First Thoughts on the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill
Turkey hunting is a chess match, and decoys are your pieces. After years of lugging around cumbersome, unrealistic decoys, I was searching for a lightweight, realistic solution to elevate my setup. The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoy combo immediately caught my eye.
Having hunted stubborn longbeards across multiple states, I know the importance of a convincing presentation. This combo, designed in collaboration with Strutt & Lydwn, promised both versatility and ease of use. My goal was to find a decoy set that would fool even the wariest toms, without breaking my back in the process.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the lifelike detail achieved through Higdon Outdoors‘ XHD Hyper Feathering process. The decoys felt surprisingly lightweight, a welcome change from the bulky, solid plastic models I’d used in the past. I was excited by the prospect of deploying a realistic setup without the typical back strain.
Compared to my older Flambeau and Primos decoys, the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill offered a noticeable upgrade in realism and portability. The paint jobs on my old decoys had started to flake, and their heavy weight made long treks exhausting. The lifelike feather detail and lightweight design of this set are what sold me.
My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism. The realistic look and feel were promising, but the real test would be in the field. I was eager to see if these decoys could truly fool a mature gobbler.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys on a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The terrain was rugged, and the weather was unpredictable. I set up the Jake and Jill decoys in a small clearing near a known strut zone, hoping to lure in a dominant tom.
The morning started with a light drizzle that turned into steady rain. Despite the wet conditions, the decoys maintained their realistic appearance. No paint flaking or fading was observed. The setup was quick and easy, allowing me to focus on calling.
The birds responded well. A longbeard approached cautiously, displaying classic dominance behavior towards the Jake decoy before committing to the setup. There were no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting with the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys, they have proven to be durable and reliable. I have used these decoys in various terrains and weather conditions. From thick timber to open fields and scorching heat to freezing temperatures, the decoys performed admirably.
After several weeks of use, the paint still looks great, with minimal wear and tear. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep them clean. My previous hard-bodied decoys required more extensive cleaning to remove mud and debris.
Compared to my previous experiences with other decoy brands, the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys have significantly outperformed in terms of realism, portability, and ease of maintenance. They have quickly become an essential part of my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill
Specifications
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoy combo includes two decoys: a Quarter Strut Jake and a Laydown Hen. Each decoy is constructed from a hard body material yet remains ultra-lightweight for easy transport. This combination of durability and light weight is a game-changer for the run-and-gun turkey hunter.
The Higdon Outdoors XHD Hyper Feathering process showcases individual feather detail. This enhances realism. The set retails for $149.99.
The Quarter Strut Jake simulates a young, non-threatening male turkey. This provokes dominant toms into displaying aggression and closing the distance. The Laydown Hen simulates a relaxed and receptive female, drawing in both gobblers looking to breed and hens seeking companionship.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys excel at attracting turkeys. The realistic appearance and posture of the decoys are highly effective in drawing birds in close. The lightweight design makes them easy to carry and deploy quickly in different hunting scenarios.
The only minor weakness is that in extremely windy conditions, the lightweight decoys can be prone to tipping over. A heavier stake or anchoring system may be required in such situations. Overall, the performance of this decoy set exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys is excellent. The hard body material is durable and resistant to damage. Their light weight provides hunters with an easy carry.
The decoys are very user-friendly. They require no assembly and can be deployed within seconds. This is a huge advantage when setting up quickly in a fast-moving hunting situation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys are designed to last multiple seasons with proper care. The hard body material resists cracking and breaking, even in rough terrain. Minimal maintenance is required.
A quick wipe down after each hunt is sufficient to keep the decoys clean and looking their best. The paint job is durable and resistant to fading. This ensures that the decoys maintain their realism for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoys come with basic stakes for ground placement. Additional customization options include using different types of stakes for varying terrain conditions. You can also add scent attractants to enhance the realism of the setup.
The decoys are compatible with various aftermarket decoy vests and bags for easy transport. While no specific accessories are necessary, these additions can further improve the overall hunting experience. Consider investing in a quality decoy bag to protect your investment and keep your setup organized.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill
Pros
- Extremely realistic appearance fools even wary toms.
- Lightweight and easy to carry for run-and-gun hunting.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Simple to set up and deploy quickly in the field.
- Versatile decoy combination suitable for various hunting scenarios.
Cons
- Can be prone to tipping over in windy conditions.
- Higher price point compared to some basic decoy models.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill?
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoy combo is perfect for serious turkey hunters who value realism, portability, and durability. Hunters who cover a lot of ground or hunt in challenging terrain will especially appreciate the lightweight design. This is a must-have for any serious turkey hunter.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt from a fixed blind may find the higher price point unnecessary. These hunters could get by with cheaper, less realistic decoy options. Hunters who only hunt in calm weather conditions may not need the additional anchoring system to prevent tipping.
A quality decoy bag is a must-have accessory. You may want to consider a stronger stake system if you regularly hunt in windy conditions. A turkey call is also a must have.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill
The Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoy combo is a top-tier product that delivers exceptional performance in the field. The realistic appearance, lightweight design, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. This set will fool those stubborn longbeards.
At $149.99, the price is justified by the quality and effectiveness of the decoys. I wholeheartedly recommend the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill decoy combo. It has significantly improved my turkey hunting success.
If you are looking to upgrade your decoy setup and increase your chances of bagging a gobbler this season, look no further. Invest in the Higdon Outdoors Strutt & Lydwn Jake & Jill and experience the difference for yourself!