First Thoughts on the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack promises to add realism and drawing power to any duck hunting spread. Higdon Outdoors is a well-known name in waterfowl hunting, so expectations are high. These decoys aim to mimic feeding ducks, creating a more natural and enticing scene for incoming birds.
I’ve always been searching for ways to improve my decoy spread to attract more ducks. Many times, I have witnessed real ducks actively feeding, and I have watched other hunters and guides include swimming or feeding decoys in their spread with success. The idea of using “duck butt” decoys to mimic active feeding is an interesting concept that promises to make the spread look more lifelike.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the size of these “butt” decoys. They are indeed magnum-sized, larger than some of my full-bodied decoys, which should enhance visibility. The paint job looks good, and the foam filling gives them a substantial feel, suggesting durability.
Compared to standard floating decoys, these offer a unique presentation that’s hard to replicate. Compared to motorized or swimming decoys, these are relatively inexpensive and require no batteries or maintenance. They seem like an easier, cheaper alternative to mechanical decoys to give a bit more movement to the spread. My initial impression is positive; I’m eager to see how these perform in a real hunting situation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack on a small, heavily pressured public hunting spot known for wary ducks. It was a cold, overcast morning with a light drizzle. The decoys were deployed amongst my existing mallard spread, focusing on the upwind side to simulate ducks feeding into the wind.
The installation was straightforward, thanks to the weighted keels. They quickly oriented themselves correctly in the water. The larger size made them easy to spot from a distance, even in the low light. Ducks responded almost immediately, with a pair of mallards circling the spread twice before committing to land.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack has proven to be a reliable addition to my spread. They have seen action in various weather conditions, from calm sunny days to blustery, icy mornings. The paint job is holding up well, showing no signs of peeling or fading despite constant exposure to water and mud.
There are a few minor scratches, but that’s expected with decoy use. Cleaning is easy, I typically just rinse them off with a hose after each hunt. The foam filling prevents them from sinking, which is a major plus compared to hollow plastic decoys. They appear durable and I expect many seasons of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
Specifications
- Magnum Size: These decoys are larger than standard duck decoys, increasing their visibility from a distance. The drake butt measures 11.5″ tail to keel, 6″ wide, and weighs 27.66 oz, while the hen butt is 12.375″ tail to keel, 6.25″ wide, and weighs 31.15 oz. The larger size adds presence to the spread.
- Foam Filled: The foam filling makes them exceptionally durable and prevents them from sinking if punctured. This increases longevity and reliability in rough hunting conditions.
- UV Painting Process: Higdon’s proprietary UV painting process is designed to minimize unnatural glare. This also should prevent peeling or fading over time, ensuring the decoys maintain their lifelike appearance season after season.
- XHD Hyper-Feathering Carving: Higdon’s XHD Hyper-Feathering carving techniques highlight individual feathers. This increases the realism of the decoys, even when wet.
- Weighted Keel: The weighted keel ensures the decoys sit upright and stable, even in choppy water. This allows for quick and easy set-up in the field.
- Species Multi Color: The pack includes one mallard drake and one mallard hen, providing a realistic mix of colors and patterns. This is important for attracting ducks who are used to seeing mixed groups.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack performs exceptionally well at attracting ducks. Their size and realistic appearance contribute to a more convincing decoy spread. The realism they add is a big advantage.
The primary strength lies in their ability to simulate active feeding, which can be particularly effective on pressured birds. Their size and realistic details make them a valuable addition to any spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The foam filling gives them a solid, substantial feel, and the paint job is well-executed. The size is substantial without being overly bulky or difficult to handle.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no setup or maintenance beyond deployment and retrieval. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The foam filling and durable paint suggest these decoys will last for many seasons. Maintenance is minimal. Just rinsing with water is typically sufficient to remove mud and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack doesn’t come with any specific accessories, and there are no customization options beyond placement in your spread. However, they are designed to complement any existing duck decoy setup. They work well with other mallard decoys and other species of duck decoys.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
Pros
- Magnum size increases visibility, attracting ducks from further away.
- Foam filling ensures durability and prevents sinking, even when punctured.
- Realistic paint and feather detailing enhance the overall appearance.
- Weighted keel provides stability and ease of setup.
- Effective at simulating active feeding, which can be critical on pressured birds.
Cons
- Pricier than standard hollow plastic decoys.
- The size, while beneficial for visibility, can make them slightly more cumbersome to transport in large quantities.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack?
These decoys are perfect for avid duck hunters looking to add realism and effectiveness to their spread. They are especially useful for hunting pressured areas where ducks are wary of traditional decoy setups. Anyone who values durability and realistic decoys will appreciate the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack.
Hunters on a very tight budget may want to consider cheaper, less durable alternatives. Those who primarily hunt large, unpressured areas might not see as much benefit from the added realism. No must-have accessories are required, but using them in conjunction with other high-quality mallard decoys will maximize their effectiveness.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack is a worthwhile investment for serious duck hunters. These decoys add a level of realism that can significantly improve your success rate, especially on pressured birds. The added durability from the foam filling and the UV paint that doesn’t peel should make them last for many seasons.
The price is justified given the quality and performance. I would absolutely recommend these to anyone looking to elevate their decoy game. Go ahead and add these to your spread and watch the ducks commit!