Let’s Dive into Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is designed to mimic a relaxed hen, enticing gobblers during all phases of the season, but particularly during the late season when hens are often solitary. Hunters Specialties has aimed for realism and packability with this decoy. The hope is to draw those stubborn Toms into shooting range.
My early season hunts were consistently unproductive last year, even with a spread of multiple decoys. The dominant hens seemed to keep the Toms away, or maybe I was just impatient. I was looking for a decoy that could represent a less threatening hen.
The initial unboxing experience revealed a lightweight decoy, seemingly well-formed with realistic detail. The expanded rubber material felt durable but also flexible, a good sign for packing. Compared to my hard plastic decoys, the Hunters Specialties offering appeared far more portable.
I considered other feeding hen decoys from Primos and Avian-X, but ultimately chose the Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy because of its reputation for being exceptionally lightweight and foldable. I was excited to try this in the field! I was particularly impressed by the paint’s claimed resistance to flaking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy was on a late-season hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The conditions were damp and cool with a light drizzle, typical for springtime in that region. I positioned the decoy about 20 yards from my blind in a small clearing near a creek bed.
The decoy was easy to set up with the included strut stake. The natural feeding position of the Penny Snood was convincing. Initially, there were no takers, but after about an hour, a lone gobbler appeared on the ridge.
He approached cautiously, but was clearly interested in the hen. He strutted and fanned his tail before closing the distance. The gobbler never suspected a thing. The hunt ended with a successful harvest, thanks to the Hunters Specialties decoy!
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy has held up remarkably well. I have used it in various terrains, from dense woods to open fields, and in all kinds of weather. There is some minor dirt accumulation but no significant wear and tear.
The expanded rubber material has proven to be crease-resistant. The paint remains intact, with no signs of flaking, despite being folded and packed multiple times. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. It has far outperformed my expectations.
Compared to my older, rigid decoys, the Penny Snood offers unparalleled portability and realistic appearance. It has become an essential part of my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy features a relaxed, feeding position designed to attract gobblers, particularly late in the season. The decoy is constructed from expanded rubber. This material resists creases and dents.
The decoy’s weight is a mere 1.2 lbs, making it highly portable. It also boasts iridescent, no-flake paint for enhanced realism. The package includes a Dual Position Strut Stake for versatile setup options.
The light weight is critical for hunters who cover a lot of ground. The no-flake paint maintains the decoy’s realism over time.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy excels at attracting wary gobblers, especially when other tactics fail. Its lifelike appearance and non-threatening posture create a sense of security for approaching Toms. The dual-position stake allows for flexible placement in various environments.
The decoy’s primary strength lies in its realism. It successfully convinces even cautious birds. A minor weakness is that in very windy conditions, the lightweight design can make it prone to tipping over.
The Penny Snood exceeds expectations in terms of portability and effectiveness. It is a reliable and valuable tool for any turkey hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is designed with portability and realism in mind. The expanded rubber material ensures the decoy remains lightweight and easy to pack. Its natural feeding posture and detailed paint scheme enhance its lifelike appearance.
The decoy is incredibly user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. Setup is quick and straightforward thanks to the collapsible folding stake system.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is built to last. The expanded rubber material is durable and resistant to damage. With proper care, it should provide many seasons of use.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down after each hunt is all that is needed to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy comes with a collapsible folding stake system with a self-balancing full-body internal tube. This allows for easy and consistent placement, even in low-light conditions. There are no specific customization options available.
However, the decoy can be paired with other decoys from Hunters Specialties or other brands to create a more complex and realistic setup. It would work well in a spread that included an upright hen and a jake decoy.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and portable.
- Realistic appearance with no-flake paint.
- Effective at attracting wary gobblers.
- Durable expanded rubber construction.
- Easy to set up and maintain.
Cons
- Can be prone to tipping in high winds.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy?
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who prioritize portability and realism. It is particularly well-suited for hunters who cover a lot of ground or hunt in areas with challenging terrain. This is also an excellent choice for late-season hunters seeking a less aggressive decoy.
Hunters who prefer rigid, highly detailed decoys may want to skip this product. Those who primarily hunt in windy conditions might also consider a heavier, more stable option.
A small bag to carry the decoy and stake separately is a must-have accessory to prevent any potential damage during transport.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy
The Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy is a highly effective and portable tool that has earned a permanent place in my turkey hunting arsenal. At $79.99, the price is justified by its performance, durability, and ease of use. The lightweight design and realistic appearance make it a standout choice for hunters seeking to improve their success in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hunters Specialties Strut Penny Snood Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective decoy. Get yours today and experience the difference!