The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned waterfowler with over a decade immersed in the world of duck hunting, I’ve seen countless decoy spreads and strategies. I’m always looking for that edge, that little something that convinces wary mallards to commit. The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack promised exactly that: a realistic, durable, and effective addition to my existing decoy arsenal.
For years, I’ve struggled to create the illusion of a truly feeding flock. Standard full-body decoys are great, but they lack the subtle movement and realism of ducks actively diving and feeding. Seeing the Higdon Outdoors duck butt decoys piqued my interest, as they offered a simple yet potentially game-changing solution. I’ve experimented with jerk cords and motorized decoys, but they can be cumbersome and require batteries. I considered other butt-up decoys but chose the Higdon model for its reputation for durability and realistic paint scheme, qualities that other brands like Flambeau and GHG sometimes lack.
The package arrived in a sturdy box, and upon opening it, I was immediately impressed by the size of these “magnum” butts. The colors were vibrant and the detail was surprisingly good for a decoy. The foam filling gave them a substantial feel, suggesting they could withstand the rigors of a rough hunting season. My initial reaction was excitement; these weren’t cheap, flimsy imitations, but rather serious tools designed to enhance my spread.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to deploy the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack came on a chilly morning in late November. I was hunting a small flooded timber hole known to hold mallards. I placed the two duck butts – one drake and one hen – amongst a larger spread of full-body mallard decoys near the edge of the timber. The water was shallow, about knee-deep, allowing the weighted keels to settle quickly.
The conditions were far from ideal: a light drizzle persisted throughout the morning, and the wind was calm. Despite this, the mallards responded well to the setup. Several flocks of mallards circled the spread multiple times, clearly interested. Ultimately, we managed to bag a few greenheads that committed to the decoys, landing right in the middle of the spread near the Higdon duck butts.
There were no immediate issues with the decoys; the weighted keels kept them upright, even with the occasional bump from floating debris. The realistic paint job seemed to hold up well despite the wet conditions. I found that the size and visual appeal of the decoys made an impact.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting, the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack has proven to be a valuable and surprisingly durable addition to my decoy setup. The paint has remained remarkably intact, showing minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated exposure to mud, ice, and the occasional stray shot. The foam filling has held its shape, preventing the decoys from sinking or becoming waterlogged, which is a common problem with cheaper, hollow decoys.
Cleaning the decoys is relatively simple; a quick rinse with water is usually all it takes to remove mud and debris. I have found that storing them in a dedicated decoy bag helps to protect the paint and prevent damage during transport. Compared to previous experiences with less expensive decoys, the Higdon duck butts have significantly outperformed them in terms of durability and realism. They continue to look great and effectively attract ducks, making them a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
Specifications
- Magnum Size: The oversized design (Drake butt: 11.5″ tail to keel, 6″ wide, 27.66 oz; Hen butt: 12.375″ tail to keel, 6.25″ wide, 31.15 oz) increases visibility and creates a more prominent feeding presence in your spread. Larger decoys are easier for ducks to spot from a distance.
- Foam Filled Construction: The foam filling provides exceptional durability and prevents the decoys from sinking if punctured. This ensures that they will remain effective even after taking a shot or sustaining damage.
- Weighted Keel: The weighted keel ensures that the decoys sit upright in the water and maintain a natural appearance. Quick and easy setup is achieved with this feature.
- Species-Specific Paint Scheme: Realistic, detailed paint schemes mimic the coloration and plumage of mallard drakes and hens. Higdon’s proprietary UV painting process minimizes unnatural glare.
- XHD Hyper-Feathering Carving: Carving techniques highlight individual feathers, adding to the lifelike appearance of the decoys. Details matter, especially to wary ducks.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the overall realism and effectiveness of the decoy. The magnum size and detailed paint scheme enhance visibility and attract ducks from a distance. The foam-filled construction and weighted keel ensure durability and stability in various water conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack performs its job admirably, creating the illusion of active feeding ducks. This is critical for attracting wary mallards. The realism of the decoys, combined with their strategic placement within a larger spread, significantly increases the chances of success.
The strengths of these duck butt decoys lie in their realistic appearance, durable construction, and ease of use. Their only weakness is their limited functionality. They don’t offer any movement themselves, but they pair well with other motion decoys. The decoys meet my expectations and improve the effectiveness of my overall decoy spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the materials used are durable and the foam filling provides a substantial feel. The weighted keel ensures that the decoys sit correctly in the water. The paint job is highly detailed and realistic, further enhancing the overall appearance.
These decoys are very user-friendly; simply toss them into the water and the weighted keels do the rest. There is no learning curve associated with their use.
Durability & Maintenance
The foam-filled construction and durable paint scheme suggest that these decoys will last for many seasons with proper care. I anticipate years of use from this set.
Maintaining the decoys is simple; a quick rinse with water after each hunt is usually sufficient. Damage is easily avoided if the decoys are stored properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack does not come with any additional accessories beyond the two decoys themselves. There are no customization options available directly from Higdon.
However, the decoys can be easily integrated into any existing decoy spread. They work well with other brands and types of decoys, such as full-body mallards, floating mallards, and motion decoys.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
Pros
- Realistic Appearance: The detailed paint scheme and XHD Hyper-Feathering carving create a convincing illusion of actively feeding ducks.
- Magnum Size: The oversized design increases visibility and draws the attention of ducks from a greater distance.
- Foam Filled Construction: Provides exceptional durability and prevents sinking, even if punctured.
- Weighted Keel: Ensures quick and easy setup and maintains a natural upright position in the water.
- Durable Paint: Resists chipping, peeling, and fading, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Limited Movement: The decoys are static and do not provide any inherent movement.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other butt-up decoys on the market, though the quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack?
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters looking to enhance the realism and effectiveness of their decoy spreads. These decoys are well-suited for hunters who target mallards specifically and hunt in a variety of environments, including flooded timber, open water, and agricultural fields. Hunters who value durability and realistic appearance will appreciate the quality of these decoys.
Hunters on a very tight budget or those who primarily hunt species other than mallards might want to consider other options. Also, if you’re hunting in areas with strong currents or extremely rough water, the static nature of these decoys might be a disadvantage. A jerk string system may assist to add motion to the decoys.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack is a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowlers seeking to improve their decoy spreads. The realism, durability, and ease of use make these decoys a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. The price is justified by the quality of the construction and the proven effectiveness of the design.
I would personally recommend these duck butt decoys to any hunter looking to add a touch of realism to their spread and increase their chances of success. If you’re tired of seeing ducks flare away from your decoys, give the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Duck Butt Mallards Species Multi Color Foam Filled 2 Pack a try; you won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your hunt today!