First Impressions of Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers
The thrill of the hunt, especially when targeting waterfowl, lies in the details – the perfect call, the well-placed blind, and, crucially, realistic decoys. The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers promises exactly that: a lifelike representation of lesser geese designed to lure in even the most discerning flocks. I was eager to get my hands on these, having heard whispers of their effectiveness and realistic design.
For years, I’ve struggled with decoys that lacked the subtle nuances of real geese, leading to wary birds and frustrating hunts. I needed a decoy solution that added variety to my spread and fooled those educated late-season birds. The promise of 20% oversized decoys with superior realism from Avian X was a siren song I couldn’t resist.
Unboxing the Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers was like unwrapping a piece of art. The attention to detail in the molding and painting was immediately apparent, far surpassing the mass-produced plastic appearance of many competitors. They felt substantial and well-made, a significant step up from my older, faded decoys.
I’ve used BigFoot B2 Honkers and Flambeau Storm Front2 Canada Goose decoys in the past. The BigFoot decoys are known for their durability, but they sometimes lack the subtle color variations of real geese. The Flambeau decoys offer a good price point, but the paint tends to flake after a few seasons. The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers seemed to offer a balance of realism and durability that neither of those other brands fully achieved.
My initial reaction was excitement bordering on anticipation. If these decoys perform as good as they look, my goose hunting season just got a serious upgrade. I was particularly impressed with the no-flake paint and the variety of feeding postures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test with the Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers was on a crisp November morning in the flooded agricultural fields of eastern Colorado. I set the decoys out in a feeding posture, intermingling them with my existing honker spread to add visual contrast and realism. The weather was typical for that time of year – cold with a slight breeze and intermittent drizzle.
Even in the less-than-ideal weather, the Avian X decoys held their own. The non-glare finish prevented unnatural reflections, and the decoys moved realistically in the breeze. Most importantly, the geese responded positively. Several small flocks committed to the spread, and I harvested a couple of beautiful lesser Canadas.
The decoys were easy to deploy and retrieve, and the slotted bag made organization a breeze. I appreciated the factory-attached heads, which saved time and hassle in the field. I noticed no initial signs of wear or paint chipping after the first hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hard hunting, the Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers have proven their worth. They’ve been subjected to mud, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. They have consistently drawn in geese when other spreads have failed.
The durability of these decoys is outstanding. Despite being tossed in and out of the truck bed, and enduring multiple hunts, the paint remains intact, and there are no cracks or breaks in the plastic. The slotted bag has also held up well, showing no signs of ripping or tearing.
Cleaning these decoys is simple – a quick rinse with water removes mud and debris. I’ve found that storing them in the slotted bag prevents scuffing and keeps them looking their best. These outperform my previous decoys in both realism and longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers
Specifications
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The decoys are 20% oversized compared to standard lesser goose decoys, increasing visibility to distant flocks. They include three distinct feeding postures, adding realism to the spread.
The manufacturer, Avian X, utilizes a durable plastic construction with a no-flake paint finish. The heads are factory-attached, eliminating assembly headaches. This pack contains one (1) set of decoys and they are designed to replicate the anatomy and coloration of a mature lesser Canada goose.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the decoys’ ability to attract geese and withstand the rigors of hunting. The oversized design makes them visible from greater distances, increasing the chances of drawing in wary birds. The varied postures mimic a natural feeding flock, instilling confidence in approaching geese. The durable construction ensures that the decoys will last for seasons to come.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers excels at its primary job: attracting geese. The realism of the decoys, combined with their oversized design, makes them incredibly effective at drawing in birds. They add the needed contrast and color variation that is not available in other larger spreads of honker decoys.
The decoys are easy to deploy and retrieve, and the slotted bag keeps them organized. The factory-attached heads are a welcome convenience. One potential weakness is the price point. While these decoys are worth the investment, they are more expensive than some of the cheaper options on the market.
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers definitely meets my expectations and, in some ways, exceeds them. The durability and realism are exceptional.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers is clearly based on careful observation of real geese. The anatomy is accurate, and the coloration is realistic. The decoys are lightweight enough to carry easily, but substantial enough to withstand wind and waves.
The included slotted bag is a thoughtful addition that makes transportation and storage a breeze. There is no significant learning curve associated with using these decoys. Simply place them in the desired formation and wait for the geese to arrive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers are built to last. The durable plastic construction and no-flake paint finish ensure that these decoys will withstand years of use.
Maintaining these decoys is simple. A quick rinse with water is usually all that is needed to remove mud and debris. The factory-attached heads eliminate the risk of losing or damaging them.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers come with a slotted decoy bag for easy transport and storage. There are no specific customization options available for these decoys.
However, they can be used in conjunction with a variety of other goose decoys and hunting accessories. The versatility of these decoys is a major selling point.
Pros and Cons of Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers
Pros
- Incredible realism: These decoys look like real geese, fooling even the most wary birds.
- Exceptional durability: The durable plastic construction and no-flake paint finish ensure longevity.
- Oversized design: The 20% oversized design increases visibility and drawing power.
- Convenient slotted bag: The included slotted bag makes transportation and storage easy.
- Adds contrast to your spread: Lessers are a good option when targeting Honkers to set your spread apart.
Cons
- Price: These decoys are more expensive than some of the cheaper options on the market.
- Size: The oversized design may be too large for some hunters or hunting situations.
Who Should Buy Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers?
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers is perfect for serious goose hunters who demand the best. They are ideal for those who hunt in areas with educated birds, or those who want to add realism and drawing power to their spread. The decoys are also well-suited for hunters who value durability and longevity.
Hunters on a tight budget, or those who only hunt geese occasionally, may want to consider cheaper alternatives. Those targeting exclusively large Canada geese may find these less effective, or unnecessary.
A quality goose call and a comfortable layout blind would be great additions to these decoys. There are no modifications that are necessary.
Conclusion on Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers
The Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers are a worthwhile investment for serious goose hunters. The realism, durability, and oversized design make these decoys incredibly effective at attracting birds.
The price is justified by the quality and performance of the product. I would absolutely recommend these decoys to anyone who wants to improve their goose hunting success.
If you’re serious about goose hunting, don’t settle for less. Invest in the Avian X Feeder Pack APX Lessers and experience the difference. Your next successful hunt awaits!