up. We usually stay away from the Jake decoy but want to use them more. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Al Baker
DSD.
Quote from: cornfedkiller on January 13, 2015, 02:54:42 PM
DSD.
IMO the best. With a couple of DSD hens has been a killer set up for me.
DSD +3
I'd suggest looking at "Best Turkey Decoy" I like some of the additional features (head tilt, stake strap) over the DSD jake (though both are well crafted decoys). I think Dakota Decoys started selling them now. I bought a new one on eBay for a pretty fair price last winter. BTD advocates that both jakes and toms aren't afraid to approach it--that's why I got it. It did get my wife a nice 20 yard shot at a jake when a group of 7 came running in to flog it!
Another DSD vote
DSD with a couple of hens no doubt!
:funnyturkey: I got a Jake decoy from BTD, Dakota Decoys does offer them now but if you order direct you will save $40. The decoy looks amazing, can't wait to try it out. Al Baker
Count my vote for DSD as well. The detail, size and posture of this decoy make it a great tool for turkey hunters. Pair it with one or two DSD hens and it makes for a great set up.
I know 2 very successful bow hunters that swear by Dakota's Best Decoy Ever - Xtreme Jake. They believe the posture is what makes it effective. I broke down and bought one this winter. It's bigger than I expected, but if it works as well as suggested, I guess I will deal with the size.
Update - In another thread that I started people are stating that the Dakota and DSD decoys are exactly the same in size and shape. If you are price sensitive, the Dakota is cheaper.
DSD jake and two hens have been a good investment for myself.
I know a lot of guys swear by DSD's. Others seem to like the posture of the Dakota. Here's an incredible deal on Dakatas. http://bestturkeydecoy.com/
I guess you can decide if the DSD is worth twice the price? I've had great success with the Dakota. The only problem I've had is the size is pretty large for packing very far.
Last year was my first year bow hunting turkeys and the only complaint I have with the dsd jake are the fights he starts.
Great customer service to boot if you have any issues.
I didn't want to spend the money on the DSD's so i went with the Avian X decoys. I have hunted with a buddy who had them and they are pretty nice, especially for the money if you can catch them on sale.
Quote from: ChasinTails27 on February 16, 2015, 09:05:06 PM
I didn't want to spend the money on the DSD's so i went with the Avian X decoys. I have hunted with a buddy who had them and they are pretty nice, especially for the money if you can catch them on sale.
I am looking at getting a decent jake decoy myself...
DSD is almost twice the money of Avian X... The Avian is also smaller and collapsible (which is a very appealing feature).
Do you think that there have been instances in which a DSD would have pulled a bird in when your Avian X did not? Have you had any first-hand experience of birds behaving differently towards the DSD as opposed to the Avian?
Just get the DSD. ...and you won't have to worry about weather or not you decoy will work.
I got one last season, and it is the single best purchase I've made in all my years turkey hunting.
Quote from: Marc on February 19, 2015, 06:03:20 PM
Quote from: ChasinTails27 on February 16, 2015, 09:05:06 PM
I didn't want to spend the money on the DSD's so i went with the Avian X decoys. I have hunted with a buddy who had them and they are pretty nice, especially for the money if you can catch them on sale.
I am looking at getting a decent jake decoy myself...
DSD is almost twice the money of Avian X... The Avian is also smaller and collapsible (which is a very appealing feature).
Do you think that there have been instances in which a DSD would have pulled a bird in when your Avian X did not? Have you had any first-hand experience of birds behaving differently towards the DSD as opposed to the Avian?
Avian is just as good for killing birds, for half the money..IMHO
DSD is a great looking decoy no doubt, but it must fit with your hunting style. I cannot deal with lugging that thing over the distances I need to walk. I haven't seen the Dakota in person but the same rules apply for me. The Avain looks like a pretty good pick for both realism and packability. That being said I use a Pretty Boy Jr that I custom painted and it suits me fine.
I would have zero problem with staking any of these in front of me at 20 yards, it just matters on how big of pain it was for me to carry it out there in the first place.
My DSD is less than 10 yards from the blind...every time!
Purdy eh!
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/thadsoy/photobucket-40854-1359590907917.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/thadsoy/media/photobucket-40854-1359590907917.jpg.html)
Quote from: Marc on February 19, 2015, 06:03:20 PM
Quote from: ChasinTails27 on February 16, 2015, 09:05:06 PM
I didn't want to spend the money on the DSD's so i went with the Avian X decoys. I have hunted with a buddy who had them and they are pretty nice, especially for the money if you can catch them on sale.
I am looking at getting a decent jake decoy myself...
DSD is almost twice the money of Avian X... The Avian is also smaller and collapsible (which is a very appealing feature).
Do you think that there have been instances in which a DSD would have pulled a bird in when your Avian X did not? Have you had any first-hand experience of birds behaving differently towards the DSD as opposed to the Avian?
I can't honestly answer that question because I have never hunted with anybody who had the DSD. All birds are different though, sometimes they won't come to any decoys and sometimes you don't even need a decoy. 2 of the birds we killed last year were killed without decoys.
I can't believe I'm the only one...I like the funky chicken. Seriously it's worked for me a few times since buying it
:drool: Google " best turkey decoy" and follow the site. This is the guy who makes or designed the decoy for Dakota Decoys and it is $80 not $120. I got mine from him and it is exactly the same as thr DD's.
While I think the DSD jake is the best by far, I went with the Zink jake because it was so much easier to transport...
Had some great hunts with the Zink jake so far....
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The" D" is merely a Chinese made "hard body" replica or copy of inovative and original ... American made DSD
You'll find a much higher quality of construction ,materials and paint job With the DSD over the "D"
It's your money do as you see fit
I prefer the DSD for a few of the reasons listed above. US made, realistic, good materials, good company, durable, etc.
DSD for me. I have hunted with both and I prefer the DSD. Without a doubt the Zinc will bring birds in but Im just not much on it personally. I dont see any difference in carrying the two as well.
I was nervous about carrying the DSD but after I have done it i dont mind it at all.
See if you can find a Pretty Boy Jr Semi-Strut decoy. They are out of production but still available. :OGturkeyhead:
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 04, 2015, 10:37:38 AM
See if you can find a Pretty Boy Jr Semi-Strut decoy. They are out of production but still available. :OGturkeyhead:
This. Got mine for $20 + some cheap acrylic paint to change the color of the head and it works great.
Dsd