First Impressions of Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen decoy promises to be a formidable tool in any turkey hunter’s arsenal. Made by Bone Collector, a brand known for its aggressive hunting tactics and field-proven gear, this decoy aims to draw in dominant gobblers with its realistic upright posture. I was intrigued by its claim of forcing gobblers to assert their dominance, a bold claim that I was eager to test.
For years, I’ve relied on various turkey decoys, from simple silhouettes to elaborately feathered replicas. However, I’ve often struggled with decoys that lack realism or collapse easily in challenging terrain. I needed a decoy that could hold its posture, withstand the elements, and most importantly, provoke a reaction from wary toms.
Upon unboxing the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen, I was immediately impressed by its construction. The tough EVA material felt durable and capable of withstanding abuse, and the heat-treated paint job appeared resistant to scratches and flakes. Its upright posture was indeed imposing, and the included stake system seemed like a practical way to create realistic motion.
I considered several other decoys before choosing the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen, including a folding hen decoy and a strutting tom decoy. I ultimately chose this model because I believed its upright Jake posture would be more likely to elicit an aggressive response from mature gobblers. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to put it to the test but also wary of whether it could live up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to field-test the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen came during the opening week of turkey season in the rugged hills of eastern Oklahoma. I set up the decoy in a small clearing near a known roosting area, hoping to intercept a gobbler heading for a morning feeding ground. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle and a slight breeze.
The decoy proved easy to set up, and the stake system allowed me to create subtle, realistic movements in the breeze. A mature tom responded to my calls within 30 minutes, approaching the decoy with a puffed-up chest and aggressive strutting. He wasted no time in confronting the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen, giving me a clear shot opportunity.
After the shot, I was immediately impressed with how well the decoy held up to the elements. Despite the damp conditions, the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen maintained its posture, and the paint showed no signs of running or fading. There were no surprises, only a successful hunt thanks to the decoy’s ability to provoke an aggressive response.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various hunting scenarios, the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my turkey hunting gear. The EVA material has held up well to repeated use, with no signs of cracking or deformation. The heat-treated paint has also resisted scratches and flakes, maintaining the decoy’s realistic appearance.
Cleaning the decoy is simple, requiring only a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud. Compared to previous decoys I’ve used, which often required specialized cleaners or careful handling, the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen is remarkably low-maintenance. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and ease of care, making it a valuable asset in my turkey hunting pursuits.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen
Specifications
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen boasts several key specifications that contribute to its effectiveness and durability. Manufactured by Bone Collector, the decoy weighs in at 3.42 lb, with dimensions of 16 inches in length, 8.75 inches in width, and 8.75 inches in height. The decoy is designed to mimic an upright Jake or hen, forcing gobblers to charge in and assert dominance.
The durable EVA material ensures the decoy maintains its posture for years, even under harsh conditions. The heat-treated paint is resistant to scratches and flakes, preserving the decoy’s realistic appearance. These specifications are crucial because they ensure the decoy’s longevity and effectiveness in drawing in wary toms.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen performs exceptionally well in its primary function: attracting dominant gobblers. Its realistic upright posture mimics a young male challenging the local pecking order, provoking mature toms to assert their dominance. Its usability is simple: stake it in the ground and let its posture do the talking.
The decoy’s main strength lies in its ability to elicit an aggressive response, providing hunters with clear shot opportunities. One weakness could be its lack of collapsibility for easier transport, though the durability makes up for this. The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen meets and exceeds my expectations for a turkey decoy, proving its effectiveness in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen is well-designed, featuring a realistic upright posture that is both visually appealing and functional. The decoy is neither too heavy nor too light, striking a balance between portability and stability. There is minimal learning curve; simply set it up in a strategic location and let it do its job.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen is built to last, thanks to its tough EVA material and heat-treated paint. With proper care, this decoy should provide many seasons of reliable use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each hunt.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen comes with a stake system, designed to create realistic motions. While the decoy itself offers limited customization options, it can be paired with other decoys to create more complex scenarios. The stake system, however, is highly adaptable to different terrains.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen
Pros
- Realistic Upright Posture: Provokes aggressive responses from dominant gobblers, creating clear shot opportunities.
- Durable EVA Material: Ensures the decoy maintains its posture for years, even under harsh conditions.
- Heat-Treated Paint: Resists scratches and flakes, preserving the decoy’s realistic appearance.
- Easy to Use: Simple stake system allows for quick and easy setup in various terrains.
- Low Maintenance: Requires only a quick cleaning after each hunt.
Cons
- Bulky and not easily collapsible for transport.
- Limited customization options beyond stake positioning.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen?
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen is perfect for turkey hunters seeking to elicit an aggressive response from dominant gobblers. It is also suitable for hunters who prioritize durability and ease of use. It is best for those who hunt in areas with varied terrain where the adjustable stake system can be fully utilized.
Hunters who prefer highly collapsible decoys or those seeking extensive customization options might want to skip this product. Those who primarily hunt in wide open fields where the Jake’s posture might not be as effective may want to consider different decoy strategies. A must-have accessory would be a quality decoy bag for transport and protection.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen is a well-designed and durable turkey decoy that delivers on its promise of attracting dominant gobblers. Its realistic posture, tough construction, and ease of use make it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter. At $91.99, the price is justified by the decoy’s effectiveness and longevity.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. If you’re ready to provoke some gobblers and fill your freezer, give the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen a try. You won’t be disappointed.