First Thoughts on the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo by the Bone Collector brand aims to bring realism and aggressive posturing to your turkey hunting setup. For $54.49, it promises to be a durable and effective tool to lure in gobblers looking to assert their dominance. I was eager to test if it lived up to these promises.
As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of decoys. I’ve faced frustrating days where toms hung up just out of range, seemingly unimpressed by my calls and standard hen decoys. The need for a decoy that could actively provoke a response led me to the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo.
Unboxing the combo revealed two decoys crafted from a dense EVA material, pre-painted with heat-treated detail. Their upright postures were immediately striking, giving off an air of challenge. The included stake system seemed straightforward and promised to introduce realistic movement.
I was debating between this combo and similar offerings from Primos and Flambeau. Ultimately, the Bone Collector’s aggressive jake posture and the reputation of the Bone Collector brand swayed my decision. First impressions were positive; the decoys felt solid and the paint job looked durable, piquing my excitement to get them into the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo to a familiar hunting spot in the Missouri Ozarks during the peak of the spring season. Setting them up on the edge of a field, about 20 yards from my blind, was easy using the included stakes. The wind provided a subtle sway, enhancing the realistic movement.
The morning was cool and damp, conditions that often make toms hesitant. After about an hour of calling, a mature tom appeared at the far end of the field, immediately locking onto the jake decoy. He strutted and puffed up, closing the distance rapidly. The tom charged straight in, engaging the jake decoy. He presented a perfect shot, and I harvested my biggest tom to date!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across varied terrains, from muddy fields to rocky hillsides, the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo has held up remarkably well. The EVA material proved tough, resisting punctures and tears from transport and setup. A few minor scratches appeared on the paint, but they were barely noticeable and didn’t seem to affect the decoy’s effectiveness.
Cleaning the decoys after each hunt is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes mud and debris. Compared to my older, inflatable decoys, these require minimal maintenance and retain their shape consistently. The durability and consistent performance significantly outperformed my previous decoy experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo
Specifications
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo boasts the following specifications:
- Species: Turkey – Clearly designed and marketed specifically for turkey hunting.
- Weight: 3.42 lb – Lightweight enough for easy transport, but substantial enough to resist strong winds.
- Width: 8.75 in – Offers a realistic profile without being overly bulky.
- Height: 8.75 in – Provides good visibility in varied terrain.
- Decoy Position: Upright – Mimics a challenging, dominant posture to provoke a response from gobblers.
- Length: 16 in – A realistic size to attract attention.
These specifications combine to create a highly portable and effective decoy system. The upright posture and realistic dimensions are crucial for triggering a tom’s aggressive instincts, ensuring a successful hunt.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo performs exceptionally well in the field, particularly in attracting dominant toms. Its realistic appearance and aggressive posture consistently drew in birds, providing ample shot opportunities. However, in areas with high hunting pressure, toms may be more wary of jake decoys, requiring a more subtle approach.
The combo’s main strengths lie in its durability and realism. The heat-treated paint and tough EVA material ensure it withstands the rigors of hunting. While the stake system works well, upgrading to a more elaborate motion stake could further enhance realism.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo prioritizes realism and durability. The EVA material feels robust, and the heat-treated paint provides a natural look. The decoys are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for mobile hunting.
The simplicity of the stake system contributes to the user-friendly design. Setting up and taking down the decoys is quick and easy, even in low-light conditions. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the tough EVA material and heat-treated paint, the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo is built to last multiple seasons. Proper storage and occasional cleaning will further extend its lifespan. Minor scratches and dings are inevitable, but they won’t significantly impact performance.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe down after each hunt is sufficient. The durable materials resist water damage and fading. You won’t spend hours maintaining this product!
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo includes a basic stake system, allowing for simple setup and realistic movement. While no other accessories are included, hunters can customize the setup with aftermarket options, such as:
- Motion stakes: To enhance movement and realism.
- Decoy bags: For protected transport and storage.
- Additional hen decoys: To create a larger, more enticing spread.
The decoys are compatible with most standard decoy accessories, offering flexibility in creating a customized hunting setup. Adding a real turkey fan to the jake can further amplify its aggressive posture.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo
Pros
- Extremely Realistic: The detailed paint and upright posture effectively mimic real turkeys.
- Durable Construction: The tough EVA material withstands harsh conditions.
- Effective Aggression Trigger: The jake decoy consistently provokes responses from dominant toms.
- Lightweight & Portable: Easy to carry and set up in the field.
- Simple Maintenance: Easy to clean and store.
Cons
- Jake decoy may scare off wary toms in pressured areas.
- Basic stake system could be upgraded for enhanced motion.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo?
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo is perfect for:
- Turkey hunters looking to provoke aggressive responses from dominant toms.
- Hunters seeking a durable and realistic decoy setup.
- Mobile hunters who prioritize lightweight and portable gear.
- Beginner turkey hunters wanting a straightforward and effective decoy system.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters exclusively targeting areas with high hunting pressure where toms are wary of jake decoys.
- Hunters who prefer more passive, non-aggressive decoy setups.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Motion stake system for enhanced realism.
- Decoy bag for protected transport and storage.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo
The Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo is a highly effective and durable turkey decoy system that delivers exceptional value. The realistic design and aggressive posture consistently attract gobblers, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. At $54.49, the price is justified by the performance and durability.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Upright Jake/Hen Combo to anyone looking to add a realistic and provocative element to their turkey hunting setup. Get yours today and prepare for some exciting hunts!