Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. One essential piece of gear for any turkey hunter is a decoy setup. A good turkey decoy setup can help attract and distract turkeys, giving you a better chance of getting a clear shot.
When it comes to turkey decoy setups, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you need to think about the type of decoys you want to use. There are many different types of turkey decoys available, including full-body decoys, collapsible decoys, and inflatable decoys. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to choose the right type for your needs.
Another critical factor to consider is the number of decoys you want to use. Some hunters prefer to use a single decoy, while others swear by using a flock of decoys to create a more realistic scene. The number of decoys you use will depend on your hunting style and the terrain you're hunting in.
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Finally, you need to think about the quality of the decoys you're considering. A high-quality turkey decoy setup will be durable, realistic, and easy to set up and take down. It's worth investing in a good set of decoys, as they can last for many hunting seasons if taken care of properly.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various turkey decoy setups to identify the best options on the market. We'll cover the different types of decoys available, the pros and cons of each, and what to look for when choosing a turkey decoy setup.
Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or a beginner, our guide will help you find the best turkey decoy setup for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Turkey Decoy Setups:
Best Overall: Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo Decoy
Best Value: Hunters Specialties Strut Lite Hen Turkey Decoy
Best Turkey Decoy Setups
As avid hunters ourselves, we know that having the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to a successful hunt. That's why we've put together a list of the best turkey decoy setups on the market. These decoys have been rigorously tested and proven to attract even the wariest of toms. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, these decoy setups will give you the edge you need to bring home that trophy bird. So without further ado, let's dive into our top picks for the best turkey decoy setups.
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Jake Turkey Decoy
$50
- The Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen is expertly designed and field-proven to match smaller, less intimidating turkeys that make easy targets for gobblers to bully
- With authentic poses and coloring, the smaller size also makes them easier to pack and lighter carry so you can get to your spot and get the action going faster
- A smaller profile makes an easier target for gobblers to bully. Excellent detail and High-Definition paint that rivals more expensive decoys
- Ultra-realistic head postures. Light-weight design for easy carry. Two-piece stake included
If you're looking for a high-quality turkey decoy that won't break the bank, the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Jake Turkey Decoy is a great option. We've had a chance to use it in the field and here's what we think:
Pros
✅ The Lil’ Gobstopper Jake is expertly designed and field-proven to match smaller, less intimidating turkeys that make easy targets for gobblers to bully.
✅ With authentic poses and coloring, the smaller size also makes them easier to pack and lighter to carry so you can get to your spot and get the action going faster.
✅ Ultra-realistic head postures and excellent detail with high-definition paint that rivals more expensive decoys.
Cons
❌ The beard may fall off easily, but it's easy to superglue it back in.
❌ The decoy is not collapsible, but it's still lightweight and easy to carry.
❌ The stake is not the best quality, but it gets the job done.
Overall, we highly recommend the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Jake Turkey Decoy for its high-quality design, realistic features, and affordable price. It's perfect for hunters who want to get the most out of their turkey hunting experience without breaking the bank.
In our experience, the decoy is easy to set up and take down, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Plus, the ultra-realistic head postures and excellent detail make it a great addition to any turkey hunting setup. So if you're looking for a great turkey decoy at an affordable price, be sure to check out the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Jake Turkey Decoy.
Flextone Thunder Chicken Breeder Turkey Decoy
$40
- EFFECTIVE DECOY
- LIFELIKE POSTURE
- ULTRA REALISTIC
- EASY TO SET UP & TRANSPORT
- RUGGED DURABILITY
If you're looking for a realistic and durable turkey decoy, the Flextone Thunder Chicken Breeder Turkey Decoy is worth considering.
Pros
✅ The lifelike posture and ultra-realistic design of this decoy can fool even the most wary gobblers.
✅ It's easy to set up and transport, thanks to the fold-away stake system.
✅ The decoy is made from high-quality materials and is extremely durable, so it can withstand rough conditions.
Cons
❌ Some users have noted that the decoy is not foldable, which can make it difficult to pack into a backpack.
❌ The decoy is reasonably big, which can make it challenging to carry around.
❌ The price of this decoy is slightly higher than some other options on the market.
We recently had the chance to try out the Flextone Thunder Chicken Breeder Turkey Decoy, and we were impressed with its lifelike appearance and durability. The decoy is made from high-quality materials and features a realistic paint scheme, feather details, high-definition coloring, and realistic texture, which all add to its relaxed appearance and exceptionally lifelike look.
Setting up the decoy is a breeze, thanks to the fold-away stake system, which allows for easy transport and storage and quick set-up. We found that the decoy pairs well with hen decoys and is effective in attracting all ages of gobblers.
One downside is that the decoy is not foldable, which can make it difficult to pack into a backpack. However, it is lightweight and can be strapped to the outside of a pack. Additionally, the decoy is reasonably big, which can make it challenging to carry around.
Overall, the Flextone Thunder Chicken Breeder Turkey Decoy is an effective and durable option for turkey hunters looking to add more variety to their decoy spread.
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo Decoy
$55
- The Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen is expertly designed and field-proven to match smaller, less intimidating turkeys that make easy targets for gobblers to bully
- With authentic poses and coloring, the smaller size also makes them easier to pack and lighter carry so you can get to your spot and get the action going faster
- A smaller profile makes an easier target for gobblers to bully. Excellent detail and High-Definition paint that rivals more expensive decoys
- Ultra-realistic head postures. Light-weight, collapsible design for easy carry. Two-piece stake included
If you're looking for a lightweight and collapsible turkey decoy set, the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo Decoy is worth considering.
Pros
✅ The smaller size and authentic poses and coloring make these decoys easier to pack and carry, allowing you to get to your hunting spot faster.
✅ The smaller profile of the Lil' Gobbstopper Hen and Jake makes them easier targets for gobblers to bully.
✅ The ultra-realistic head postures and high-definition paint on these decoys rival more expensive options.
Cons
❌ The plastic legs can be brittle and break easily in soft ground. Consider using metal stakes instead.
❌ The hen comes folded up inside the jake decoy, and it may take some time and effort to get it to fully unfold.
❌ The decoys do not compress or collapse, making them awkward to carry long distances from your vehicle.
We recently used the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo Decoy on a turkey hunting trip, and we were impressed with their realistic appearance and lightweight design. The smaller size of these decoys made them easy to pack and carry, which was especially helpful when we had to hike to our hunting spot.
The high-definition paint and ultra-realistic head postures on these decoys helped to attract gobblers, and we had success using them in a variety of hunting scenarios. However, the plastic legs can be brittle and break easily in soft ground, so we recommend using metal stakes instead.
While the decoys do not collapse or compress, they come with a two-piece stake that makes them easy to set up in the field. Overall, we recommend the Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo Decoy for anyone looking for a lightweight and realistic turkey decoy set.
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy
$130
- HUNTING TURKEY DECOY
- INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD POSTURES
- UNMATCHED REALISM & DETAIL
- DELIVERY SCOPE
- TOP QUALITY
If you're looking for a realistic and durable turkey decoy, the Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy is a great choice.
Pros
✅ The Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy is extremely realistic and detailed, with a true-to-life paint scheme and feather detail that make it look like the real thing.
✅ The decoy is also very durable, made from a blow-molded design that can withstand many seasons of use.
✅ The Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy comes with two interchangeable head postures, allowing you to customize your setup and signal either aggression or submissiveness.
Cons
❌ The decoy is a bit on the expensive side, so it may not be the best choice for hunters on a tight budget.
❌ Some users have reported that the decoy's flocked tail section can wear off over time, reducing its realism.
❌ The decoy is also a bit heavy and bulky, which can make it difficult to transport and set up in the field.
Overall, we think the Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy is a great choice for hunters who want a realistic and durable turkey decoy. While it may be a bit pricey and heavy, its high-quality construction and attention to detail make it well worth the investment.
Hunters Specialties Strut Lite Hen Turkey Decoy
$30
- HS STRUT STRUT-LITE HEN TURKEY DECOY
- PORTABLE DECOY
- BEST-IN-CLASS DETAIL
- WORKS BETTER IN MULTIPLE QUANTITY
- PERFECT FOR WOODS
If you're looking for a lightweight and realistic turkey decoy, the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Lite Hen Turkey Decoy is a great option to consider.
Pros
✅ The foldable hollow body construction makes it easy to transport and store.
✅ The decoy's flake-resistant paint job adds to its realistic appearance.
✅ Using multiple decoys together creates a “flock” effect that attracts more turkeys.
Cons
❌ The decoy may arrive bent due to its collapsible design.
❌ It can be difficult to shape the decoy using a hair dryer and cold water.
❌ The included ground stakes may not be of the highest quality.
We recently used the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Lite Hen Turkey Decoy on a turkey hunting trip and were impressed with its lightweight design and realistic appearance. The decoy's foldable hollow body construction made it easy to carry with us into the woods and store when not in use.
The decoy's flake-resistant paint job also added to its realistic appearance, fooling even the wisest old toms. We found that using multiple decoys together, either individually or as pairs, created a “flock” effect that attracted more turkeys and improved our chances of a successful hunt.
However, we did encounter some issues with the decoy arriving bent due to its collapsible design. We were able to reshape it using a hair dryer, but it was a bit of a hassle. Additionally, the included ground stakes were not of the highest quality and could be improved.
Overall, if you're looking for a lightweight and realistic turkey decoy that can be used individually or in a group, the Hunters Specialties HS Strut Lite Hen Turkey Decoy is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best turkey decoy setup, there are a few key features to consider. We've compiled a list of things to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision.
Material
The material of the decoy is an important factor to consider. Decoys can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, foam, and rubber. Plastic decoys are durable and lightweight, while foam decoys are lightweight and realistic. Rubber decoys are also durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Consider the environment in which you will be hunting and choose a decoy made from a material that will hold up in those conditions.
Realism
The more realistic the decoy looks, the better chance you have of attracting a turkey. Look for decoys with lifelike colors and patterns, as well as realistic body posture and positioning. Some decoys even have movable heads and tails to add to their realism.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the decoy can also make a difference in its effectiveness. Larger decoys can be more visible from a distance, while smaller decoys can be more versatile and easier to carry. The shape of the decoy can also affect its effectiveness. Some decoys are designed to mimic a specific posture or behavior of a turkey, while others are more generic in their shape.
Number of Decoys
Consider how many decoys you will need for your setup. Some hunters prefer to use multiple decoys to create a more realistic scene, while others find that a single decoy is enough to attract a turkey. Keep in mind that using too many decoys can also make it more difficult to get a clear shot.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the decoy. Decoys can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. While a more expensive decoy may be more realistic or durable, it may not always be necessary to spend a lot of money to get a quality decoy. Determine your budget and look for a decoy that meets your needs within that range.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best turkey decoy setup for your hunting needs.
Best Turkey Decoy Setups for Successful Hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ideal number of decoys to use when turkey hunting?
The ideal number of decoys to use when turkey hunting depends on the situation. If you're hunting in an area with a lot of competition, it's best to use more decoys to make your setup look more attractive to the turkeys. However, if you're hunting in an area with fewer turkeys, it's best to use fewer decoys to avoid overwhelming the birds.
How can I make my turkey decoys look more lifelike?
To make your turkey decoys look more lifelike, it's important to pay attention to the details. Make sure the decoys have realistic colors and patterns, and position them in a natural way. You can also add motion to your decoys by using a decoy that has a moving head or tail.
What's the best time of day to set up my turkey decoys?
The best time of day to set up your turkey decoys is early in the morning. Turkeys are most active during the early morning hours, so it's important to be in place before they start moving around. Setting up your decoys before sunrise will give you the best chance of success.
Are afternoon setups effective when using turkey decoys?
Afternoon setups can be effective when using turkey decoys, but they're not as reliable as morning setups. Turkeys tend to be less active in the afternoon, so you'll need to be patient and wait for them to come to your decoys. It's also important to position your decoys in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
Which turkey decoy brand is most effective for spring turkey hunting?
There are many turkey decoy brands available, but some of the most effective ones for spring turkey hunting include Avian-X, Dave Smith Decoys, and Primos. These brands offer high-quality, realistic decoys that are designed to attract turkeys.
Can you recommend a budget-friendly turkey decoy setup that works well?
For a budget-friendly turkey decoy setup, we recommend using a single hen decoy. This is a simple and effective way to attract turkeys without spending a lot of money. You can also add a jake decoy to your setup for added realism. Look for decoys that are lightweight and easy to carry, so you can easily move them around during your hunt.
