The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a game of deception, and success hinges on convincing a wary gobbler that your setup is the real deal. After years of using various decoys with mixed results, I decided to invest in a dedicated laydown hen, hoping to trigger that irresistible breeding instinct. The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color immediately caught my eye with its promise of realism and durability.
I was looking for a decoy that accurately represented a receptive hen, triggering a dominant gobbler’s interest. I needed something lightweight and easy to carry, but robust enough to withstand the rigors of the spring woods. Unboxing the Higdon Outdoors decoy, I was immediately impressed with the overall finish and attention to detail. The decoy felt surprisingly lightweight, yet solid, and the multi-color feathering looked remarkably lifelike.
Compared to some of my older, less expensive decoys – mostly inflatable or collapsible models – the Higdon Outdoors decoy felt like a significant upgrade. These other decoys often looked unnatural or were prone to damage. I also considered a similar hard-body laydown hen from another manufacturer, but the Higdon Outdoors decoy’s XHD Hyper Feathering and overall price point ultimately swayed my decision. My initial excitement was definitely justified; the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color looked ready to fool even the smartest old tom.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the Higdon Outdoors laydown hen came during the opening week of turkey season on a piece of public land known for pressured birds. I set up along the edge of a field, placing the decoy about 20 yards in front of my blind in a submissive posture. The morning was damp and cool, with a light mist hanging in the air.
The decoy’s realism was immediately apparent as a young jake approached cautiously, circling the decoy before moving on. Later that morning, a mature gobbler responded to my calls and approached with purpose, focusing entirely on the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color. It was clear that the laydown posture was triggering a strong response. After a bit of strutting and spitting, the gobbler closed the distance, presenting me with a clean shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of hunts in varying conditions, the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color has proven to be remarkably durable. The decoy has withstood several rainy days, muddy fields, and even a few accidental bumps and scrapes. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the decoy’s body or paint.
Maintenance has been minimal: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all it takes to keep it looking its best. Compared to my experience with inflatable decoys, the Higdon Outdoors laydown hen has been a game-changer in terms of durability and ease of use. It outperforms my previous decoys in its ability to attract turkeys.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
Specifications
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is designed to mimic a submissive hen turkey. It’s constructed from a durable, lightweight hard body material.
The decoy utilizes Higdon Outdoors‘ XHD Hyper Feathering process, showcasing individual feather detail for maximum realism. It comes with a decoy bag for easy transport and storage. This decoy weighs approximately 2 pounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color performs exceptionally well in attracting gobblers. The laydown posture is particularly effective during the breeding season.
The realism of the decoy is a major strength, consistently drawing the attention of approaching birds. The decoy’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry, but the hard body construction could be more resistant to punctures. The Higdon Outdoors laydown hen meets my expectations and has significantly improved my success rate.
Design & Ergonomics
The decoy’s build quality is excellent, with a durable hard body and realistic feather detail. Its lightweight design is comfortable to carry over long distances.
The design is simple and effective, with no complicated setup required. There is no learning curve associated with using the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard body construction is designed to last for many seasons with proper care. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud.
Repairing punctures in the hard body material would be difficult, but the durable construction minimizes the risk of damage. The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color appears built to last.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color comes with a convenient decoy bag for transport and storage. While there are no direct customization options for the decoy itself, hunters can experiment with different placement strategies to maximize its effectiveness.
The decoy is compatible with most standard decoy stakes. You could potentially add a small amount of scent attractant to the decoy to further enhance its realism.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
Pros
- Realistic Appearance: The Higdon Outdoors‘ XHD Hyper Feathering provides exceptional realism, fooling even wary gobblers.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry in the field, especially when covering long distances.
- Durable Construction: The hard body design can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
- Effective Laydown Posture: Triggers a strong breeding response from gobblers.
- Decoy Bag Included: Convenient for storage and transport.
Cons
- Hard Body Not Repairable: Punctures or damage to the hard body would be difficult to repair.
- Price: While reasonable, it’s a more significant investment than some less realistic decoys.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color?
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters looking to increase their success rate with a realistic and durable decoy, and for those hunting pressured birds that require a more convincing setup. This decoy is great for hunters who appreciate quality and realism.
Who should skip this product? Hunters on a very tight budget who are only interested in basic, inexpensive decoys, or those who primarily hunt areas with exceptionally high turkey populations where any decoy is likely to be effective.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality decoy stake for secure placement, and potentially a small bottle of turkey scent attractant for added realism.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is an excellent investment for serious turkey hunters. Its realistic appearance, durable construction, and effective laydown posture make it a valuable asset in the field.
The price is justified by the decoy’s quality and performance. The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color has proven to be more effective than my previous setups.
I would highly recommend this decoy to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. Invest in the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Laydown Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color and get ready to experience a more rewarding spring season!