Bone Collector Lay Down Hen Review

First Impressions of Bone Collector Lay Down Hen

In the world of turkey hunting, success hinges on deception. Decoys play a crucial role in convincing wary toms that the coast is clear, and the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen promises to be a game-changer. This lightweight, realistic decoy from Bone Collector aims to mimic a submissive hen, an irresistible invitation for dominant gobblers.

After years of lugging around bulky, upright decoys, I was seeking a more compact and effective option. The promise of easy packability and realistic posture immediately grabbed my attention. Unboxing the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen revealed a lightweight but seemingly durable decoy.

Compared to some hard-bodied decoys I’ve used, like the Avian-X LCD Laydown Hen, the Bone Collector offering felt significantly lighter. It also appeared less bulky than the Zink Calls Pretty Penny, another laydown decoy on the market. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; could something this lightweight truly withstand the rigors of the hunt?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Lay Down Hen to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to field-test the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen came during the spring turkey season in the rugged hills of eastern Kentucky. I situated the decoy in a small clearing, mimicking a hen that was relaxing in a strut zone. The conditions were slightly damp and muddy, but that’s pretty normal for that area this time of year.

The setup was incredibly quick, thanks to the simple stake system. A gobbler responded to my calls within minutes, and his attention was immediately fixed on the Lay Down Hen. He approached cautiously, but the decoy’s posture seemed to put him at ease.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across multiple hunts, the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. The heat-treated paint has resisted scratches remarkably well, even after being tossed in and out of my pack countless times. Cleaning off mud and dirt is also a breeze; simply wiping it down with a damp cloth is sufficient.

The decoy has maintained its shape and realistic appearance despite being exposed to varying weather conditions. Compared to some cheaper decoys I’ve used in the past, the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen clearly demonstrates superior durability. I haven’t had to make any repairs and it still looks new.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Lay Down Hen

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Bone Collector. This well-known brand is known for its turkey hunting expertise.
• Additional Features: No.
• Species: Turkey. Specifically designed to attract male turkeys.
• Weight: 1.7 oz. This makes it incredibly easy to pack and carry.
• Decoy Position: Upright. The decoy is set up to mimic a hen in an upright/prone position.
• Length: 16 in. The decoy is fairly long and will be easily visible.
• Height: 5.6 in. Keeps a low profile and appears more approachable.
• Width: 8.9 in. Provides a wide and stable base.

The Bone Collector Lay Down Hen is lightweight and compact, ideal for hunters who value mobility. Its dimensions are designed to create a realistic profile that is attractive to gobblers.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen is to attract turkeys. The prone posture of the decoy is highly effective in enticing wary toms to approach within shooting range. The stake system adds realistic motion, further enhancing the decoy’s appeal.

The decoy’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly. A potential improvement would be a slight adjustment to the stake system to make it more secure in softer ground. Otherwise, it performs well in various hunting scenarios.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen is focused on realism and ease of use. The durable paint and realistic posture contribute to the decoy’s effectiveness. The low weight and compact size make it comfortable to carry in a day pack.

The decoy’s design also promotes a natural presentation that blends well with various environments. There is no real learning curve involved in using it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bone Collector Lay Down Hen is constructed from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The heat-treated paint is resistant to scratches and flakes, ensuring long-lasting appearance. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed to maintain the decoy’s condition.

With proper care, the Bone Collector Lay Down Hen should last for many seasons. The decoy’s simple construction makes it easy to inspect and maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Lay Down Hen comes with a stake system for realistic motion, and little else. There are no additional accessories included. Because of its simplicity, there are no real customization options other than possibly painting it.

Given the nature of turkey decoys, customization is rarely necessary. The stake system works well, and the decoy is already designed for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Lay Down Hen