Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy Review

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy Made a Bold First Impression

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy from Flextone promises to challenge dominant turkeys and entice even the most cautious gobblers. Its compact design and customizable fan caught my eye as I sought a more versatile and portable decoy option. For years, I’ve relied on full-bodied decoys, but they’re often cumbersome in thick brush. I needed a decoy that could be deployed quickly and effectively in varied terrain.

Unboxing the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy, I was immediately impressed by its realistic appearance. The decoy feels durable despite its compact size, a significant factor considering the abuse decoys often endure in the field. Its lighter weight was also a welcomed change, promising easier transport on long treks.

Compared to my existing full-bodied strutter decoys, like the Primos Gobbstopper and the Dave Smith Decoys (DSD) Mating Motion Jake, the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy stood out for its portability. The DSD is incredibly realistic but expensive and bulky; the Gobbstopper is affordable but lacks realism. The Thunder Creeper seemed to strike a balance between realism, portability, and price. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – excited to see if it could live up to its promise in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy on a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was damp and cool, typical for that time of year. The setup was straightforward and quick; I simply unfolded the decoy and inserted the included fan. I was hunting in a mixed hardwood and open field area, hoping to lure a gobbler into the field.

The decoy held its position well, even in a slight breeze. The damp conditions didn’t seem to affect the decoy’s appearance or stability. However, after about an hour, I noticed the included fan started to droop slightly; this necessitated minor adjustments to keep it looking presentable. There was no immediate action, but several hens approached the decoy curiously, indicating its realistic appearance wasn’t spooking them.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. While the included fan continued to be a minor annoyance requiring occasional adjustment, the decoy itself has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being packed and unpacked multiple times and subjected to various weather conditions.

Cleaning the decoy is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or mud. Compared to my experience with more expensive decoys, the Thunder Creeper offers a surprisingly similar level of performance in attracting turkeys, particularly jakes and sub-dominant gobblers. It hasn’t replaced my full-bodied decoys for every situation, but its portability and ease of use make it a valuable asset for run-and-gun hunting.

Breaking Down the Features of Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy

Specifications

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy is designed to present a realistic strutter profile in a compact and portable package. It features a foldable body for easy storage and transport.

• It includes a folding fan, but also allows for customization with your own fan.
• Its compact body makes it highly portable.
• It’s designed to challenge dominant turkeys without threatening smaller gobblers.
• The price is $55.49.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the decoy’s effectiveness and usability. The foldable design and lightweight materials allow for easy transport, while the realistic appearance is crucial for attracting wary gobblers. The option to use your own fan provides versatility and allows hunters to tailor the decoy’s appearance to specific hunting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy performs its job adequately. It presents a convincing strutter profile that can attract both dominant and sub-dominant turkeys.

• It excels at drawing in younger birds and curious hens.
• The included fan can be somewhat flimsy, requiring occasional adjustments.
• Its smaller size may not be as effective at long distances compared to full-bodied decoys.

It meets expectations for a decoy in its price range, offering a good balance of realism, portability, and affordability. Improvements could be made to the fan attachment and the overall stability in windy conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy is decent for its price point. The materials used are lightweight and durable enough to withstand regular use in the field.

• The decoy is easy to set up and take down.
• The folding design allows for compact storage.
• The included fan, however, could be of higher quality.

There’s no significant learning curve; even novice turkey hunters can quickly deploy and use this decoy effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy seems reasonably durable and should last for several seasons with proper care. The material is resistant to tearing and fading.

• Cleaning is simple with a damp cloth.
• The fan attachment point is the most vulnerable area, so care should be taken when handling it.
• No major repairs are anticipated with typical use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy comes with a folding fan. The user can use their own real or artificial fan for a more personalized appearance.

• No other specific accessories are included.
• It is compatible with most standard turkey decoy stakes for secure placement.
• Adding scent attractants to the decoy may further enhance its effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy?

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy is perfect for turkey hunters who value portability and affordability. It’s ideal for those who frequently move locations during a hunt or hunt in dense cover where a full-bodied decoy would be cumbersome. Beginner turkey hunters will also appreciate its simplicity and ease of use.

Those who primarily hunt in open fields or require the most realistic and durable decoy available may want to consider a higher-end, full-bodied option. A more robust fan or attachment mechanism would be a welcome improvement. A better stake system might also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy

The Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy offers a compelling combination of affordability, portability, and realism. While it may not be the most durable or feature-rich decoy on the market, it provides excellent value for its price. The ability to customize the fan is a nice touch, allowing hunters to tailor the decoy’s appearance to specific hunting situations.

The price is justified, considering its performance and ease of use. I would recommend it to hunters looking for a budget-friendly and portable decoy option. If you’re looking for a reliable decoy that won’t break the bank and is easy to carry into the woods, give the Thunder Creeper Strutter Decoy a try! You might be surprised at how effective it can be.

Check Best Price HERE