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Turkey hunting has commanded my springtime calendar for the past two decades. I’ve chased gobblers throughout the United States and Mexico, hunting an average of 50 days across a half-dozen states each spring, while stacking up a World Slam and multiple Grand Slams. As I check off the remaining states to capture a U.S. Super Slam, I prepare for every hunt with the utmost scrutiny when it comes to gear I use in the field, especially the best turkey decoys.
Decoys are always part of my turkey hunting arsenal, and I only rely on the most realistic ones when I’m trying to fill a tag in a new state. Here’s a look at the best turkey decoys for some of the most common hunting scenarios you’ll face no matter where or how you’re chasing turkeys.
Turkey hunting season is an exciting time of year for hunters across the country. Having the right gear, especially turkey decoys, can make all the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which turkey decoy is truly the best. This comprehensive guide breaks down the top-rated turkey decoys to help hunters make an informed decision.
Overview of Turkey Decoy Types
Turkey decoys come in a variety of styles materials and price points. Here is a quick overview of the main types of decoys available
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Foam decoys – Inexpensive, lightweight and easy to transport. Not as durable or realistic as other options.
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Inflatable decoys – Pack down small but inflate to lifelike 3D models. Require inflation and prone to deflation.
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Stuffable decoys – Similar to inflatables but made from lightweight materials like nylon. Easier to deploy.
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Hard-shell/plastic decoys – Durable and realistic but bulkier and heavier Often most expensive option.
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Motion decoys – Motorized to mimic turkey movements. Heavy and require batteries but very effective.
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Collapsible decoys – Fold up or pop open for easy transport. Realistic when set up. Moderate prices.
Top 8 Turkey Decoys of 2023
Based on expert reviews and field testing, here are 8 of the top-rated turkey decoys available in 2023:
1. Avian-X LCD Hen
This top-of-the-line inflatable hen decoy features a lifelike body and ultra-realistic paint job. The 3D design and LCD (Lifelike Collapsible Decoy) technology allow it to inflate for use and pack down small. Adjustable legs and multiple stake positions make it versatile. Around $120.
2. Primos Gobstopper Jake and Hen Decoy Combo
This affordable 2-pack includes a foam jake and breeding hen. The jake has a reversible strutting/upright body. Lightweight, compact, and easy to deploy. Under $50 for the pair.
3. Dave Smith Decoys Strutter
The molded body and realistic paint on this sturdy plastic strutter decoy make it look like the real deal. Removable fan and adjustable beard. A premium decoy for around $150.
4. Flambeau Masters Series Classic Hen
With a solid and durable plastic body, this is one of the most realistic hard shell hen decoys. Flocked wings and detailed paint provide lifelike appearance. About $90.
5. Montana Decoy Miss Purr-Fect
This lightweight and packable nylon hen folds up tight. Easy to deploy and transport. Creates excellent silhouette and movement for under $100.
6. Mojo Outdoors Shake N Jake Decoy
This motorized decoy spins and shakes to mimic feeding turkey motions. Runs on batteries to attract attention. A bit heavy but effective for around $130.
7. Avian-X HDR Jake Quarter Strutter
Another hyper-realistic inflatable decoy with excellent detail and posture. The quarter-body design reduces size. About $110.
8. Primos B-Mobile Turkey Decoy
This unique remote control decoy can make the hen walk forward and spin around. Mimics real turkey motions. On the heavier side for about $120.
Key Factors in Choosing a Turkey Decoy
With an array of options available, focus on these key factors when selecting the right turkey decoy for your needs:
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Realism – The more realistic the decoy, the better it will attract wily old toms. Prioritize detailed paint jobs and quality materials.
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Portability – If you plan to run and gun, pick a lightweight, packable decoy. For stationary setups, bulkier is okay.
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Durability – Hunting conditions can be tough on gear. Opt for decoys with sturdy materials and construction.
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Motion – Moving decoys attract attention. Consider motorized models or decoys with moveable parts.
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Season – Use more decoys in open fields early season. Minimize and simplify late season when toms get decoy shy.
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Price – Set a budget and look for quality decoys that provide value at that price point. From $50 foam decoys to $150 premium options.
Using Turkey Decoys Effectively
Once you’ve selected the right decoy, be sure to use proper tactics to maximize your chance of success:
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Scout and set up where turkeys want to be. Don’t try to pull them too far from comfort zones.
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Use decoys sparingly on pressured public land. Start with just one hen.
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Add realism with fanning, feeding, or breeding motions paired with calls.
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Set hens visible and toms just out of sight to pique interest.
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Sit still and stay concealed whendecoys are out. Don’t spook incoming birds.
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On private land, get creative with decoy numbers, types, positions to try drawing in that trophy tom.
With spring turkey season just around the corner, hopefully this detailed look at the top-rated turkey decoys for 2023 will help hunters pick the right decoy for their needs and budget. Focus on realism, portability, and durability when making a selection. And be sure to use proper setups and calling tactics to maximize your decoy effectiveness. Trust in a quality turkey decoy to pull in more leery late season gobblers and fill your tag this spring.
- Avian-X: 3
- Montana Decoy: 1
- Dave Smith Decoys: 1
- Primos: 2
- Flambeau: 1
- Mojo Outdoors: 1
The Best Turkey Decoys: Reviews & Recommendations
- Lightweight,minimal bulk
- Easy to shove into turkey vest
- Stake system prevents spinning in wind
- Quick deploy
- Miss Purrfect XD: multiple stake positions for different body postures
- Not waterproof
- Stitching on tom head can be fragile
- Less than five pounds combined weight
- Three dimensional
- Easily folds for storage
- Hen: adjustable head; “feather cuts” for realistic texture
- Tom: option to add real feathers to tail and wings
I used hard-bodied turkey decoys for years, and while they have benefits, the extra weight and bulk is an unnecessary burden for the majority of my turkey pursuits. I’m also not entirely sold on 2D (flat) turkey decoys for traditional stationary setups, so I was eager to try Montana’s new line of packable 3D turkey decoys. I used the Miss Purrfect XD, Jake Purrfect XD, and the original Wiley Tom during 2021—my most successful turkey season ever. The Wiley Tom 3D is an upgrade from the original Wiley Tom. It has more realistic dimension that packs down for running and gunning, yet it works just as well for reaping or stationary setups. I tested the prototype during a fall turkey hunt and killed a gobbler the first morning.
Stuff the Wiley Tom 3D and the Miss Purrfect XD hen turkey decoys in your vest and you’ll be covered for nearly every turkey hunting scenario. And if you want to run a jake imposter instead of a tom, just use the second (higher) row of tail feather holders on the Wiley Tom 3D to mimic the pronounced center primary feathers of a jake fan.
Best Hen Decoy: Avian-X HDR Hen
- Ultra-realistic
- No shine on sunny days
- Multiple head positions
- Accurate size and body posture
- Non-chip paint
- Flocking on back
- Light and durable
- Includes two head positions
- Includes decoy bag
This is the most realistic and useful hen decoy we’ve ever hunted with. If you’re going to set just one decoy, use this one.
Maybe you don’t want to haul around a whole spread of turkey decoys. Or, maybe you hunt pressured public lands where it’s unsafe to set a tom or jake decoy. In that case, you might want to set just one, single hen decoy. You want the The Avian-X HDR hen. This blow-molded hen decoy looks realistic in every aspect: feather detail, body position, size, hell, even the legs look real. The decoy comes with two interchangeable head positions. One is a high-stretched head which indicates a dominant hen. The other is a lower head position to indicate a submissive, breeder bird.
You’ll notice that the decoy is flocked on the back, which is an excellent touch that not many other turkey decoys offer. This decoy is also an excellent choice for hunters who mostly call in open hardwoods. In this case it’s often best to have one highly-visible and realistic hen decoy. The Avian-X HDR Hen fits the bill perfectly. —Alex Robinson
Best Turkey Decoys 2024 | Top 5 Best Turkey Decoy for The Money
FAQ
What is the most effective turkey decoy?
There are a lot of jake decoys that will work, but if you want an option that won’t let you down, just get a quarter-strut jake or a breeder. Either posture shows a bird that wants to present a studly image but also appears small and timid.
Why won’t turkeys come to my decoys?
If a subordinate gobbler comes in, and he’s already been beat up by a dominant gobbler, there’s a very good chance that he’s won’t come in and get his head bloodied again. Many times, a turkey won’t come to a decoy, because the hunter has made a mistake in where he’s placed the decoy.
How many turkey decoys are too many?
There are times when three or four hen decoys in various poses paired with a tom or jake is a fail-safe option. However, if you bunch them together too closely, it can impair your ability to take a clean shot. If a tom approaches the setup directly, you’re now having to shoot around some unnecessary obstacles.
When should you not use turkey decoys?
If I am working a bird in heavy cover, it’s probably one of the few times I will not put a decoy out. In these situations, the longbeard is searching for my calls and we are in close quarters. If he stumbles on a decoy, he may get spooked. Decoys work best when toms can see them from a distance.