Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves Review

Let’s Dive into Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves

Decoys are an essential tool for any bird hunter, whether you are an experienced waterfowl hunter or just starting out. The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves offer a realistic and affordable option for attracting these swift-flying game birds. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless decoys come and go, so I was particularly interested in seeing how these stack up against the competition.

My need for dove decoys stemmed from my desire to improve my early-season dove hunts. I was tired of relying solely on pass shooting and wanted a more effective method for drawing birds into range. After researching various options, the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves caught my attention due to their realistic appearance and the Greenhead Gear reputation for quality.

Upon unboxing the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves, my initial impression was positive. The decoys felt lightweight yet durable, with a natural-looking paint scheme that closely mimicked the coloration of real mourning doves. The two distinct poses – 3 perching and 3 resting – added to the realism, offering a more dynamic and believable setup.

Compared to other dove decoys I’ve used in the past, such as the Flambeau Master Series Dove Decoys, the Greenhead Gear version felt slightly more realistic in terms of paint detail. While the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Foam Filled Dove Decoys are incredibly durable, the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves offered a better balance of realism and practicality for my hunting style. Ultimately, I chose the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves for their affordability, realistic appearance, and the trusted Greenhead Gear brand name.

I was excited to put them to the test and see if they would truly improve my dove hunting success. The lifelike detail and variety of poses gave me confidence that these decoys could make a significant difference.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves was on a small private field bordered by mature oak trees, a known dove roosting area. I deployed the decoys by clipping the perching doves onto branches of the oaks and scattering the resting doves on a fence post along the field edge. The weather was warm and dry with a slight breeze.

Immediately, I noticed an increase in dove activity around my setup. Doves seemed more willing to approach and investigate the area, circling before committing to land near the decoys. Although I had some skepticism, the decoys drastically improved the shot opportunities presented.

The ease of use was excellent; the clips were simple to attach, and the lightweight design made them easy to carry. There were no immediate issues, and I was pleasantly surprised by how effectively they drew in birds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves for an entire dove season, they have held up remarkably well. Despite being exposed to sun, rain, and rough handling in my gear bag, the paint has remained vibrant, with minimal chipping or fading. The bodies of the decoys have retained their shape and integrity.

The decoys are relatively easy to clean; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. Compared to previous dove decoys I’ve owned, these have proven to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They outperformed my expectations for an affordable decoy option.

Breaking Down the Features of Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Greenhead Gear: A well-known brand in the hunting industry, Greenhead Gear is synonymous with quality and innovation. Their reputation is built upon producing reliable and effective hunting gear.
• Quantity: 6 Pack: This pack includes six decoys, providing ample coverage for most dove hunting scenarios. The number of decoys allows for a more realistic and visually appealing spread.
• 3 Perching: These decoys are designed to be clipped onto branches, simulating doves resting in trees. This adds vertical dimension to your decoy spread, increasing its visibility.
• 3 Resting: These decoys are meant to be placed on the ground or fences, mimicking doves feeding or loafing. The resting pose offers a contrasting visual element to the perching doves, enhancing realism.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the effectiveness of the decoys in attracting doves. The combination of perching and resting poses creates a more natural and enticing scene for incoming birds.

Performance & Functionality

The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves perform their job exceptionally well. They effectively attract doves, increasing shot opportunities and improving hunting success. The realistic paint scheme and lifelike poses contribute to their effectiveness in fooling wary birds.

Their greatest strength is their ability to draw doves into range, even on days when birds are less active. One area for potential improvement would be the addition of a slightly more durable clip for attaching the perching doves. These decoys meet and exceed expectations, offering a significant advantage for dove hunters.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is impressive for decoys in this price range. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of hunting. The weight makes them easy to carry and deploy.

The design is user-friendly, with simple clips for attaching the perching doves and a stable base for the resting doves. There is no significant learning curve; they are ready to use straight out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, these decoys should last for several seasons. The durable construction and resilient paint help them withstand the elements. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down after each hunt is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves come as a standalone set, but their effectiveness can be enhanced with a few simple accessories. A lightweight decoy bag makes transport easier, while additional clips can be useful for securing the perching doves in windy conditions.

The decoys are compatible with most standard decoy rigging and clips, allowing for easy customization. Adding a motion decoy, such as a Mojo Outdoors Voodoo Dove, can further enhance the realism of your spread.

Pros and Cons of Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves

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Who Should Buy Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves?

The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves are perfect for dove hunters of all experience levels who are looking to improve their success in the field. They are especially beneficial for hunters who hunt on smaller fields or areas with limited natural dove attractants. They are a must-have for any serious dove hunter.

Those who should skip this product are hunters who only hunt in areas with extremely high dove populations where decoys are not necessary or those who prioritize extreme durability over realism. While these decoys are durable, hunters seeking virtually indestructible decoys might consider foam-filled alternatives.

A must-have accessory is a lightweight decoy bag for easy transport. Also, investing in heavier-duty clips for attaching the perching doves can be beneficial in windy conditions.

Conclusion on Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves

The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves are an excellent addition to any dove hunter’s arsenal. Their realistic appearance, affordable price, and durable construction make them a standout product in the decoy market. The price is certainly justified by the improved hunting success they provide.

I would highly recommend these decoys to any dove hunter looking to enhance their hunting experience. They are a game-changer that will undoubtedly lead to more birds in the bag. Don’t just take my word for it; try the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves for yourself and experience the difference!