Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen Review

Let’s Dive into Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen

Duck hunting is in my blood. My grandfather taught me the ropes on the Mississippi flyway, and I’ve carried on the tradition for over a decade, constantly refining my techniques and gear. After years of using hand-me-down decoys and budget-friendly options that just didn’t cut it, I decided it was time to invest in a solid spread that would attract even the most skeptical mallards. That’s when I stumbled upon the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen.

I needed a durable, realistic, and affordable decoy option to build a large spread without breaking the bank. Too many decoys on the market sacrifice quality for cost, ending up looking like cheap plastic toys that flare birds faster than you can say “quack.” I was hoping the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen would strike the right balance.

Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised. The decoys felt sturdier than I anticipated, and the paint jobs, while not museum-quality, had a decent level of detail, especially considering the price point. They felt light enough to carry a good number of them into the field, but also substantial enough to hold their own in a moderate chop.

I considered several other options, including Higdon Outdoors Standard Mallards and Greenhead Gear Hot Buy Mallards. Ultimately, I chose the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen because of Avery’s reputation for producing reliable gear and the generally positive reviews regarding their realism and durability for the price. Plus, the weighted keels promised easy and quick deployment, a huge plus when you’re racing against sunrise.

My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could these decoys really deliver the realism and durability I needed, or would they end up being another disappointment? Only time, and a few flocks of wary mallards, would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen was on a crisp November morning on a backwater slough off the Illinois River. I deployed the decoys in a classic J-hook formation, using a mix of resting and feeding postures to create a natural-looking spread. The weighted keels lived up to their promise, snapping the decoys upright quickly, even in a slight current.

The decoys performed admirably in the cool, slightly overcast conditions. The mallards showed interest immediately, with several small flocks circling and eventually committing to the spread. The vibrant color contrast helped the decoys stand out against the murky water.

I did notice a couple of minor issues during that first hunt. The paint seemed a bit susceptible to scratching when the decoys bumped against each other in the decoy bag. Also, a slight sheen was noticeable on the plastic in direct sunlight, something I’d need to address with some matte sealant.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen have held up surprisingly well. While the paint has inevitably chipped in a few spots, the decoys remain structurally sound and continue to attract birds. I hunt about 2-3 times a week during the season.

The decoys have proven durable enough to withstand being tossed in and out of the boat, enduring freezing temperatures, and even a few accidental encounters with submerged logs. The weighted keels have held up without cracking or breaking.

Maintaining the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen is straightforward. After each hunt, I rinse them off with fresh water to remove mud and debris, then store them in a dedicated decoy bag. Occasional touch-ups with matte paint are needed to maintain their realism, especially in high-wear areas.

Compared to the hand-me-down decoys I used previously, these Avery decoys are a significant upgrade. They are more realistic, easier to deploy, and have proven to be far more effective at attracting ducks. They might not be top-of-the-line, but they definitely outperform my expectations for an economy option.

Breaking Down the Features of Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen

Specifications

• The Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen includes 12 mallard decoys, featuring a mix of drakes and hens. This provides a more natural-looking spread, as ducks rarely congregate in single-sex groups.
• The decoys feature weighted, self-righting keels, designed for quick and easy setup in various water conditions. This ensures that the decoys remain upright, even in choppy water or currents.
• The decoys are constructed from a durable, yet lightweight plastic, offering a balance between longevity and portability. This allows hunters to carry a large spread without being weighed down.
• The decoys are painted with realistic postures and vibrant color contrast to mimic the appearance of live mallards. This aims to attract ducks from a distance and convince them that the spread is safe.
• The Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen are designed to provide an ideal foundation for large spreads, meaning they are intended to be used in conjunction with other decoys to create a more convincing setup. This helps to create a more realistic and appealing presentation for approaching waterfowl.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the effectiveness and convenience of the decoys in the field. The weighted keels save time and effort during setup, while the durable construction ensures that the decoys can withstand the rigors of hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen performs its job admirably, attracting mallards consistently throughout the season. The realistic postures and color contrast are effective at drawing ducks in, even on pressured waters.

The biggest strength of these decoys is their superb value. You get a dozen realistic-looking decoys for a price that won’t break the bank. A weakness is the paint durability; it’s prone to scratching and chipping.

The decoys meet and somewhat exceed my expectations, considering their price point. They are not the highest quality decoys on the market, but they offer an excellent balance of realism, durability, and affordability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen is good for its price range. The materials used are durable enough to withstand regular use, and the weight is manageable for carrying a large spread.

These decoys are very user-friendly. The self-righting keels make deployment quick and easy, and there’s no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen should last for several seasons. The plastic is durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear, and the weighted keels are well-constructed.

Maintaining the decoys is simple. A quick rinse after each hunt and occasional paint touch-ups are all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen does not come with any additional accessories. However, they are compatible with a wide range of decoy cords and weights available from various brands.

Hunters can customize their spread by adding different types of decoys, such as pintails or teal, or by using different decoy rigging techniques. Using different lengths of decoy cord can help add movement to your spread.

Pros and Cons of Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen

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Who Should Buy Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen?

These decoys are perfect for budget-conscious duck hunters looking to build a large, effective decoy spread. They are also well-suited for beginner hunters who are just starting out and don’t want to invest in expensive decoys.

Hunters who demand the absolute highest level of realism and durability should skip this product. Those hunters should look at higher end decoys.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality decoy bag for storage and transport, as well as durable decoy cords and weights for rigging. Adding a jerk cord system to impart motion to the decoys can also increase their effectiveness.

Conclusion on Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen

The Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen provides an excellent value for duck hunters seeking a realistic and durable decoy option without the premium price tag. While the paint durability could be improved, the decoys perform admirably in the field and have proven to be effective at attracting mallards.

The price is definitely justified for what you get. These decoys offer a significant step up from budget-friendly options without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend the Avery Outdoors ES Mallards, Dozen to any duck hunter looking to build a large, effective decoy spread on a budget. Don’t let wary waterfowl get the best of you. Get your spread together and get out there.