Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack Review

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting is a chess match with a shotgun. One wrong move, and that longbeard is heading for the next county. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that a well-placed decoy spread is often the key to victory. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack.

I’d been having trouble closing the deal on wary, late-season toms. They were henned up and skittish, clearly pressured by other hunters. I needed a decoy setup that screamed “safe zone” and triggered their dominant instincts. After extensive online research and poring over forums, I decided to give the Hunters Specialties flock a try.

The package arrived quickly, and unboxing it was a pleasant surprise. The decoys are noticeably lightweight. The hollow body construction felt promising for easy carry. The paint job, while not museum-quality, definitely appeared realistic enough to fool a bird at 30 yards.

I considered other options. There was the incredibly realistic (and expensive) Avian-X LCD series, but the price was a barrier. Then there were the cheaper, inflatable decoys, but I’d heard horror stories about them collapsing in the field. The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack seemed to strike a good balance between realism, portability, and affordability.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The lightweight design was a huge plus. I was also intrigued by the diverse postures of the hens, designed to create a natural, inviting scene for approaching toms. I couldn’t wait to get these decoys into the woods and see if they could turn my luck around.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack was during a late-season hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle that threatened to turn into a full-blown downpour. I set up the decoys in a small clearing near a well-used logging road, positioning the upright hen to be the most visible, with the Jake and feeder hen slightly off to the side.

The setup was incredibly quick and easy. The two-piece ground stakes slid easily into the ground, even in the somewhat rocky soil. I appreciated the simplicity, especially since it allowed me to adjust the decoy arrangement quickly to account for changing wind direction.

Within an hour, I had my first customer – a two-year-old gobbler that strutted into the clearing, puffed up and ready for a fight. He circled the decoys cautiously for several minutes, displaying to the Jake decoy before committing to a closer approach. One well-placed shot later, and I had filled my tag.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack has held up remarkably well. The flake-resistant paint has proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve hunted in everything from dense thickets to open fields, and the decoys have withstood abrasion and exposure to the elements without significant damage.

While the hollow body construction is lightweight, it does mean the decoys can be dented if not handled carefully. I’ve learned to be mindful when transporting them, packing them in a dedicated decoy bag to prevent damage.

Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each hunt is usually sufficient to remove mud and debris. Overall, the decoys require minimal maintenance.

Compared to the older, hard-plastic decoys I used to use, the Hunters Specialties pack is a game-changer in terms of portability and ease of setup. They haven’t replaced my trusted, fully-strutting decoy for specific scenarios, but they have become my go-to option for most of my turkey hunts.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack includes:

• Three Decoys: One upright hen, one Jake, and one feeding hen. This variety allows for a realistic and appealing decoy spread.
• Lightweight, Foldable Hollow Body Construction: This design makes the decoys easy to transport and store, a crucial feature for hunters who cover a lot of ground.
• Flake-Resistant Paint: The paint job is designed to withstand the rigors of the field, maintaining a realistic appearance over time.
• Three 2-Piece Ground Stakes: These stakes provide quick and easy setup and removal, allowing for adjustments on the fly.
• Hen’s Upright Position: Designed to attract attention and signal breeding readiness.
• Jake’s Semi-Aggressive Posture: Intended to trigger a dominant tom’s aggressive instincts.
• Feeder Hen’s Relaxed Feeding Position: Projects a sense of safety and security to approaching birds.

These specifications are crucial for creating a convincing and effective decoy spread. The variety of postures simulates a natural flock. The lightweight design means I can carry the set for miles without exhaustion.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack performs its job admirably. The decoys consistently attract the attention of toms. The variety of postures seems to be particularly effective in drawing in hesitant birds.

One slight weakness is the size of the decoys. They are not as large as some of the premium, full-body decoys on the market. This can make them less visible in dense cover.

Overall, the decoys meet my expectations. They are easy to use, durable, and effective at attracting turkeys. I have seen an increase in my success rate since I started using them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hunters Specialties decoys is good for their price point. The materials are lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand normal use. The decoys are comfortable to handle, and the ground stakes are easy to insert and remove.

There is virtually no learning curve. Even a novice turkey hunter can set up this decoy spread in minutes. The simplicity of the design is one of its greatest strengths.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack should last for several seasons. The paint job is surprisingly durable. Occasional cleaning is all that is required to keep the decoys in good condition.

The hollow body construction means that the decoys are susceptible to punctures if mishandled. Repairing small holes is possible with silicone sealant or a similar product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack comes with the essential accessories: the decoys and the ground stakes.

There are no specific customization options for these decoys. However, hunters can add their own personal touches, such as scent attractants or feather enhancements. The decoys are compatible with most standard decoy bags and accessories.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack?

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, especially those who prioritize portability and ease of use. It’s a great option for hunters who cover a lot of ground or hunt in areas where space is limited. It’s also a good choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable and effective decoy setup.

Hunters who prefer larger, more realistic decoys, or those who hunt primarily in open fields, might want to consider other options. Hunters who demand ultimate durability may prefer more expensive decoys constructed of hard plastic.

A must-have accessory is a dedicated decoy bag. This will protect the decoys during transport and prolong their lifespan. Some hunters may also want to experiment with scent attractants to further enhance the realism of their decoy spread.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack

The Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack is a solid choice for turkey hunters seeking a blend of realism, portability, and affordability. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

The price of around $113.99 is justified by the quality and effectiveness of the decoys. The lightweight design and realistic appearance make them a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.

I would definitely recommend the Hunters Specialties 100006 Strut-Lite Turkey Flock Decoy 3 Pack to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It’s a reliable, effective, and user-friendly decoy set that can help you bag that big tom this season. Get yours today and experience the difference a well-placed decoy spread can make!