Bone Collector Upright Jake Review

First Impressions of Bone Collector Upright Jake

The Bone Collector Upright Jake decoy promises to bring aggressive toms running. Marketed with the Bone Collector’s signature rugged appeal, this decoy aims to replicate a young, challenging male turkey. This is done through its upright posture, forcing mature gobblers to assert their dominance. I was in the market for a decoy that could handle rough treatment and offer realistic presentation, making this a frontrunner.

For years, I’ve relied on a mix of hen decoys, but noticed a reluctance from older toms to commit. A jake decoy seemed like the natural next step to spark territorial aggression. Upon unboxing, the Bone Collector Upright Jake felt solid, if a little lightweight, constructed from what appears to be durable EVA material. Compared to the inflatable decoys I’ve used previously, the Bone Collector Upright Jake immediately stands out for its rigid form and realistic paint job.

I considered the Avian-X HDR Jake and the Primos Lil’ Jake, but the Bone Collector Upright Jake’s price point and claims of resilience swayed me. The Avian-X offered hyper-realism at a premium, while the Primos seemed less durable. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic – the paint job looked good, and the material felt tough, but the proof would be in the field. I hoped it would live up to the hype.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Upright Jake to the Test

First Use Experience

I first deployed the Bone Collector Upright Jake during the late turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of central Missouri. Set up about 20 yards from my blind, near a well-worn strutting zone, I hoped to intercept a tom cruising through the area. The morning was cool and damp, with a light mist hanging in the air – a perfect test for the decoy’s paint and material.

The Bone Collector Upright Jake held its posture well despite the soft ground. No additional stabilization beyond the included stake was needed. After about an hour, a longbeard appeared on the ridge, and immediately locked onto the decoy. He strutted, fanned, and charged within 15 yards before I took the shot, proving the decoy’s effectiveness.

There were no immediate signs of damage after its first use. I noticed the stake system allowed for subtle movement in the breeze, adding to the realism. I was impressed by the decoy’s ability to draw in the tom so aggressively, and the minimal setup was a definite plus.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Bone Collector Upright Jake throughout the rest of the spring turkey season, it has held up surprisingly well. Despite being tossed in and out of my truck bed and subjected to thorns and brush, the paint has remained largely intact. Minor scuffs are visible, but no significant flaking or chipping has occurred.

The Bone Collector Upright Jake has shown no signs of structural weakness. It has retained its shape and rigidity. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. Compared to my previous experience with cheaper decoys that quickly faded and cracked, the Bone Collector Upright Jake has proven to be a significant upgrade.

My only concern is the long-term durability of the stake system. The plastic stake itself feels somewhat flimsy, but so far, it has held up. Regular inspection and careful handling will be necessary to prevent breakage.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Upright Jake

Specifications

The Bone Collector Upright Jake is specifically designed to mimic a young male turkey, provoking dominant behavior from mature toms. It features an EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) construction for durability and a lifelike appearance. The dimensions are approximately 16 inches in Length, 8.7 inches in Width, and 5 inches in Height, with a weight of 1.86 pounds.

The decoy boasts a realistic paint scheme to simulate natural plumage and an upright posture to challenge dominant toms. Its intended species is Turkey. The decoy position is Upright. The included stake system is designed to create realistic motion in the field. These features combine to create a convincing jake decoy at an accessible price point.

These specifications are crucial for effectively attracting turkeys. The upright posture and jake appearance are designed to trigger a territorial response. The durable EVA material ensures the decoy can withstand repeated use and transport without significant damage.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector Upright Jake excels at provoking aggressive responses from mature toms. During testing, it consistently drew turkeys in from significant distances, often eliciting strutting, gobbling, and aggressive approaches. Its realism is convincing enough to fool even wary birds.

While the paint job is good, it’s not quite as detailed as higher-end decoys. This could be a drawback for extremely cautious birds under intense hunting pressure. Overall, however, the Bone Collector Upright Jake meets expectations for a mid-priced decoy.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bone Collector Upright Jake offers a good balance of realism and durability. The materials are light enough for easy transport, yet sturdy enough to withstand rough handling. The upright posture is visually appealing and effective at attracting attention.

The decoy is easy to set up and take down, thanks to its simple stake system. There is no significant learning curve – even novice hunters can effectively deploy and use it. The decoy is very user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bone Collector Upright Jake’s EVA construction suggests decent longevity. Regular cleaning and careful storage should extend its lifespan considerably. The paint, while durable, may require occasional touch-ups to maintain its realism.

Minor repairs, such as replacing the stake or patching small tears, are relatively straightforward. Overall, the Bone Collector Upright Jake appears to be designed for reasonable durability and ease of maintenance. It will definitely last a few seasons if stored properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Upright Jake comes with a basic ground stake. There are no included accessories or customization options. The stake system is universal, allowing it to be used with aftermarket decoy stakes.

While there are no specific accessories designed for this decoy, it’s compatible with various generic decoy enhancements, such as motion stakes or scent wafers. Ultimately, its simplicity is part of its appeal – it’s ready to use out of the box with no additional fuss.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Upright Jake

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Upright Jake?

The Bone Collector Upright Jake is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels looking for an effective and durable decoy at a reasonable price. Hunters who want to add a jake decoy to their spread to elicit aggressive responses will find it particularly useful. It’s also suitable for those hunting in areas with moderate hunting pressure.

Hunters seeking the absolute highest level of realism or those hunting in areas with extremely wary birds might want to consider a more expensive, hyper-realistic decoy. Hunters who are particularly hard on their gear may want to invest in a more robust stake system. A carrying bag might be another must-have.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Upright Jake

The Bone Collector Upright Jake is a solid, reliable turkey decoy that delivers on its promise of provoking aggressive responses from mature toms. Its durable construction and realistic appearance make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end decoys, its performance and affordability make it an excellent value.

At $59.99, the price is definitely justified by the results. I personally recommend the Bone Collector Upright Jake to any hunter looking to increase their success in the turkey woods. Don’t wait – add this to your setup and get ready for some exciting hunts!