The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting, for me, isn’t just a sport; it’s an annual tradition, a communion with the spring woods, and a test of skill that I eagerly anticipate each year. After a decade of chasing gobblers, I’ve learned that success hinges on more than just calling and camouflage. Decoys play a critical role, and that’s what brought me to the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color.
I was seeking a decoy that could provide maximum visibility and realistic posture to entice those wary toms from a distance. My old, collapsible decoys had lost their shape and realistic appeal after several seasons of use. I needed a durable, realistic-looking hen to add some confidence to my setups. The Higdon Outdoors hen promised just that, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color arrived well-packaged. Upon unboxing, I immediately noted the robust, hard-body construction and the detailed multi-color paint job. It felt significantly more substantial than the fabric decoys I was accustomed to.
Compared to my Flambeau Masters Series Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl decoys and a couple of Avian-X LCD Half-Strut Jake models, the Higdon Outdoors hen appeared more realistic in terms of size and posture. The Avian-X were smaller, while the Flambeau lacked the upright stance I was aiming for. I opted for the Higdon Outdoors decoy because of its promise of enhanced visibility and realistic movement.
My initial reaction was one of excitement. The decoy looked incredibly lifelike and felt extremely durable. I was eager to get it out in the field and see how the local gobblers would react to it.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color came during the opening week of the spring turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. I set the decoy up in a small clearing near a known strutting zone, positioning it about 20 yards in front of my blind. The morning was cool and damp, with a light breeze rustling through the trees.
The decoy performed admirably, even in the less-than-ideal conditions. The breeze activated the universal stake motion system, creating subtle, natural movement that added to the realism. It definitely grabbed the attention of a distant gobbler who was initially hesitant.
The setup proved effective as a longbeard responded to my calls, eventually closing the distance and giving me a clean shot. I noted no issues with the decoy’s performance, and the lifelike appearance seemed to work flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color has held up remarkably well. Despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and direct sunlight, the paint has shown minimal signs of fading or chipping. The hard body has proven to be incredibly durable, withstanding accidental bumps and scrapes without any damage.
Cleaning the decoy is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or mud. I’ve stored it in a decoy bag between hunts to protect it from the elements.
In comparison to my previous experiences with collapsible decoys, the Higdon Outdoors hen is a significant upgrade. It is more durable, more realistic, and requires less maintenance. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
Specifications
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The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is designed to mimic the lifelike posture of an upright hen. This posture is crucial for visibility, allowing distant gobblers to easily spot the decoy.
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The universal stake motion system is a key feature. It allows the decoy to move naturally even in the slightest breeze, enhancing its realism.
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The decoy boasts a durable hard body construction. This is key to long-term use, as opposed to flimsy fabric decoys that easily tear.
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It is painted with a detailed multi-color finish. This ensures a realistic appearance that can fool even the wariest of toms.
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The decoy is designed to be easily transported and deployed in the field. Its lightweight nature makes it an easy addition to any setup.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the decoy’s overall effectiveness and durability. The upright posture and motion system enhance visibility and realism. The hard body construction ensures that the decoy will withstand the rigors of hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color performs its job exceptionally well. Its primary function is to attract gobblers, and it consistently delivers results.
Its strengths lie in its realism, durability, and ease of use. The only potential weakness is its size, which may make it slightly less portable than collapsible decoys. It meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of performance and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color features a well-thought-out design. The hard body is made of a durable plastic material that can withstand the rigors of hunting. It is lightweight and easy to carry, despite its robust construction.
The multi-color paint job is realistic and adds to the decoy’s overall appeal. There’s no learning curve; you simply stake it in the ground and let it do its job.
Durability & Maintenance
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is built to last. Its durable construction ensures that it will withstand years of use. Maintenance is simple. Just wipe it down after each hunt and store it in a safe place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color comes with a universal stake for easy deployment. There are no readily apparent customization options, but some hunters might choose to add scent wafers or modify the stake system. The decoy should be compatible with most standard decoy bags and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
Pros
- Extremely realistic appearance that effectively attracts gobblers.
- Durable hard body construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Universal stake motion system provides subtle, natural movement.
- Easy to use and deploy in the field.
- Realistic size and posture maximizes visibility.
Cons
- Hard body may be slightly less portable than collapsible decoys.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color?
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who are looking for a durable, realistic, and effective decoy. It is especially well-suited for hunters who hunt in areas with good visibility, as the decoy’s upright posture maximizes its visibility.
This product may not be ideal for hunters who prioritize portability above all else, as the hard body construction makes it slightly bulkier than collapsible decoys.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality decoy bag to protect the decoy during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color
The Higdon Outdoors Hard Body Upright Hen Turkey Hen Species Multi Color is an excellent investment for any serious turkey hunter. Its realistic appearance, durable construction, and ease of use make it a standout product in the crowded decoy market. At $79.99, the price is justified by the decoy’s quality and effectiveness.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this decoy to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It’s a reliable and effective tool that will undoubtedly help you fill your tag. Upgrade your setup and experience the difference the Higdon Outdoors hen can make!