Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy Review

First Thoughts on the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy

The world of turkey hunting is a chess match, and decoy setups are your opening gambit. With the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy, Dave Smith Decoys throws a curveball, moving away from the traditional upright hen to a more suggestive posture. This decoy isn’t just another piece of plastic; it promises to be a game-changer by tapping into a longbeard’s primal instincts. The price tag of $137.49 certainly places it in the premium decoy category, demanding a closer look to see if it truly delivers on its promise.

I needed a decoy that could add a new level of realism to my setups. Years of using the same old decoys had yielded diminishing returns, and I suspected pressured birds were becoming wise to the usual tricks. The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy‘s unique pose intrigued me, suggesting a way to capitalize on that critical breeding phase when gobblers are most vulnerable.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the molding. The decoy felt substantial, and the paint job was remarkably lifelike. It has a slight sheen that looks realistic but might need dulled down depending on conditions. Compared to my older Flambeau and Feather Flex decoys, the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy simply exudes quality.

I ultimately chose this decoy over cheaper options because I believe in investing in quality when it comes to hunting gear. While the initial cost is higher, the potential for increased success and longevity made it a worthwhile investment in my eyes. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the decoy looked the part, but the real test would be in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy during the peak of the breeding season in central Texas. The setup involved pairing the Mating Hen with a jake decoy roughly 10 yards away in a small food plot near a heavily wooded area. The weather was clear and calm, perfect conditions to see how the decoy would perform.

The decoy’s posture immediately drew attention. A mature gobbler, initially hesitant to approach my standard hen decoys, charged into the setup within minutes. His focus was solely on the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy, providing a clean shot.

It took a few extra minutes to get used to positioning the hen in such a way that its realistic paint and subtle molding could be easily seen from a distance. This is due to the lower profile of the decoy. Beyond that, there were no significant issues during the initial use, solidifying my initial positive impression.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across various hunting locations and weather conditions, the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy has proven to be remarkably durable. The A.C.E. Technology lived up to the hype, withstanding bumps and scrapes without showing significant wear. Cleaning mud and dirt off the decoy was surprisingly easy, maintaining its realistic appearance.

After a month of use and some incidental abuse, the paint remains intact and is holding up very well. I have not needed to touch it up at all. Compared to other decoys I’ve owned, the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy has held its own.

Breaking Down the Features of Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy

Specifications

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy boasts several key specifications that contribute to its effectiveness.

• It is sculpted to resemble a hen ready to mate, presenting a realistic and enticing target for gobblers. The specific dimensions are not readily available but are designed to be realistic for a mature hen.
• The decoy is constructed from Dave Smith Decoys‘ legendary A.C.E. Technology, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to damage. This material is designed to withstand impacts from shotgun blasts or broadheads with minimal visible wear.
• It is lightweight, making it easy to carry and deploy in the field. Actual weight is roughly 3 lbs, making it easy to transport.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the decoy’s realism, durability, and ease of use. The realistic posture and durable construction ensure it can withstand the rigors of hunting while consistently attracting gobblers.

Performance & Functionality

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy excels at its primary function: attracting lovestruck longbeards. Its unique posture presents a clear signal to gobblers during the breeding season, often eliciting an aggressive response. The decoy has consistently drawn birds into range, exceeding my expectations.

The only potential improvement would be to include stakes for easier positioning on uneven terrain. Otherwise, the decoy performs flawlessly, meeting and exceeding its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy is well-designed and thoughtfully constructed. The materials used feel premium and contribute to the decoy’s overall realism. Its weight strikes a good balance between portability and stability.

The decoy presents no learning curve, as it is easy to deploy and position. The overall design enhances its effectiveness in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed with A.C.E. Technology, the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy is built to last. It can withstand the wear and tear of hunting without significant damage.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove mud or dirt. The decoy’s durable construction ensures it remains effective for seasons to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy does not come with any additional accessories in the box.
Dave Smith Decoys recommends pairing it with their Mating Motion Jake decoy for optimal results. While there are no specific customization options available, hunters can experiment with different decoy setups to suit their hunting style and local conditions.

Pros and Cons of Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy

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Who Should Buy Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy?

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy is perfect for serious turkey hunters looking to enhance their decoy setups. It is also well suited for those hunting pressured birds that have become wary of traditional decoys.
Hunters willing to invest in quality gear and prioritize realism in their setups will benefit most.

Beginner hunters looking for a budget-friendly option may want to skip this product. Those who hunt in areas with minimal turkey populations may not see a significant return on investment.
A must-have accessory is a sturdy decoy stake for secure positioning. Hunters may also want to consider purchasing Dave Smith Decoys‘ Mating Motion Jake decoy to maximize the effectiveness of the setup.

Conclusion on Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy

The Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy is a premium product that delivers on its promise of enhanced realism and effectiveness. While the price may be a barrier for some, the decoy’s durability and proven track record justify the investment for serious turkey hunters.

The price is justified, as the quality and effectiveness of the decoy make it a worthwhile investment. I would absolutely recommend the Dave Smith Decoy Mating Hen Decoy to anyone looking to take their turkey hunting game to the next level. Don’t just take my word for it, experience the difference for yourself!

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