The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy Made a Bold First Impression
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy isn’t just another piece of plastic in your spread. It’s a meticulously crafted tool designed to mimic the most vulnerable, most enticing duck on the water: a hen feeding with her rear end up, signaling safety and undisturbed dining to approaching waterfowl. It’s manufactured by Cupped Waterfowl, and that low-riding, “butt-up” posture screams confidence to wary drakes.
My usual hunting spot on the flooded timber of the Cache River had become increasingly pressured. The ducks were call-shy and easily spooked by conventional decoy spreads, requiring a new strategy. I needed something that projected not just numbers, but realism and comfort.
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Lifting it out, I was immediately struck by the realistic paint job and the quality of the plastic. The decoy felt sturdy without being overly heavy, and the posture was exactly as advertised: that unmistakable “butt-up” feeding position.
I’d previously used some flambeau floating decoys and some cheaper brands. These just didn’t have the realistic look, or the durability I wanted. The Cupped Waterfowl decoy’s posture and detailed paint set it apart. My first impression was surprise at the level of detail packed into a decoy at this price point.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy was on a crisp October morning on a small, heavily hunted public lake. I integrated it into a spread of a dozen mallard decoys, placing it slightly off to the side to simulate a hen feeding away from the main group. The conditions were typical for the area: a light chop on the water and a moderate breeze.
The ducks responded immediately. Two green-winged teal locked onto the spread and landed within easy shotgun range, something that hadn’t happened in weeks using my standard setup. The drake mallards showed interest, circling multiple times before committing, focusing their attention on the “butt-up” hen.
It was easy to deploy and held its position well in the light wind. There were no issues with tipping or unnatural movement. After the first hunt, I was encouraged by the immediate positive response, a clear sign that the decoy was doing its job.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy has proven its worth. The paint has held up remarkably well, showing only minimal signs of wear despite being tossed in and out of the boat repeatedly. The plastic hasn’t cracked or warped, even after being exposed to freezing temperatures.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with water and a brush is all it takes to remove mud and debris. Compared to some of my older decoys that require frequent touch-ups and repairs, the Cupped Waterfowl decoy has been remarkably low-maintenance. It has consistently outperformed my expectations. This has turned an average decoy spread into an above-average presentation to the birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy
Specifications
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy is a single hen decoy designed to mimic a feeding duck. It features a realistic paint scheme, a durable plastic construction, and a floating design for use in water. The price is $6.49.
- Realistic Paint Scheme: Provides a lifelike appearance that attracts waterfowl. It is designed to mimic a hen.
- Durable Plastic Construction: Ensures the decoy can withstand the rigors of hunting. It’s designed to withstand heavy use.
- Floating Design: Allows the decoy to be used in various water depths. This adds to its versatility.
- Feeder Butt Posture: Mimics a feeding hen duck. This posture signals safety.
- Single Decoy: This is ideal for supplementing existing spreads. This can also be used for specific setups.
These specifications are vital. A realistic paint scheme attracts ducks. The feeder butt posture provides the confidence needed to bring the birds in.
Performance & Functionality
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy excels at attracting waterfowl. Its realistic appearance and posture convince ducks that the area is safe. It’s easy to deploy and retrieves, and it holds its position well in the water.
The decoy’s greatest strength is its ability to draw attention and create a sense of security within the spread. One weakness is its vulnerability to damage from direct shotgun hits. It meets and even exceeds expectations. For the price point, it’s a valuable asset to any spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy is lightweight and easy to handle. Its durable plastic construction feels solid without being cumbersome. The design effectively replicates a feeding hen.
The design is very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve. It’s ready to use straight out of the box, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy should last for multiple seasons. Regular cleaning will prevent the paint from fading. While major damage would require replacement, the decoy is relatively easy to maintain.
The decoy is durable enough to withstand normal hunting conditions. However, it’s not indestructible. Minor repairs can be done with glue or paint, extending its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy doesn’t come with any accessories. But it can be easily integrated into any existing decoy spread. You could add a weighted keel or upgrade the paint for added realism.
It is compatible with standard decoy rigging systems. This provides flexibility in how it’s deployed. Adding a small weight can help keep it stable in rougher conditions.
Pros and Cons of Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy
Pros
- Realistic Appearance: The paint scheme and feeder butt posture are highly convincing.
- Effective at Attracting Waterfowl: Ducks are drawn to the decoy, increasing hunting success.
- Durable Construction: The plastic is tough and holds up well under normal hunting conditions.
- Affordable Price: At $6.49, it is a budget-friendly way to enhance your decoy spread.
- Easy to Use: Simple to deploy and integrate into existing setups.
Cons
- Vulnerable to Gunfire: Direct hits from shotgun pellets can damage the decoy.
- No Included Accessories: Rigging and weights must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy?
Perfect for: Waterfowl hunters looking to enhance their decoy spread with a realistic and effective hen decoy. Beginners seeking an affordable and easy-to-use option. Experienced hunters needing to supplement their existing setups.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who prioritize extreme durability over realism and affordability may want to consider more expensive, hard-bodied decoys. Those seeking a complete decoy system with rigging included will need to purchase those separately.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Decoy rigging with weights is essential for proper deployment. A touch-up paint kit can help maintain the decoy’s appearance over time.
Conclusion on Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy
The Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy is a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal. Its realistic appearance, durable construction, and affordable price make it a standout product in its category. It provides a significant advantage in attracting waterfowl, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
The price is more than justified. The increase in hunting success makes it a worthwhile investment. I would absolutely recommend it to any waterfowl hunter.
Add the Cupped Waterfowl Floating Single Feeder Butt Hen Decoy to your spread today and watch the ducks commit with confidence!