Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy Review

Let’s Talk About Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of turkey decoys. However, the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy caught my attention with its promise of lifelike movement and remote control operation, features designed to fool even the wariest of Toms. Higdon Outdoors aims to provide hunters with the edge they need in the field, and this decoy appears to be a serious contender.

My need was simple: to find a decoy that adds realism and movement to my setup without requiring constant manual adjustment, a desire that stems from years of seeing call-shy birds. The promise of a remote-controlled, motion-enhanced feeding hen was too good to pass up.

Unboxing the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy, I was immediately impressed by the realistic feather detail and the overall build quality. The decoy felt solid, and the included components (remote, battery, charger, stake, bag) gave the impression of a complete, ready-to-use system.

I considered several other motion decoys before settling on this one, including models from competitors like Avian-X and Primos. I chose the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy because its side-to-side pivoting motion, combined with the up-and-down rocking, seemed more natural and less “robotic” than other options.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of skepticism; could this decoy truly live up to the hype and translate into more birds in the bag? Only time in the field would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to field-test the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy came during the early spring season in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. I set the decoy up in a small clearing near a well-used strutting zone, placing it amongst some low brush to mimic a hen casually feeding. The morning was cool and slightly damp, a typical spring day in the Ozarks.

The decoy performed admirably, its motion captivating even from a distance. The remote control allowed me to subtly adjust the hen’s movement, creating a realistic feeding scenario that quickly drew the attention of a longbeard about 200 yards away. It’s motion was fluid even in the slight breeze.

The setup was surprisingly simple, though it did take a few minutes to familiarize myself with the remote’s controls and ensure the decoy was properly balanced on the stake. The only initial issue was that the stake seemed a little short for softer ground, causing the decoy to lean slightly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy has proven to be a reliable and effective addition to my hunting arsenal. The polyethylene material has held up well against various weather conditions, showing minimal signs of wear despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump. The colorfastness of the paint has also proven itself after weeks in the sunlight.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply wiping down the decoy with a damp cloth after each hunt is usually sufficient. The battery life has been impressive, easily lasting for multiple hunts on a single charge. This is a huge plus, eliminating the need to constantly swap out batteries in the field.

Compared to my previous experience with static decoys, the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy offers a significant advantage in terms of realism and drawing power. It consistently outperforms static decoys, especially on pressured birds that have become wary of traditional setups. The realistic motion definitely adds to the drawing power.

Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy

Specifications

• The Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy is designed to mimic a feeding hen turkey, a posture that signals relaxation and safety to approaching Toms. The decoy is constructed from durable polyethylene for long-lasting use in the field.
• It features a patented TruMotion system for realistic up-and-down rocking and side-to-side pivoting, controlled by a 4-channel remote. The motion is truly what sets it apart.
• The decoy includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a charger and a metal stake for secure placement in various terrains. This rechargeable design is incredibly convenient and cost-effective.
• Specifications include: Hen Decoy Position: Feeder, Species: Turkey/Hen, Battery Type: Stand Alone Lithium. These specifications ensure the decoy fits seamlessly into a realistic hunting setup.
• The remote-controlled motion and long run-time add convenience and extended usability in the field. The lightweight design makes it easy to transport.

Performance & Functionality

• The Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy excels at attracting wary Toms by creating a convincing feeding hen scenario, drawing them into range with its subtle yet realistic movement. The remote control functionality is paramount.
• Its strengths lie in its lifelike motion, ease of use, and long battery life. A potential weakness is the stake’s length in softer ground, requiring additional support in some situations.
• It largely meets expectations, providing a significant upgrade over static decoys, though extremely savvy birds may eventually become wise to the motion. However, this is rare in my experience.

Design & Ergonomics

• The decoy boasts excellent build quality, using durable polyethylene that withstands the rigors of hunting, and feels appropriately weighted for stability. The feather detailing is also impressively realistic.
• The decoy is user-friendly, with a simple remote and intuitive setup process. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry into the field, even over long distances.

Durability & Maintenance

• Given its construction and materials, the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy is expected to last multiple seasons with proper care. The polyethylene material is extremely resilient.
• Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove mud or dirt. The electronics are sealed to prevent water damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

• The Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy comes with a lithium-ion battery, charger, 4-channel remote control, metal stake, and decoy bag, providing a complete package for immediate use. These accessories increase the ease of use.
• While not designed for extensive customization, the decoy can be paired with other Higdon Outdoors turkey decoys or those from other brands to create a more diverse and realistic setup. The motion of the decoy works well with a static jake decoy.
• The metal stake is a universal size and can be replaced with longer stakes for added stability in softer ground, if desired. This is a simple and effective way to improve the decoy’s performance in challenging terrain.

Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy

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Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy?

• Perfect for: Avid turkey hunters seeking to add realism and drawing power to their decoy setups; hunters who frequently hunt pressured birds; and those willing to invest in premium gear for an edge in the field.
• Who should skip this product? Hunters on a tight budget, those who primarily hunt in areas with extremely limited visibility where motion decoys may not offer a significant advantage, or beginners who are still learning the basics of turkey hunting.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A longer, more robust stake for use in soft ground is a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy

The Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy is a well-designed, effective tool that significantly enhances the realism of any turkey hunting setup. Its lifelike motion, remote control operation, and durable construction make it a standout product in a crowded market. It’s an investment, but one that pays off in increased drawing power and more successful hunts.

The price is justified by the performance and features offered, making it a worthwhile addition to the serious turkey hunter’s arsenal. I wholeheartedly recommend the Higdon Outdoors XS TruFeeder Motion Turkey Hen Decoy to anyone looking to up their game and fool even the wariest of Toms. Add this decoy to your setup, and get ready to experience a new level of turkey hunting success.