Decoys

[skimerhorn]

I ha e 4 Avian-X. They work good but a lot of people are switching to dsd

[Cut N Run]

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

[MK M GOBL]

DSD

All I need to say.

MK M GOBL

[HookedonHooks]

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.

[CrustyRusty]

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.

[Double B]

A buddy gave me a set of brand new inflatable Cherokee's.   

[mspaci]

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

[Double B]

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!

[lunghit]

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.

[GOOSESLAYER]

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.

[stinkpickle]

They all work in the right situation. and they all will have birds shy away in the wrong situation...

Pretty much.