First Thoughts on the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy promises to be more than just another piece of plastic in the field. Dave Smith Decoys has built a reputation for incredibly realistic and durable decoys, and this one aims to capitalize on that. At $137.49, it’s a premium decoy, so it needs to deliver a premium performance to justify the cost.
I’ve spent years trying to coax wary toms into range, and subtle differences in decoy appearance and behavior can make or break a hunt. I was looking for a decoy that provided unmatched realism and durability. My old spread, filled with cheaper, less convincing hens, just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
Unboxing the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the molding and paint job. The detail is remarkable, truly mimicking the subtle nuances of a real hen’s posture and feather patterns. It definitely felt more substantial than many of the hollow plastic decoys I’ve used in the past.
Compared to my older Flambeau and Primos decoys, the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy stands out immediately. The others look almost cartoonish in comparison. While they worked in the past, I chose this decoy, hoping for a significant increase in realism to fool even the wariest birds.
My first impression was definitely excitement. This isn’t just a decoy; it’s an investment in a more successful hunt. Time will tell if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
I first deployed the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy on a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The weather was typical for that time of year: cool, damp, and occasionally windy. I placed it about 20 yards in front of my blind, using a single stake to keep it upright.
The decoy held its own even in moderate winds, maintaining a natural, upright posture. The matte finish prevented any unnatural glare that could spook approaching birds. One thing I noticed was how natural the decoy looked even with a light coating of mud, a common occurrence in turkey hunting.
The first tom that responded to my calls approached cautiously but showed immediate interest in the decoy. He strutted and displayed for several minutes before closing the distance, ultimately providing a clean shot. It was a much faster and more convincing reaction than I usually see with my older decoys.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring and fall turkey season, the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy has proven to be incredibly durable. Despite being tossed in and out of my truck, subjected to rain, mud, and even a brief encounter with a curious coyote, it shows very little wear and tear. The sprayed, pigmented and ultra durable version of DSD really holds up!
There are a few minor scuffs on the paint, but nothing that detracts from its overall realism. Cleaning it is simple: a quick rinse with water and a soft brush is all it takes. Compared to my older decoys, which often crack or fade after a season, this Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy is a clear winner in terms of longevity.
It noticeably outperforms my previous decoy setups. It has consistently attracted more attention from toms and seems to hold their attention for longer periods. This translates to more opportunities for a successful harvest.
Breaking Down the Features of Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy
Specifications
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy is crafted using a sprayed, pigmented and ultra durable version of DSD. This material ensures both realistic appearance and exceptional longevity. The specific weight is not provided. However, it’s noticeably heavier than typical hollow plastic decoys, adding to its stability in windy conditions.
The specifications matter because they directly impact the decoy’s realism and durability. The quality of the material and paint finish contribute to its lifelike appearance. The weight provides stability, and the overall durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy performs exceptionally well in attracting and holding the attention of wild turkeys. Its realistic posture and paint scheme are highly effective in fooling even wary toms. It’s easy to deploy and holds its position well, even in windy conditions.
The only weakness is that the upright posture might not be ideal in every hunting situation. Sometimes a more submissive, breeding pose is preferable. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a premium turkey decoy.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding. The materials feel robust and durable. The realistic paint scheme and detailed molding create a very convincing hen decoy.
The design is user-friendly with no learning curve. Simply attach it to a stake and place it in your desired location.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, this decoy is built to last for many seasons of hard use. The sprayed, pigmented and ultra durable version of DSD is highly resistant to cracking, fading, and other forms of wear and tear. Maintenance is minimal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy does not come with any specific accessories beyond the standard stake for deployment. Customization options are limited due to the nature of the product. However, its realistic appearance means minimal customization is needed.
It is compatible with standard decoy stakes available from various brands. Adding a small amount of scent attractant near the decoy could potentially enhance its effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy
Pros
- Unmatched realism: The detailed molding and paint scheme are incredibly lifelike, fooling even the wariest toms.
- Exceptional durability: The sprayed, pigmented and ultra durable version of DSD stands up to the rigors of hunting, ensuring years of use.
- Effective in windy conditions: The heavier weight provides stability, preventing the decoy from tipping over or looking unnatural.
- Easy to use: Simple deployment with a standard stake.
- Increased hunting success: I’ve consistently seen a more positive response from turkeys compared to my older, less realistic decoys.
Cons
- Price: At $137.49, it’s a significant investment compared to cheaper decoys.
- Limited posture options: The upright posture may not be ideal in every hunting situation.
Who Should Buy Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy?
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and durability from their equipment. It’s also a good choice for hunters who are tired of replacing cheap decoys every few seasons. Experienced hunters understand the value of a premium decoy that can consistently attract birds.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who only hunt occasionally might want to consider less expensive options. This product is for those that want an edge and demand the best. A must-have accessory would be a quality decoy bag to protect your investment during transport.
Conclusion on Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy
The Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy is an outstanding product that delivers on its promise of realism and durability. While the price is higher than many other decoys on the market, the improved hunting success and long-lasting construction justify the investment.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want to give yourself the best possible chance of success, this decoy is well worth the money. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any experienced turkey hunter looking to upgrade their spread. Upgrade your hunting game. Get the Dave Smith Decoy Upright Hen Decoy!