First Impressions of Bone Collector Feeding Hen
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen decoy aims to bring realism and effectiveness to your turkey hunting setup. Offered by Bone Collector, this decoy promises to mimic a relaxed hen, enticing even the wariest toms. I was intrigued by its claim of durable construction and realistic motion, especially at the price point of $59.99.
My primary goal was to find a lightweight and easily deployable decoy that could withstand multiple seasons of use. Cheap decoys often fail in the field, costing more in the long run. The Bone Collector Feeding Hen‘s claim of heat-treated paint and tough EVA material caught my attention.
Unboxing revealed a decoy that felt surprisingly robust for its weight. The paint job appeared well done, and the stake system seemed simple and effective. I appreciated the included stake system, designed to impart realistic motion.
I considered the Primos Lil’ Hen and the Flambeau Masters Series Feeding Hen before settling on the Bone Collector Feeding Hen. The deciding factor was the claimed durability and the reputation of the Bone Collector brand for providing quality hunting gear. The Primos felt flimsy, and the Flambeau seemed overly bulky.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The decoy seemed well-made and potentially effective, but the true test would come in the field. If it holds up to the abuse of being carried through the woods and survives a few encounters with excited gobblers, I will be satisfied.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Feeding Hen to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Feeding Hen on a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of southern Missouri. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle persisting throughout the morning. I set the decoy up in a small clearing near a known turkey roost, using the included stake system.
The decoy held its ground despite a slight breeze, and the stake system did create some subtle, realistic movement. A longbeard responded to my calls within an hour, and the Bone Collector Feeding Hen appeared to hold his attention as he cautiously approached. He presented a clean shot, and I filled my tag.
The only initial issue I noted was that the stake could be a bit challenging to insert into harder ground. I had to use my boot heel to get it firmly planted. Overall, I was impressed with its performance during its first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring turkey season and several scouting trips, the Bone Collector Feeding Hen has held up remarkably well. The heat-treated paint has proven resistant to scratching and flaking, even after being stuffed into my turkey vest repeatedly. The EVA material remains flexible and shows no signs of cracking or deformation.
Cleaning the decoy is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes mud and debris. Compared to some of the cheaper, inflatable decoys I’ve used in the past, the Bone Collector Feeding Hen is in a different class of quality. It has outperformed expectations, proving to be a reliable and durable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Feeding Hen
Specifications
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen turkey decoy boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Bone Collector
- Species: Turkey
- Decoy Position: Upright
- Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 1.79 lb
- Width: 8.7 inches
- Height: 4.9 inches
- Additional Features: No (Meaning, no extra/special attachments included)
These specifications are important because they dictate the decoy’s portability, realism, and overall effectiveness. The lightweight design (1.79 lbs) makes it easy to carry, and the realistic dimensions (16″ long, 8.7″ wide, 4.9″ tall) contribute to its convincing appearance. A light weight is essential when covering ground chasing gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen performs its job admirably. It effectively mimics a relaxed, feeding hen, drawing the attention of toms and providing a focal point during calling sequences. Its realistic posture and subtle movement, thanks to the stake system, enhance its overall appeal.
The main strength of this decoy is its simplicity and durability. It’s easy to set up and built to last. The only potential weakness is the stake system in very hard ground. It meets and exceeds expectations for a decoy in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The decoy’s design focuses on realism and durability. The Bone Collector Feeding Hen features a natural-looking paint scheme and a posture that accurately reflects a feeding hen. The EVA material provides a good balance of flexibility and resilience.
The decoy is lightweight and easy to handle, with no sharp edges or cumbersome features. There is virtually no learning curve; simply stake it in the ground and it’s ready to go. The design makes the Bone Collector Feeding Hen incredibly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen is constructed from durable EVA material with heat-treated paint, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The simple design minimizes potential points of failure. With proper care, it should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The decoy can be easily stored in a turkey vest or backpack without taking up excessive space. Its straightforward maintenance keeps it field-ready.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen comes with a simple stake system designed to create realistic movement. There are no specific customization options available directly from Bone Collector. However, you could potentially add aftermarket feathers or adjust the paint scheme for a more personalized appearance.
The decoy is compatible with universal decoy stakes and other accessories commonly used in turkey hunting. While customization is limited, the core design is effective and requires no immediate modifications. The emphasis is on practical functionality out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Feeding Hen
Pros
- Realistic appearance and posture effectively attract toms.
- Durable EVA material and heat-treated paint ensure longevity.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for mobile hunters.
- Simple stake system creates subtle, realistic movement.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Stake system can be challenging to insert into very hard ground.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Feeding Hen?
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who are looking for a durable, realistic, and affordable decoy. This is an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use. It is well-suited for hunters who cover a lot of ground and need a reliable decoy that can withstand the rigors of the field.
Hunters seeking highly customizable or ultra-realistic decoys might want to explore higher-end options. Someone primarily hunting in areas with extremely hard-packed soil should consider carrying a small hammer or mallet to aid in stake placement. A must-have accessory would be a decoy bag or wrap to further protect the paint during transport.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Feeding Hen
The Bone Collector Feeding Hen is a solid and reliable turkey decoy that delivers excellent value for its price. Its realistic appearance, durable construction, and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price of $59.99 is absolutely justified considering the quality and performance.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Feeding Hen to anyone looking for an affordable and effective turkey decoy. It is a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters alike. Get yours today and experience the thrill of calling in a gobbler to this lifelike decoy!