What kind of decoys do you use? I have used a couple cheap Walmart decoys the past few years with good results. The paint has worn bad so I have to get a new set. I am looking at the Primos gobbstopper combo as Midway has them cheap. What say you?
Sent from my LGL44VL using Tapatalk
I have been using Montana decoys for the past couple of years with good success. However, I finally broke down and bought a pair of DSD's on Friday (Jake & Upright Hen). I used them for the first time yesterday and no kidding, I had a hen hang around for over an hour before a nice Tom came into the set up and simply attacked the Jake. I killed him at 20 yards. Couldn't believe it! I've never had that experience before with the Montana's. Was it the decoys? Who knows, but I now absolutely believe the hype. DSDs are well worth the extra dough.
That gobstopper combo should work just fine. Heck, I have old worn out Featherflexes that still do the job.
I like the DSDs too
I use a single Dakota jake.
Mature birds hate him.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I ain't toting around them big decoys so I bought 2 of the Montana Mrs purr fect. They collapse all the way down and you could fit 8-10 in the back of your vest. Wasn't taking a chance on briars poking at an inflatable. Head and tail are both adjustable on the Montanas.
The only one that I use are avian x, they are compact and easier to carry. I wish DSD would come out with an inflatable line.
Funky Chicken, I'd only use DSD as a last resort, probably would just go without if DSD was all I had.
This season, I took gobblers using my Pretty Boy the first season and the Funky Chicken the third Southern Illinois season, both along with a hen in the feeding position. Interestingly, during the 5th and final season, I had a group of three long beards gobble at 60+ yards at my Funky Chicken/feeding hen, but would not come on in. My buddy had something similar happen during the same season. So...during the late season this year it appears that other gobblers are reluctant to challenge another male that has a hen with him, at least it appears that way even though in prior years I've used the Pretty Boy during the last season with great success. Next year, I may only put a hen or two out during that last season. My experiences lean toward there not seeming to be any consensus on what decoys are most likely to be successful during the late season.
I have three DSD's, feeding hen, upright hen and jake.
DSD for me as well.
DSD for the first time this season.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I like the gobstopper combo. They are fine if you are going to hunt a field for an extended period of time, but not much for running and gunning. The Primos PHD is a good option. I really like the Flextone Thunderchick...great detail and the folding stake made into the decoy is awesome. All in all really depends on what type of hunting you are going to be doing. I just don't hunt with decoys as much as I used to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The primos decoys I've had in the past have faded real bad
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
dsd first then deception. others will work but these can make a difference!!!
I ha e 4 Avian-X. They work good but a lot of people are switching to dsd
I have 3 Deltas (sold by H.S. Strut in the 1990s), a feeding hen, a standing hen, and a standing jake. I've repainted the hen's highlights, repainted the jake's head, and darkened the jake with a magic marker a few times over the years. They really don't get much use. They have worked well for 20+ years.
Jim
DSD
All I need to say.
MK M GOBL
I've used everything from inflatables that looked ridiculous, feather flex, Dirty B, Killer B flopper, HS Strut carry combo, and a bunch of other similar decoys. I've killed birds over all of these Just recently got the new Cabelas avian combo that's on sale for 139.99, looks crazy nice. The half strut jake is all the rage right now, and that gobstopper combo is a similar set up just much, much cheaper. In the end though I've spent probably way more in total on decoys than if would've bought DSDs straight up from the start. The Killer B flopper can be had for $20 on eBay but it's more of a novelty than a good decoy, but I did kill a bird over one. It wasnt even the dominant bird, he didn't like it, but a two year old that thought he could get in on an easy fight.
I use dsd jake and upright hen and an avian hen when I have the time and opportunity, mostly in fields on private property. It really is depending on my hunting situation however. I have had hens and toms come in to this setup on many occasions.
However when only the hens come in they always seem to go right for the dsd decoy and ignore the avian.
A buddy gave me a set of brand new inflatable Cherokee's.
I have the Cherokee inflatable. I absolutely hate hunting over decoys, its just boring to me. They have only been used for an hour this season. I just wanna go after birds & that's the way I hunt. Mike
Agree with you mspaci, i had mine out for 1 set up all year. Took the Jake out and gave it back to him as I only hunt public. I may put a hen and stake in my vest some. They don't take up much room and we've had some success with the old call girls. He picked them up on closeout for pennies on the dollar. I'm weird, I'll spend money on another pot call I dont need but not a dime for dekes....gotta have your priorities!
Used a DSD jake for the first time this season. I shot a nice mature bird that was coming into it and then watched his buddy attack the jake afterwards. Really cool hunt.
They all work in the right situation. and they all will have birds shy away in the wrong situation. it all depends on how that bird feels that day. Don't get caught up in all the hype of what decoys the best. there is no answer if you ask me. Realism when it comes to decoys is more to capture the hunter then it is the bird. on the right day ive had them react the same to a fleather flex as they did to a dsd. ive used them all. currently I have a few avians and thats because I got them for $10 a piece at a local walmart that miss priced them. Hard to pass up. Focus more on scouting and calling and a decoy isn't even needed.
Quote from: GOOSESLAYER on May 11, 2017, 08:21:35 AM
They all work in the right situation. and they all will have birds shy away in the wrong situation...
Pretty much.