First Thoughts on the Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
Turkey hunting, for me, is a ritual. It’s about more than just the harvest; it’s about the challenge, the strategy, and the connection with the land. The Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber decoy promises to enhance that experience, offering a heightened level of realism and visibility in the field.
I’ve relied on various decoys over the years, some cheap, some not so much. I was looking for a decoy that could draw in those wary toms, especially in areas with dense cover. The “Lookout” design of this hen, with its promise of increased visibility, is what initially piqued my interest.
The Avian X decoy arrived in a simple, yet effective, package. The paint job appeared realistic, even under close scrutiny, and the Dura-Rubber material felt substantial. Picking it up, the weight felt right, suggesting a robust build without being overly cumbersome to carry.
Compared to my older, more basic decoys, the Avian X stands out immediately. It boasts a more intricate paint scheme and a noticeably more lifelike posture. Against a Flambeau Masters Series Hen, which is lighter and less detailed, or a Dave Smith Decoys (DSD) hen, which is significantly more expensive, the Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber appears to strike a good balance of quality and price.
My first impression was definitely excitement. If this decoy performs as good as it looks, it could be a game-changer for my spring season. I looked forward to putting it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber on a recent hunt in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The area was a mix of open fields and thick brush, the ideal setting for the “Lookout” hen to prove its worth. The morning dawned cool and damp, with a light fog lingering in the valleys.
The decoy performed admirably even in the low-light conditions. Its slightly elevated posture and realistic paint scheme made it visible even through patches of fog and tall grass. I positioned it about 20 yards from my blind, with a jake decoy nearby to simulate a breeding scenario.
Within an hour, a mature tom responded to my calls and made its way towards the setup. He circled the decoys cautiously, clearly interested in the hen. The tom displayed and eventually committed, giving me a clean shot. It was a successful hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across various hunts, the Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of paint chipping or cracking, even after being transported in the back of my truck and exposed to rain and mud. The Dura-Rubber material shows excellent resistance to abrasions.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all it takes to keep it clean. Compared to some of my older, less durable decoys that have required frequent touch-ups, the Avian X has proven to be a low-maintenance workhorse.
This decoy has definitely exceeded my expectations. It combines realistic looks with impressive durability, making it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. The height advantage truly works to improve visibility.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
Specifications
- Name: Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber. This is the specific model we are evaluating.
- Type: Turkey Decoy – Hen. The product is designed to mimic a female turkey.
- Material: Dura-Rubber. The decoy is constructed from durable rubber for long-lasting use.
- Color: Multi-Color. The paint scheme is designed to accurately represent a real turkey hen.
- Design: Lifelike Collapsible Decoy (LCD). The decoy is designed to be easily transported and set up.
- Special Feature: Elevated “Lookout” Posture. The height is intended to increase visibility in various terrains.
These specifications are critical because they contribute to the decoy’s realism, durability, and ease of use. The Dura-Rubber ensures the decoy can withstand the rigors of the hunt, while the multi-color paint scheme creates a lifelike appearance that attracts turkeys. The “Lookout” posture offers a significant advantage in areas with tall grass or dense vegetation.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber performs its job exceptionally well. It effectively attracts gobblers, especially when used in conjunction with other decoys, such as jakes or strutting toms. It’s very believable in most natural settings.
Its primary strength lies in its increased visibility. This is especially helpful in areas where traditional ground-level decoys can be obscured by vegetation. The only potential weakness is that its height might make it slightly less realistic in completely open fields, where turkeys may not expect to see a hen standing so tall.
The decoy meets and exceeds expectations. The increased visibility, combined with its realistic appearance, makes it a highly effective tool for attracting turkeys. It’s become a core element in my setups.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The Dura-Rubber material feels robust and durable, capable of withstanding repeated use and exposure to the elements. Its weight is manageable, making it easy to carry in a vest or backpack.
The design is user-friendly. It’s straightforward to set up and take down, thanks to the collapsible design. There is essentially no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Dura-Rubber construction suggests it will last for many seasons. So far, after several weeks of use, it shows no signs of significant wear or damage. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to maintain its appearance.
No repairs have been needed. The construction seems solid, so I anticipate it will continue to perform well for years to come. It is indeed a robust decoy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it pairs well with a variety of other turkey hunting gear. Adding a stake to adjust the height or angle is an option. Also, using it alongside jake or tom decoys enhances the realism of your setup.
Because it is a fairly standard size hen decoy, it’s compatible with many after-market stakes and carrying bags designed for turkey decoys. I have used mine with a universal decoy carry bag and it works perfectly. Its realistic paint job makes it a good fit with other name brands in the turkey hunting space.
Pros and Cons of Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
Pros
- Realistic Appearance: The detailed paint scheme and lifelike posture effectively attract turkeys.
- Increased Visibility: The elevated “Lookout” posture makes it visible in tall grass and dense vegetation.
- Durable Construction: The Dura-Rubber material withstands wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting use.
- Easy to Transport: The collapsible design makes it easy to carry and store.
- Effective in Various Conditions: Performs well in both open fields and wooded areas.
Cons
- Slightly Less Realistic in Open Fields: The elevated posture might appear unnatural in completely open areas.
- Price: It is more expensive than some basic decoys on the market.
Who Should Buy Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber?
This decoy is perfect for turkey hunters who hunt in areas with dense vegetation or uneven terrain. It is also well suited for hunters looking for a durable and realistic decoy that can withstand the rigors of the hunt. Experienced hunters who want to enhance their decoy spreads will also benefit from this product.
Hunters who primarily hunt in completely open fields or are on a very tight budget might want to consider other options. Simpler, less expensive decoys may suffice in those situations. But the serious hunter looking to improve their odds will see the value.
A good quality decoy bag for transport and a sturdy, adjustable stake are must-have accessories. Experimenting with different decoy setups (e.g., hen-only, hen and jake, hen and tom) can further enhance its effectiveness.
Conclusion on Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
The Avian X AVX-AVX8006 LCD Lookout Hen Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber is an exceptional turkey decoy that combines realism, durability, and functionality. Its elevated posture offers a significant advantage in areas with dense vegetation, while its Dura-Rubber construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the hunt. This makes it a great option for turkey hunters.
The price is justified by the quality and effectiveness of the decoy. It’s an investment that will likely pay off in increased hunting success over multiple seasons. You get what you pay for.
I would definitely recommend this decoy to anyone looking to enhance their turkey hunting setup. It’s a valuable tool that can significantly improve your chances of bagging a gobbler. Get out there and give it a try this Spring!