Turkey hunters know it can be a daunting task to get close to the gobbles. But, without help, you can spend endless in the fields hunting turkeys with little success. This is why you need the best turkey decoy.
Today, makers of these hunting accessories are upping their games. Newer, more improved models are coming up. They are excellent in helping fool big toms and the elusive older hens known to cause most hunts. Mother Nature has given hens an excellent vision for the right reason – to care for their chicks. Besides, they seem not to care much about finding love from toms. Thus calling them may not work effectively.
Thus elderly hens will see and interpret your intentions from miles away and thwart your hunt. Calling may not work perfectly either. This leaves you with only one option – hoodwinking them with a decoy. We have gone through the modern turkey decoys that are look credible, move much like the active bird, and incredibly durable. In a bid to help you out, we have come up with well-researched reviews of the ten best turkey decoys.
Hopefully, this will address your concerns and help you make the right decision of the best turkey decoys for the money.
Top 10 Best Turkey Decoys
We used several parameters to gauge and compare the different modern decoys to narrow them down to ten options. Based on our findings, we can conclusively say that we are on the right track.
If you do not find your taste here, then you can use the buying guide at the tail end of the article to do your research. Check out our picks.
1. PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake & Hen Decoy Combo
The Primos 69064 Gobstopper Decoy Combo is an excellent combo kit for turkey hunters searching for a real-looking turkey decoy. The two lures are strong and light weighing approximately 5 pounds together.
The kit comes in two separate units, one for each decoy. If you know turkeys well, you will realize that toms are a little taller and bulkier than hens. For that reason, the Primos 69064 Gobstopper Jake & Hen Decoy Combo consists of a taller so that you can put the Jake behind the hen for a more realistic appearance.
Furthermore, the Jake gobbler decoy design features a half strut position. Unfortunately, such design tends to make to anger adult gobblers and attract their attention immediately in a bid to protect their territory because they interpret the half strut position to mean challenge.
Unlike most other decoys that come as inflatable, the Primos 69064 Gobstopper is not inflatable. Instead, they feature hollow foam which pops open, and you are ready to go. In addition, the combo comes with a convenient mesh bag for effortless storage and transportation.
It is essential to keep this in mind; the decoys emit a strong rubber smell out of the box. To escape this, you have to leave them outside in the open air for one or two days to let that smell wear off. So the small may be noxious but not a health risk.
These turkey decoys are incredibly realistic; you will attract the gobbler’s attention to your ideal location. So get your calls down and be ready to bag all the gobblers that come your way.
Pros
- Incredibly realistic turkey decoys
- Lightweight with a combined weight of a paltry 5lbs
- The combo pack gives a hen and a Jake
- Fold-down into a compact size and comes with a mesh bag for easy storage and transportation
Cons
- The heavy smell of rubber out of the box is repugnant
- The metal stands are pretty noisy
2. Avian-X Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy
Avian-X Breeder Turkey Decoy is pretty young when it comes to the production of turnkey decoys. However, the firm is promising to give famous brands the run for their money. The company has spent countless hours and days designing and developing the ultimate turkey decoy.
This one threatens to replace its own traditional industry-leading LCD Hen. Instead, it’s a new realistic collapsible decoy (LCD) design that uses the highest quality feather detail ever seen or created in the decoy world.
The Avian-X Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy features a refined true-to-life paint scheme that matches the natural reflective feathers seen in a real hen. In addition, these many features are engineered into a turkey decoy 15% smaller than the previous versions of Avian LCD. Thus the decoy will be lighter, effortless to pack, less dominant, and aggressive to real hens.
Furthermore, three unique decoy postures offer you the flexibility to pick the correct posture for any hunting situation. According to the manufacturer, designers developed the decoy through many years of learning wild turkeys’ body postures, behaviors, and moods.
This lifelike collapsible decoy features incredible attention to detail and no-flake paint. It is made from Dura-Rubber, which means it will give you years of use without denting or creasing. A single-piece folding stake provides the decoy with realistic movement without spinning.
Pros
- Lifelike collapsible turkey decoy
- The true-to-life paint scheme looks as real as it gets
- Light and easier to pack for storage and transportation
- Dura-rubber construction is durable and won’t crease or dent
Cons
- The legs seem flimsy and have no feet
- Somewhat heavier than most comparable models
3. CHEROKEE 4 Ultimate Turkey Decoys
If you are an ardent turkey hunter, you must know the value of realism and the law governing it. The rule states that the more real turkey decoys look, the more likely the chances of fooling the gobblers.
CHEROKEE understands this rule and has developed four ultimate turkey decoys that will fool even the most brilliant and weariest tom that has seen and detected a lure or two in its lifetime. Furthermore, the four decoys look so real that even humans cannot tell from a distance.
Funnily, these hunting accessories are engineered to move at the slightest breeze providing three-dimensional realism. Only a few models have been able to achieve this level of realism. The fact that they come in fours also boosts the realism rule.
Calling it the proper “flock” pack, the combo setup comprises a standing hen, a feeding hen, a submissive hen, and a standing Jake. Of course, such an arrangement will surely irritate the local gobblers who will come running to make a point. But, on the other hand, you’ll have the perfect chance for a successful kill.
The CHEROKEE Four Ultimate Turkey Decoys feature an inflatable design that reaches a full 2-1/2 inches thick. Surprisingly, all four units collapse to petite sizes to fit nifty in your pocket. Furthermore, they are lightweight, which also helps with portability.
The design includes high/low wind stakes and weighs 7 ounces each. Thus you’ll carry an entire flock of turkeys for less than 2lbs. So take your time and check out these lifelike decoys. You will be sure of unmatched realism that will lure the real birds in close this spring.
Pros
- Four lifelike turkey decoys
- Lightweight inflatable and collapsible design is portable
- True flock pack includes three hens and a Jake
- Provides three-dimensional realism
Cons
- Not as easy to inflate as anticipated
4. FlexTone FLXDY316 Hunting Game Calls Turkey
FlexTone FLXDY316 Hunting Turkey is another successful brand that has managed to establish itself in the niche of turkey hunting. Their FLXDY316 Hunting Game Calls are one of their most preferred turkey decoys. Most users call it the ultimate turkey decoy for reaping turkeys or staking it in the ground to draw a dominant gobbler.
The single decoy features a strutting profile that demands attention. Furthermore, it features a realistic color scheme and free spool stake that allows for lifelike movement. The profile appears intimidating and challenging to toms who will come close to a confrontation.
As with other high-quality models, this unit is made of inflatable rubber that’s lightweight and collapsible. Thus you carry it with ease to the fields in a collapsed state and then inflate it when out in the area. The collapsed design is incredibly light. It can fit in your pocket and backpack.
Besides the compact design, the FlexTone FLXDY316 Hunting Game Calls has an ergonomic handle that you can use while reaping. In addition, it comes with an included folding fan which you can use or attach to your fan.
The design is multi-colored with shiny featherlike rubber, which looks as closer to real turkey as possible. The decoys come in one size (which could be limiting) and weigh a paltry 1.18 kilograms. Check it out to see if it can satisfy your needs.
Pros
- Reals lifelike turkey decoy
- Strutting profile is excellent in attracting gobblers
- Realistic painting scheme
- Free spool stake promotes lifelike movement
- Compact body for effortless portability
Cons
- Comes in singles
- It’s a bit small but offers good value for money
5. Primos Chicken on a Stick Jake Turkey Decoy
The Primos Chicken on A Stick Jake decoy is what you need this spring to increase the success rate of your turkey hunting expeditions. According to Primos, they designed the lure to specifically “fan” in gobblers. However, it has stayed true to its expectations.
It is a unique form of turkey hunting that lets you get up close and candid with the big fiery toms. The perfectly engineered Chicken on A Stick decoy features a proprietary stake design. Such design consists of specific features necessary for the “fanning” hunter to do whatever it is meant for.
Those specific features include a built-in gun rest, handgrip as well as a mini-camera mount. The latter allows you to record the exciting moments of the hunt for a future revisit. Furthermore, you use the decoy as a free-standing Jake decoy. Alternatively, you can make part of your spread.
As with other Primos hunting products, the Chicken on A Stick Jake decoy is field-tested before releasing into the market. Besides, they all get approval from reputable and experienced hunters. Thus you can be sure of the quality and performance of this unit. Not to mention, they are handmade through ingenious craftsmanship.
Pros
- Well-built with lifelike design
- Built-in gun rest and small camera mount
- Field-tested and hunter-approved
- Made of durable and robust material
- Affordable yet excellent quality; good value for the money
Cons
- The complex design makes assembly difficult
- A better staking system is necessary
6. TargetEvo 2 Pack Jake & Hen Turkeys Decoy for Hunting
TargetEvo has emerged as one of the deciding brands when it comes to turkey hunting accessories. Their 2-pack Jake & Hen Turkey Decoys for hunting are testaments to that effect. The decoy features incredibly realistic feather patterns and high-definition coloration.
Each unit measures 24 inches x 8 inches x 8 inches when deployed. Such is the average size of a real turkey, making it an ideal helper in turkey hunting, whether for sports, meat, or recreation. Actually, many professional hunters vouch for TargetEvo.
Each of the decoys features a lightweight and super soft and EVA foam. In addition, the body is collapsible and comes with a decent-quality mesh storage bag to allow you to carry it conveniently to the field without weighing your down.
Since it comes with two stakes, the decoy is effortless to set up in the ground and provides multiple positions for additional realism. In addition, the foam can keep its shape wonderfully even if they get creased. You can use a hairdryer or simply leave them under the sun. They will quickly return to their original shape.
A good feature that buyers of the TargetEvo 2-pack Jake & Hen Turkey Decoys appreciate is that they turn in the wind. This may significantly increase the realism of the decoys and appreciably improve the performance.
Pros
- Extremely realistic feather patters
- High definition coloration for lifelike appearance
- Made of super-soft foam that’s lightweight and compact
- Effortless to set up on the ground and offer various positions
- Keeps shape fantastically even when creased
Cons
- The decoys may be overly light
- They may not overcome the dents that form during packaging.
7. MONTANA DECOY: Miss Purr-FECT
Montana Decoy’s Miss Purr-FECT is something that hunters around the world can identify with. It is one of the most versatile. Its design features two-leg pole slots that assist the different angles of individual poses. Moreover, a moldable wire neck allows you to position the bird the way you desire.
The design of the legs and the easiest to manipulate wire neck allows many poses, including the breeder pose, the looker pose, and the feeder pose. The breeder post will attract even the biggest toms while the looker position entices curious jakes and toms. Similarly, the feeder position will attract both hens and toms.
Miss Purr-FECT is easily collapsible to a small, compact form for easy setup and takedown in the field. You will be able to deploy it in seconds. It combines realistic appeal, lightweight construction, durability, and condensable nature to give you long service in the field.
It condenses down into an effortless fold and is wrapped up with a nylon bucket that comes with the package. Simply slip the decoy’s poles through the belt and then stuff it into your backpack. It measures 17 x 13 x 3 inches and weighs a paltry 1.7 pounds. Thus you can effortlessly carry it into distant woods without feeling weighed down.
Pros
- Perfect pose technology delivers incredible realism
- Three different poses attract all kinds of gobblers
- Collapsible and easy to set up and takedown
- Included buckle for transportation and storage
Cons
- There are no feathers that dent realism
- Description of the product is somewhat misleading
8. MOJO Scoot-N-Shoot MAX Tom Turkey Hunting Decoy
Although the MOJO Scoot-N-Shoot Max Tom Turkey Hunting Decoy does not have feathers, it is still delivered camouflage like no other. It has flared wings that provide more area to cover you as you hunt and features orange strips for your safety. In other words, it doubles as a stationary gobbler decoy.
The traditional MOJO Scoot-N-Shoot Max decoys feature removable artificial fans, which was an industry first. The brand has continually improved on that original successful design to develop an incredibly useful and successful lure.
The latest version, called max, has all the features of the traditional Scoot-N-Shoot but also includes more advanced features such as wing hubs and detachable wings. This promotes the use of real wings. Furthermore, there are see-through mesh windows within the fan to improve visibility while keeping you concealed.
This Boss Gobbler decoy features a built-in handle and a ground stake especially designed for use in a very effective turkey reaping. In addition, it supports a beautiful method is turkey hunting, where you can spot the birds by covering your face and much of your body as you can with the decoy.
While Max Tom Turkey Hunting Decoy does a great job, according to most hunters who purchased it, some wished it was a true 3D as chicken on a stake. It is important to note, however, that MOJO designed the decoy for a unique hunting method.
Pros
- Offers incredible camouflage for a successful hunt
- Features new, improved design
- Potentiates unique turkey hunting experience
- See-through window in the fan improves visibility
- Effortless to use with built-in handle and substantial ground stake
Cons
- The body is a bit too thick for some hunters’ liking
- Lacks realistic feathers but is still accurate enough to fool toms
9. Primos Gobbstopper Jake Turkey Decoy
The new Gobbstopper Jake Decoy from Primos features a high-definition paint scheme that closely resembles a live turkey. This decoy is lightweight and effortless to carry and transport to anywhere you please without feeling the pinch.
Furthermore, the Gobstopper Jake provides incredible realism yet remains incredibly affordable price. In fact, it is second in Primos Gobbstopper Series and features a custom design with lifelike color and detail to hoodwink even the weariest toms.
Made of collapsible EVA rubber, the soft-sided turkey decoy is light and packable. It is engineered to let hunters fold it and carry it hassle-free in their turkey vests. Regardless of where you intend to set up, the decoy won’t slow you down because of weight.
The Gobstopper Jake features a submissive, three-quarter strut posture that stirs the aggression in the leeriest toms. Such posture is the function of the solid two-piece stake included in the package that will come when you place an order.
Like all Primos products, the Gobbstopper Jake is hand-crafted to ensure that everything is done right. Furthermore, each product is field-tested and only given hunter’s approval if it passes the test with flying colors. Buy this turkey decoy, and you will enjoy high levels of success in spring.
Pros
- True-to-life turkey decoy at a pocket-friendly price
- Excellent detail and HD paint that compares to more expensive decoys
- Lightweight, compact and collapsible design for hassle-free handling
- Jake offers submissive, three-quarter strut postures
- Each decoy includes two sturdy stakes
Cons
- Cumbersome to set put out-of-box
- Harder to carry if you do not have a separate bag
10. Cherokee Billy Bad ACT 2 Inflatable Decoy, Black
As the ardent turkey hunter that you are, you will find these inflatable decoys from Cherokee Sports attractive options. Despite its excellent design and realism rivaling the expensive decoys, it is still pocket-friendly to many beginner hunters.
The Billy Bad ACT 2 Inflatable Decoys are incredibly lightweight, making them hassle-free to carry. Yet, they can give you the realism you require to fool that elderly tom gobbler into a shooting range. In addition, it is collapsible to allow you to pack it your turkey hunting bag or belt. No longer will you have to return from a hunting trip empty-handed, but you will marvel at your success rate.
Moreover, the Billy Bad Act II has a molded turkey head featuring a realistic paint scheme. The decoy is photo-printed for even better realism. Furthermore, it is designed to spin and strut in a breeze for excellent mimicry of real turkey.
This excellently simulates the head of a strutting gobbler attracting it toward the decoy. Even the weariest and the leeriest toms won’t resist checking the intruder out.
If you are a run-and-gun turkey hunter who thrives in being extremely mobile yet would love to add a full strut decoy to your collection of tricks, the Billy Bad Act II is a suitable choice. Each of the decoys is equipped with a two-piece polymer decoy stake.
Pros
- Lightweight, collapsible and inflatable design
- Designed to spin and strut even in a light breeze
- Photo-printed with a realistic paint scheme
- Each decoy comes with two stakes
Cons
- It cannot stay inflated for more extended periods
- It may not be big enough for more significant framed hunters.
Best Turkey Decoy Buying Guide
Many factors determine what the best turkey decoy should be. Most of these are design features, as the performance of these hunting accessories depends on how the gobblers will see them. However, some of the factors also have to do with your preferences.
That said, we intend to share with you what we consider as the most important factors that should shape your decision. So stay with us and learn more.
Types of Decoy Design and Materials
The first consideration before deciding on the best decoy for turkey hunting is the type of material. So, what material best suits your hunting style?
The construction material determines the weight and how packable the decoy is. You do not want something challenging to organize in your pocket, backpack, or hunting bag. Similarly, you won’t appreciate a heavy decoy.
In terms of hunting style, extremely packable decoys are ideal for run and gun hunters. Conversely, the full-body hard-shell decoy may be suitable for field hunters that are planning to stake his claim in a blind for the dawn.
The standard material includes foam, rubber, fabric, and plastic. On the other hand, design can be collapsible, hard body, inflatable, or silhouettes and come in the form of hens, jakes, or toms. Similarly, the decoys can be relaxed, submissive, strutting, breeding, or alert.
Here is a descriptive guide to the types and decoys based on material and other features.
Collapsible Foam Decoys
Collapsible foam models are great because you can back roll up into balls and keep them in your bag. Alternatively, you can flatten them up or even stick them on your vest or belt when you feel they are vital to your hunting success.
Foam decoys are generally lightweight, but they somewhat lack detail. This translates to lesser realism compared to other feathered models. You will have to pay this price for going after a packable turkey decoy.
Inflatable Rubber-Bodied Decoys
Rubber may not be the lightest material, but it makes a lovely material for turkey decoys. It achieves some level of collapsibility but not as much as foam models. Thus you will have to give up on packability but gain a lot of detail.
The modern inflatable rubber bodied offers incredible detail without the hard shell and excessive weight. However, you may have a minor issue setting the decoys up. When partially deflated, you can easily set them up in the trees without a problem.
Hard-body decoys
A hard-body decoy features hard plastic and is therefore not collapsible. They can achieve crazy levels of detail and realism. However, they are very bulky and somewhat heavy. Carrying such decoys around the woods can be tiring.
Besides, plastic creates a crackling sound when they scratch against the trees. This can spook the game and give you away during a hunt. More oversized decoys are made of plastic, for example, the full strut turkey decoys. They can hold their forms better than foam and rubber-bodied decoys.
They are excellent choices when you wish to set up in the woods for a more extended period. Besides, they are ideal for setting up in the field as blinds.
The Silhouette Decoys
These come in the form of rigid plastic foam or a fabric fold. Like the collapsible and inflatable models, they do not take too much space. As a result, they are great decoys to buy, especially if you intend to set up a flock because of their thin profile.
According to silhouette decoy enthusiasts, you can put up a flock of six or even 12 turkeys to give wild turkeys the illusion that they won’t resist. But, of course, no gobbler will resist the sight of a Jake or a tom feeding with a flock of hens.
This is a good idea if you are targeting a huge gobbler locked up with multiple hens. From experience, the attraction of a flock in broad open places such as fields and meadows can draw several birds from long distances, while a single decoy or two is frequently ignored.
A general guide to picking turkey decoys
The above discussion is good enough to help you make the right decision. However, you need to consider a few more things.
Your Hunting Style It would not make sense if you were to pick a decoy based on conjecture. So instead, you must consider your style of hunting. For instance, it wouldn’t be wise to choose a huge, bulky, noisy, rigid-bodied plastic decoy if you will be running and gunning the ridges the entire morning.
Instead, pick a soft, lightweight, and compact decoy that can effortlessly fit into the game back on your vest. You will be able to set it up to the quality, and it won’t weigh you down when you are on the move.
What Is The Breeding Cycle Of The Birds
You have to have enough information regarding the breeding cycle of turkey to make the right choice of a decoy to purchase. As long as the hens are still breeding, they will be looking for mates. In this case, go for alert or active hen decoy.
If the breeding period is over, then the best decoy would be a hen feeding out in the field to mimic a bird in its nesting stage. For example, gobblers expect nesting hens to feed around in the area; hence a feeding decoy turkey would attract them.
The Bird Population In Your Hunting Area
How many birds are in the area where you intend to hunt? Where there are many birds, you will need a full strut gobbler. In case of a low bird population or you are targeting a lone bird, then a single hen would do as a gobbler will make a move on it.
Your Hunting Set Up
Will you be hunting alone, or are there other hunters in your territory. If there will be other hunters, you need to be careful how you position yourself away from the decoy. Accidents may happen if you do not place yourself well. This is especially important if you are using gobbler or Jake decoys.
Turkey Decoy FAQs
Are turkey decoys worth investing in?
Turkeys are naturally cautious and elusive. Hunting them requires calling them or mimicking them as you cannot stalk them and succeed. An incredibly realistic decoy hen will more likely attract a gobbler, and that means success to you.
Are turkey decoys safe to use?
Apart from the solid and noxious rubbery smell associated with rubberized decoys, there are no safety issues to worry about. The rubber smell goes away a few hours after you get the decoy out of the box.
Can decoys scare turkeys?
This may be a strange question because decoys are meant to attract turkeys, not scare them. However, in a heavily hunted area, a gobbler, tom, Jake, or hen that has encountered a decoy before can feel scared and run away from it. Such cases are rare anyway.
Why won’t turkey come to by decoy?
Maybe you have used a particular brand of turkey decoy before, but the birds won’t come to it. So now you are looking for another brand thinking the one you had was not realistic enough. You could be correct, but the technique you use to set up the decoy matters a lot.
Final Verdict
Having a successful turkey hunt is the dream of every hunter. The best hunting decoy will go a lot of ways in helping you increase your chances of access. These products come in many different designs, materials, sizes, and colors.
We have presented you with what we believe to be the best decoys for the money. It’s now upon you to decide what fits your needs in terms of the features described under each. In addition, we included an in-depth buying guide that can help you make an individualized choice. You now have all the information you need to venture out for a successful shopping adventure.
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