Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy Review

The Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy Made a Bold First Impression

The thrill of turkey hunting is a blend of strategy, patience, and a deep connection with nature. Few things are more satisfying than calling in a longbeard, watching him strut and gobble, convinced he’s about to meet the love of his life. That’s where the Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy comes in, promising to elevate your hunting game with its incredibly realistic and durable design.

My quest for the perfect turkey decoy setup has been ongoing for over a decade. I needed a set that could withstand the rigors of the field, offer realistic poses, and, most importantly, fool even the wariest of toms.

Unboxing the Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy set was a revelation. The decoys exuded quality; the weight and feel of the A.C.E. resin immediately set them apart. The details in the feather patterns and the natural poses were impressive.

Compared to my older, cheaper plastic decoys, these were in a different league. I also considered the Avian-X LCD decoys and the Higdon Outdoors Apex series, but the reputation for unparalleled durability and realistic appearance of the Dave Smith Decoy models ultimately swayed my decision.

My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism given the price tag. Could these decoys truly live up to the hype and justify the investment? Only time in the field would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test with the Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy was during the spring season in the oak-hickory forests of Missouri. I set up the flock – the upright hen, feeding hen, jake, and submissive hen – in a small clearing near a known strutting zone. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle persisting throughout the morning.

Even in the low light conditions, the decoys’ realism was striking. A gobbler responded to my calls almost immediately. He closed the distance, cautiously circling the decoys, his eyes fixed on the breeding pair. The jake decoy clearly irritated him, and he put on a show trying to intimidate it. I harvested him cleanly at 30 yards; the setup worked perfectly.

There were no issues with setup; the self-storing ground stakes made placement quick and easy. After the hunt, cleaning the mud off the decoys was a breeze.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use across two turkey seasons, the Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy set has proven its worth. The A.C.E. resin has held up remarkably well. Despite being tossed in the truck bed, dragged through the woods, and even taking a glancing blow from a shotgun pellet, the decoys show minimal signs of wear.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all that’s needed. Compared to my previous, less durable decoys, the Dave Smith set is a clear winner in terms of longevity and resilience. The paint hasn’t faded, and the feather detail remains crisp.

Breaking Down the Features of Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy

Specifications

The Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy includes four individual decoys: an upright hen, a feeding hen, a jake, and a submissive hen. They are crafted from DSD’s exclusive A.C.E. resin, known for its exceptional durability. Each decoy comes with its own self-storing ground stake and a shared carry bag with a shoulder strap.

• Upright Hen: Simulates an alert hen, drawing attention from a distance.
• Feeding Hen: Represents a relaxed hen, adding realism to the flock.
• Jake: A juvenile male, known to provoke aggressive responses from mature toms.
• Submissive Hen: Completes the breeding scene, further enticing dominant gobblers.

The A.C.E. resin construction is crucial because it provides exceptional resistance to impacts and abrasions. This translates to a decoy set that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting without cracking, chipping, or losing its shape. The self-healing properties of the material are a definite plus.

Performance & Functionality

The Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy excels at its primary function: attracting turkeys. The realistic poses and attention to detail effectively mimic a natural flock, drawing in even the most wary gobblers. The jake decoy is particularly effective at triggering aggressive responses from dominant toms.

The setup is easy to use, and the included carry bag makes transportation convenient. One minor improvement would be individual bags for each decoy to prevent any rubbing during transport.

These decoys consistently exceed my expectations. They are significantly more effective than cheaper, less realistic alternatives.

Design & Ergonomics

The Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy set is well-designed and built to last. The A.C.E. resin gives the decoys a substantial feel without being excessively heavy. The poses are natural and convincing, and the feather detail is remarkably realistic.

The decoys are easy to handle and deploy. There’s no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

These decoys are built to withstand years of use. The A.C.E. resin is incredibly durable and resistant to damage.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple cleaning after each hunt is sufficient to keep them in good condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy set includes a carry bag and self-storing ground stakes. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by Dave Smith Decoys, the realistic appearance means additional flock members from other brands with similar realism blend in seamlessly. After-market flocking kits can also be used to enhance realism to the already realistic decoys.

Pros and Cons of Dave Smith Decoy Turkey Flock Decoy