Let’s Talk About Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack promises a realistic and effective way to lure waterfowl, specifically mallards, to your hunting setup. Avery Outdoors has a solid reputation, and this six-pack of decoys aims to provide consistent results for hunters seeking a productive day in the field. What caught my attention was the claim of durability coupled with affordability, a combination that often proves elusive in the world of hunting gear.
For years, I’ve struggled with flimsy decoys that lose their paint after a single season or crack under minimal pressure. I needed a set that could withstand the rigors of marsh hunting, including transport, setup, and retrieval, season after season. The promise of durable construction drew me to this particular pack.
Upon unboxing, the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack felt surprisingly substantial. The plastic had a reassuring thickness, and the paint job, while not museum-quality, seemed adequately applied for field use. Their weight suggested a stable presence in the water, less prone to tipping over in choppy conditions, something I’ve battled with lighter decoys.
I considered other options like the Flambeau Storm Front2 Mallards and the GHG Pro-Grade Mallards. I chose the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack for its balance of affordability and seemingly robust build. The Flambeau, while cheaper, felt noticeably less durable, and the GHG, though highly regarded, carried a significantly higher price tag.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. These decoys looked like they could deliver on their promise of durability and realism. Time in the marsh would reveal their true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack was on a crisp November morning on the Chesapeake Bay. I deployed them in a small spread, mixed with some older decoys, in a shallow, grassy area known for attracting early-season mallards. The conditions were challenging, with a stiff breeze and choppy water.
The decoys handled the wind well, maintaining a stable position and realistic movement. The “harvester” positions, with a mix of feeders and rester, added a touch of natural variety to the spread. No issues were noted, though I was paying extra attention to making sure they wouldn’t tip over.
The only minor issue was the slightly shiny finish, which, under direct sunlight, could potentially spook wary birds. This was easily remedied by dusting them with some marsh mud.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of regular use, the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack has proven to be a reliable addition to my decoy spread. The paint has held up remarkably well, with only minor scratches and no significant chipping. The plastic has shown no signs of cracking or warping, despite being subjected to freezing temperatures and rough handling.
Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse with fresh water after each hunt is sufficient to remove mud and debris. They’ve held up considerably better than some of my previous, more expensive, decoys.
Compared to cheaper decoys I’ve used in the past, the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack is a clear winner in terms of durability and realistic movement. While not quite on par with high-end, hand-painted options, they offer excellent performance for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack
Specifications
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack includes six mallard decoys. These are designed to mimic realistic mallard behavior in a feeding/resting situation. The set includes a variety of poses and positions to create a more natural look on the water.
The decoys are constructed from a durable, high-density polyethylene plastic. Each decoy is painted with a realistic mallard pattern. The specifications breakdown as follows:
- Manufacturer: Avery Outdoors
- Quantity: 6
- Decoy Position: Harvester (Mix of feeder and rester poses)
- Species: Mallard
These specifications matter because they directly impact the decoy’s effectiveness and longevity. The material determines its resistance to damage, while the poses and paint scheme contribute to its realism.
Performance & Functionality
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack performs admirably in attracting mallards. The varied poses create a convincing illusion of a feeding flock. The durability ensures they can withstand the rigors of hunting season.
The decoys are effective in various weather conditions, although the slightly shiny finish can be a drawback in bright sunlight. With a quick mud dusting, this can be remedied.
For the price, these decoys exceed expectations. They offer a good balance of realism, durability, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack is designed with the hunter in mind. The durable plastic construction and realistic paint scheme contribute to their effectiveness. They are not overly bulky, making them easy to transport and deploy.
There’s no significant learning curve; they are ready to use straight out of the box. Simply attach your decoy lines and weights.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack is built to last several seasons with proper care. The high-density plastic is resistant to cracking and warping.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse after each use is sufficient. Store them in a dry place during the off-season to prevent any potential damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack does not come with any additional accessories besides the six decoys themselves. You will need to purchase decoy lines, weights, and a decoy bag separately.
While there are no direct customization options for the decoys themselves, you can enhance their realism by adding motion decoys or using different decoy spreads. They are compatible with standard decoy lines and weights from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack
Pros
- Excellent Durability: The high-density plastic construction ensures these decoys can withstand the rigors of hunting season after season.
- Realistic Design: The varied poses and realistic paint scheme effectively attract mallards.
- Affordable Price: The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack offers a great value for the money, providing excellent performance without breaking the bank.
- Stable in Wind: Their weight and design allow them to maintain a stable position in windy conditions.
- Easy to Maintain: A quick rinse after each hunt is all it takes to keep these decoys in top condition.
Cons
- Slightly Shiny Finish: The initial glossy finish can be a drawback in bright sunlight, requiring a quick mud dusting to reduce glare.
- No Included Accessories: Decoy lines, weights, and a bag must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack?
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking a durable, realistic, and affordable decoy option. They are ideal for both beginner and experienced hunters looking to enhance their decoy spread.
Hunters who prioritize ultra-realistic, hand-painted decoys or require a complete package with included accessories should skip this product. You will need to consider a higher price bracket to acquire such decoys.
Must-have accessories include quality decoy lines, weights suitable for your hunting conditions, and a durable decoy bag for transport and storage.
Conclusion on Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack
The Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack offers a compelling combination of durability, realism, and affordability. They are a solid investment for any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success in the field.
At $133.99, the price is justified by their performance and longevity. They represent a significant upgrade over cheaper, less durable alternatives.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Avery Outdoors PG Mallards-Harvester Pack to anyone seeking a reliable and effective mallard decoy solution. Add these to your spread and experience the difference! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your hunting setup and attract more mallards this season.