Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy Review

First Thoughts on the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy isn’t just another piece of plastic in a field; it’s a meticulously crafted tool designed to trigger instinctive responses in wary turkeys. From Dave Smith Decoys, a name synonymous with ultra-realistic and durable decoys, this feeding hen promises to add a new level of deception to your spring turkey setup. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers, and I’m always looking for that edge that will bring a tom into range.

What drew me to the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy was the promise of realism and durability. Too many decoys on the market look like, well, plastic. I needed a decoy that could withstand the rigors of the hunt and, more importantly, fool even the wariest old toms.

Unboxing the decoy revealed a surprisingly lifelike hen. The posture, the paint detail, and even the subtle texture of the feathers screamed quality. It felt substantial without being overly heavy, a promising sign for a product built to last.

I’ve used cheaper, mass-produced decoys and high-end, custom-painted options. The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy instantly felt like a step above the rest. It seemed like a worthwhile investment compared to the Flambeau Masters Series Hen Decoy (cheaper, less realistic) and the Avian-X LCD Laydown Hen (more expensive, similar realism but different pose).

My first impression was definitely excitement. This wasn’t just a decoy; it was a confidence booster. If it performs as well in the field as it looks in my hands, spring turkey season is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy on a recent turkey hunt in the rugged hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was typical for springtime: cool mornings giving way to warm afternoons, with occasional gusty winds. I placed the feeding hen about 20 yards in front of my blind, positioning it to look like it was contentedly feeding in a small clearing.

The decoy proved remarkably effective in attracting attention. Within an hour, a jake cautiously approached, clearly intrigued by the hen’s relaxed posture. Later that morning, a mature tom responded to my calls and cautiously made his way into the clearing, fixating on the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy. He presented a perfect shot, and the hunt was over.

Setting up the decoy was straightforward, and its realistic posture made it blend seamlessly into the environment. The decoy handled the wind well, maintaining its position without looking unnatural. My only initial concern was the paint scratching when placing it near some thorny bushes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy has proven its worth. Despite repeated use in various terrains and weather conditions, it shows minimal signs of wear and tear. A few minor scratches are visible on the paint, but they don’t detract from its overall realism or effectiveness.

The durable construction of the decoy is impressive. I’ve tossed it in the back of my truck, subjected it to rain and mud, and it has consistently held up without any cracking or deformation. Cleaning is simple, usually just requiring a quick rinse with water.

Compared to some of my previous decoys, the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy is in a different league. It’s much more durable than the cheaper, inflatable models I’ve used, and its realism surpasses many of the hard-plastic decoys on the market. This investment should last me many seasons to come.

Breaking Down the Features of Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy

Specifications

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its realism and durability. It is crafted of a sprayed, pigmented, and ultra-durable version of DSD proprietary material. This material ensures that the decoy can withstand the rigors of hunting without cracking or fading.

The life-size design of the decoy accurately replicates the appearance of a feeding hen. This realism is crucial for convincing wary turkeys that the decoy is genuine and not a threat. The weight of the decoy is substantial enough to provide stability in windy conditions, while still being manageable for easy transport.

Performance & Functionality

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy excels at its primary function: attracting turkeys. Its realistic posture and paint scheme effectively mimic a feeding hen, drawing in gobblers from a distance. The decoy’s durable construction allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions and repeated use, ensuring reliable performance season after season.

One of the strengths of this decoy is its ability to trigger instinctive responses in turkeys. The feeding posture conveys a sense of safety and contentment, making it a highly effective tool for luring in wary toms. However, the price point may be a barrier for some hunters.

Overall, the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy meets and exceeds my expectations. Its performance, durability, and realism make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy is exceptional. The materials used are clearly of high quality, and the construction is robust and durable. Despite its realistic size, the decoy is relatively lightweight and easy to carry in the field.

The decoy’s posture and paint scheme are meticulously designed to replicate a feeding hen. This attention to detail is what sets it apart from cheaper, less realistic decoys. The decoy is user-friendly and requires no setup or assembly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy is built to last. The durable materials and construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of hunting without cracking or fading. The decoy is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick rinse with water after each use.

With proper care, this decoy should last for many seasons, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The pigmented DSD material will hold up to sun exposure and the paint is unlikely to chip easily.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy doesn’t come with a huge array of accessories but it is designed to be used in conjunction with other decoys from Dave Smith Decoys. There are no specific customization options for this particular model.

However, hunters can enhance its effectiveness by pairing it with other hen decoys or a jake decoy to create a more realistic scene. It’s compatible with most standard decoy stakes and carrying bags.

Pros and Cons of Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy?

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest level of realism and durability. If you’re tired of cheap, ineffective decoys that scare more birds than they attract, this is a worthy investment. It’s ideal for hunters who hunt pressured birds or hunt in areas with high visibility.

This product might not be necessary for casual hunters or those on a tight budget. If you only hunt turkeys a few times a year, a less expensive decoy might suffice.

A must-have accessory is a quality decoy stake to securely position the hen in various terrains. A durable decoy bag is also recommended to protect the decoy during transport and storage.

Conclusion on Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy

The Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy is, without a doubt, one of the most realistic and durable turkey decoys on the market. Its lifelike appearance and robust construction make it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter. While the price is higher than some alternatives, the superior realism and long-lasting durability justify the investment.

The value proposition is clear: you’re paying for a decoy that will consistently attract turkeys and withstand the rigors of hunting season after season. Its unmatched realism sets it apart from the competition.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy to any turkey hunter looking to increase their success in the field. Don’t settle for anything less than the best; invest in a Dave Smith Decoy and experience the difference. Step up your turkey hunting game – order your Dave Smith Decoy Feeding Hen Decoy today!

Check Best Price HERE