8 Of The Best Turkey Decoys For Successful Turkey Hunting

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If you are a seasoned turkey hunter, or at least familiar with turkey hunting, you know realistic turkey decoys can make a real difference when it comes to your hunting success. 

I always have decoys in my turkey-hunting arsenal, too. I have tried many until I found the most realistic ones and my all-time favorite Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock Stay tuned to discover more about the best turkey decoys so you can pick your favorite too!

In A Rush? Here Are My Picks

Let’s take a quick glance at the turkey decoys I have reviewed.

Our choice
Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock
Runner-up
Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy...
PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake &...
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and...
Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock
Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy...
PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake &...
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and...
-
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Our choice
Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock
Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock
-
Runner-up
Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy...
Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy...
Amazon Prime
PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake &...
PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake &...
-
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and...
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and...
Amazon Prime
AVIAN-X LCD Strutter Durable Realistic...
The Grind Turkey Decoys, Durable and...
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy | Durable...
AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy |...
AVIAN-X LCD Strutter Durable Realistic...
The Grind Turkey Decoys, Durable and...
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy | Durable...
AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy |...
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
AVIAN-X LCD Strutter Durable Realistic...
AVIAN-X LCD Strutter Durable Realistic...
Amazon Prime
The Grind Turkey Decoys, Durable and...
The Grind Turkey Decoys, Durable and...
Amazon Prime
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy | Durable...
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy | Durable...
Amazon Prime
AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy |...
AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy |...
Amazon Prime

8 Best Turkey Decoys 

A woman setting up a turkey decoy
Image Credit: flickr.com

Best Of All: Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock

Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock
  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Package Dimensions: 28" L X 18.5" W X 14" H
  • Includes jake and three hens (upright, feeding, and submissive)
  • Comes with practical camo bags with shoulder straps
  • UV balanced

In my experience, Dave Smyth decoys are one of the most realistic decoys you can buy, and this turkey flock decoy is no exception. I’ve scored more turkeys using this decoy than ever before! It is a bit pricey, but I believe it is well worth it too!

The details are exceptional. Plus, the birds are painted so that their feathers reflect UV light, just like real feathers. They look so real that  I sometimes fear other hunters might take a shot at my decoys. Luckily, they are made to withstand an accidental shotgun blast

So far, my Dave Smith turkey flock proved durable, as well. The only thing I do not like is that the laying hen sits too low and gets invisible in the high grass. 

Pros

  • Ultra-realistic
  • Durable
  • Highly-effective

Cons

  • High price

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Primos Gobstopper Jake & Hen

PRIMOS HUNTING 69064 Gobstopper Jake &...
  • Premium, realistic detail and posture at an affordable price
  • Lightweight collapsible body for easy carry
  • Set consists of jake and hen
  • Made from a soft rubber-like material
  • Set includes two stakes and a mesh bag

The Primos decoys are one of the best turkey decoys everyone can afford. As such, they are great for newbies still on the fence about whether they will pursue turkey hunting for a long time. 

As an experienced gobbler hunter who has tried out dozens of different decoys, I must say that I immediately noticed the somewhat generic colors of this turkey decoy set. It is most apparent when looking at jake’s head since the red and blue are too bright to look 100% realistic.

Nonetheless, I have had success using this turkey decoy. Birds are very light, collapsable, and soft enough to fold in half when you need to carry them. They come with a practical mesh bag too. 

Pros

  • Great price for the quality
  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Paint is not true to real-life turkey colors
  • Prone to denting (putting them in some hot water can fix that easily, though)

Best Portable Option: Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen & Jake Combo 

Sale
Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and...
  • The Lil’ Gobbstopper Hen is expertly designed and field-proven to match smaller, less intimidating turkeys that make easy...
  • With authentic poses and coloring, the smaller size also makes them easier to pack and lighter carry so you can get to your spot...
  • Set consists of hen and jake
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • Collapsible design with two stakes included

Having had plenty of success with previous Primos decoys, I’ve decided to try out the similar, slightly smaller, and lighter combo. The primary advantages of the Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake set are their size and weight. Being lighter and more compact than most decoys makes this set ideal for hunters on the go. It is so easy to pack and carry around!

Once again, the quality and price ratio are great. Hence, this set is an excellent option for newbies and occasional hunters, too. The decoys are relatively life-like, and this time even the colors are more subdued and natural-looking.

The smaller profile makes this jake more attractive. As a result, it attracts quite a few feisty toms. You should definitely try it!

Pros

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Affordable
  • Great at attracting toms

Cons

  • Set doesn’t include carry bag

Best Motion Decoy: Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy

Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom Turkey Decoy...
  • REALISTIC full strut Tom decoy moves side to side & XHD Hyper Feathering highlights each individual feather with deep detail....
  • INCLUDES strutting tom decoy, TruMotion system, lithium ion battery, charger, 4-channel remote control, synthetic fan, metal stake...
  • Full-strut gobbler decoy
  • Higdon Tru – Motion System operated through a 4-channel remote control
  • XHD Hyper Feathering technique
  • Carry bag included

Tom decoys are not my favorite because they are not as versatile as other decoys, but every dedicated gobbler hunter must have at least one in their arsenal. I think it should be the Hidgon Motion Tom Decoy (if you can afford it).

This dominant tom not only looks like a real turkey but also produces life-like movements. The moves, combined with its smaller size, seem to drive other toms crazy, giving you excellent chances of shooting them down.

The level of detail is incredible. The colors are true to nature, showcasing aggressive strutter details. You’ll also get an innovative magnetic fan ring to attach the included synthetic (or natural feather) fan. I recommend trying this effective decoy, but first, check if electronic motion decoys are legal in your area.

Pros

  • Ultra-realistic look and movement
  • Removable hand for easy carrying
  • Quick-charging internal Lithium Ion battery
  • Durable, high-contrast UV paint

Cons

  • High price
  • Not legal in some areas

Best Folding Decoy: AVIAN-X LCD Strutter

Sale
AVIAN-X LCD Strutter Durable Realistic...
  • HUNTING TURKEY DECOY - This is as in-your-face gobbler action gets; Even the toughest old gobbler won't be able to ignore the LCD...
  • ULTRA REALISTIC - LCD Strutter Decoy is 15% smaller than a real turkey making it less dominant, more effective and easy to carry;...
  • Collapsible strutter decoy
  • Made of long-lasting rugged PVC dura-rubber
  • Carbon stake and carry bag included

Avian-X decoys are some of the best turkey decoys you can buy, so my list would not be complete without at least one of their products. I have chosen to test another dominant strutting posture tom decoy. This gobbler is inflatable and thus highly portable. Do not worry, though – it only takes a few breaths to inflate it!

Right off, I could see that the level of quality and realistic details is exceptional. The colors are vivid and true to life. The feathers look real and do not throw false UV light. Since I had a bit of an accident with my strutter, I can vouch that it is highly durable and able to withstand quite a tumble. 

Being a bit smaller than an average tom, my Avian-X strutter decoy had great success at attracting bigger toms. As a result, I had a successful turkey hunt too. 

Pros

  • Deflates and folds for easy transport and storage
  • Most realistic look
  • Removable synthetic tail fan
  • Durable

Cons

  • Bit pricey
  • Hard to repair if you shoot it accidentally

The Best Dual Purpose Decoy: The Grind Reaper Quarter-Body Strutter Decoy

Sale
The Grind Turkey Decoys, Durable and...
  • DURABLE: Tough yet lightweight EVA material holds posture shape year after year | Heat-treated, textured paint process resists...
  • REALISTIC: Irresistible head/body anatomy; realistic iridescent feather colors/details
  • Quarter-body design for easy transportation
  • Adjustable heavy-duty metal stake
  • Removable synthetic full fan 

If you are looking for a dual-purpose strutter decoy for both stationary setup and reaping, try the Grind Reaper Quarter strutter. I did, and I think it is one of the most effective decoys on the market.

This hard-shell turkey decoy is made of high-quality materials and looks very true to life. It can stand a lot too. The synthetic fan can be removed and replaced with a natural one. You can also tighten or loosen the wingnut that secures the metal stake depending on how much wind motion you want. 

As a quarter-body decoy, this strutter is lighter than many other decoys. It is a great advantage when carrying it through the woods. If you spend a lot of time in a ground blind, this decoy is right up your alley. Yet, it is not an ideal choice for running and gunning.

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Built to last
  • Hyper-realistic, durable colors
  • Stationary setup or reaping

Cons

  • A decoy bag is not included

Best Hen Decoy: Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy

Sale
Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy | Durable...
  • HUNTING TURKEY DECOY - Blow-molded into reality from hand-carved designs, this HDR Hen Turkey decoy harnesses unbeatable detail...
  • INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD POSTURES - The HDR Hen decoy features an upright body with two interchangeable head postures; Use the...
  • Standing hen decoy with two interchangeable head positions
  • Carbon mounting stake that can be stored in the tail
  • Carry bag included

Hens are generally the most versatile decoys, and you cannot go wrong with ultra-realistic Avian-X decoys. Hence, this HDR hen decoy is one of the most effective decoys you can get. I used it solo and combined it with my jakes – it brought me plenty of success on both occasions!

The body position and size are just right. It is blow-molded and hand-carved, which results in amazing feather detail. The legs look real, and the flocked back is an excellent touch too. You can put the head in two positions – a high-stretched one signaling dominance and a lower one to express submissiveness.

I recommend using this decoy in open hardwoods. That is a unique opportunity to set up one highly-visible and realistic hen decoy. 

Pros

  • Hyper-realistic
  • Different head positions
  • Non-chip paint and durable construction

Cons

  • Not suitable for low-budget hunters

Best Mating Season Decoy: AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy

AVIAN-X LCD Breeder Hen Turkey Decoy |...
  • HUNTING TURKEY DECOY - One of our most popular hunting turkey decoys ever, the LCD Breeder Hen plays up gobbler's top priority...
  • UNMATCHED REALISM & DETAIL - High-quality feather detail and intricate paint schemes complement this inviting pose to bring the...
  • Inflatable hen in breeding position
  • Foldable for easy transport and storage
  • A carry-on bag and collapsible stake included

If you are gearing up for the forthcoming spring season, I recommend getting an Avian-X LCD Breeder Hen. It is the best turkey decoy for attracting male birds. Her tempting pose and real-life appearance are hard to resist. 

Once again, Avian-X lived up to its reputation and delivered realistic colors and feather detail. Just like all their LCD decoys, this breeder hen also has a lightweight, collapsible dura-rubber body that is easy to transport and guarantees silence in the field. 

As long as you keep it safe from accidental shots, this inflatable hen will last you a lifetime. If someone does shoot it by accident, the repair is possible but tiresome.

Pros

  • Hard to resist during the mating season
  • Excellent for hunters on the go
  • Incredibly detailed

Cons

  • Legs and feet could be improved to match the realism of the body

Why Should You Use Turkey Decoys?

A realistic looking turkey decoy

Even though turkeys are blessed with excellent hearing, they rely on their sight too. In fact, they have the most advanced vision among birds. According to Scientific American, these birds have three times better eyesight than humans. Their peripheral vision is superior, too, since they have an approximate visual field of 270 degrees.

Why is that important?

Turkeys rely on their outstandingly terrific vision to avoid predators, feed and find mating partners. That is why decoys can help you attract these gobblers, especially in spring, at the height of their mating season.  

Every coin has two sides. Hence, superior vision makes turkey highly observant. They notice even the tiniest details. For this reason, your decoys must be super realistic.

How To Pick The Best Turkey Decoys

Three turkey decoys in the field
Image Credit: themeateater.com

 Now that you know that you must use only the very best turkey decoys to attract these visually gifted birds, it is time to find out how to identify them. Pennsylvania Game Commission has published an excellent PDF about how to identify turkey, which I used when I was just starting turkey hunting. 

Here, I will summarize the list of features you need to pay attention to when browsing through the turkey decoy market:

Type Of Turkey Decoy

A woman wearing turkey decoy as a cap
Image Credit: flickr.com

There are a few different types of decoys. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s turkey program coordinator, Jeremy Wood, your choice of decoy can make or break your hunting success. You will choose one of them according to your hunting goals and time of the year

Toms 

A turkey decoy on a white background
Image Credit: avian-x.com

Tom turkey decoys in full plumage with their fanned tails tend to attract most hunters. Unfortunately, they are not that good at attracting turkeys too. In my humble opinion, toms are the least effective decoys. They are usually the most expensive, too.

According to Troy Ruiz, a former host on Primos Hunting’s The Truth About Hunting TV program, full-strut tom decoys have a lot of success at provoking male turkeys to fight for mating rights. In my opinion, big tom also intimidates all smaller toms and keeps them out of the gun’s range.

The principal role of a tom decoy is to provoke male turkeys to fight for mating rights. However, at the same time, big, full-strut tom intimidates all smaller toms and keeps them out of your gun’s range. 

Therefore, the only time I use tom turkey decoys is when I’m hoping to shoot down a large, dominant bird in the area. This works only in spring, though, I do not even bring a tom decoy when hunting during the fall season. 

Jakes

A Jake decoy in the field
Image Credit: avian-x.com

A jake decoy represents a young male bird that is not big and strong enough to win a female. Jakes are best used in spring during the mating season, as they are very good at attracting toms. No tom will ever allow jake to enter its turf and breed with its hens.

You can use a jake decoy in the fall, too, as long as you position it strategically on known feeding plots. Larger males won’t stand the competition and will come running, giving you an excellent opportunity to shoot them down. 

You can find jakes in several different postures (mating or standing erect). All are equally good at provoking just about any adult male. They are highly versatile and productive decoys, so I always bring at least one.

Hens

A Hen decoy standing in the green grass
Image Credit: avian-x.com

As you can probably assume, a hen decoy serves to attract male birds and make them less apprehensive. All the guys will be interested in is mating, so use it to your advantage. 

Hen turkey decoys may come in different postures, but they are all highly effective. A mating position hen decoy (laydown hen) is best suited for spring. Feeding hen decoy should be used in fall as it signals the presence of food and attracts all the turkeys in its proximity.

I prefer setting up a few different hens. But, according to the experience of a dedicated turkey hunter Mick Bowman, a male-female pair works wonders, too.

To learn how to best use a strutter decoy, watch the video below:

Realism

According to “The Wild Turkey; Biology and Management,” compiled and edited by Dr. James G. Dickson, wild turkeys have better vision than we do and can see a broader range of colors, including those from the UV spectrum.

Therefore, the colors of your decoy must look as true to nature as possible. I also recommend choosing colors that match the turkey in your area

Anti-UV coating is a big no, too. Even though it might protect the paint from UV light and prevent it from fading, it does you no favor. Turkeys will see this coating as glowing blue color and probably avoid your decoy. 

Size & Weight

The Del Negro & Senft Eye Associates explain turkeys do not have a 3D vision and are not good at estimating the size and distance of objects. Yet, you should try to keep your decoys within the average weight and size range. Overly large decoys scare turkeys, even toms.

It is best to stick to decoys representing either big healthy hens or weak, timid jakes. Besides, very large decoys are hard to get to your hunting spot, especially when you are on foot. Not only are they heavy, but they might drag and scrape too, producing noise and scaring off your potential prey. 

Price & Quality Ratio

Cost, durability, and quality do not always correlate when it comes to the best turkey decoys. From what I have seen, a pricey, realistic decoy is often made from fragile materials to stress the details and increase its efficiency. On the other hand, cheap decoys might last longer but attract far fewer birds. 

If you are a budget-minded hunter, you might be tempted to consider affordable options such as 2D and inflatable turkey decoys. They are certainly not the best gobbler decoys you can buy but are usually smaller, lighter, and more portable than any 3D realistic turkey decoy, as confirmed by the review published by Iowa Wildlife Federation.

On the downside, I have noticed that such decoys have issues with how they reflect light. A lifelike collapsible decoy is a rarity. Besides, inflatable decoys are easily destroyed. My advice is to save up and invest in the best turkey decoy from my top 8 list.

How To Set Up Your Turkey Decoys

Multiple decoys near a lake
Image Credit: flickr.com

You can throw out a few haphazard decoys and hope for the best, but that won’t yield the best results. You are not a duck hunter, turkeys are smarter. Therefore, if you are a newbie, I suggest observing natural turkey behavior in your hunting area and trying to replicate it when setting up your decoys

Here are a few setup options: 

Facing

Place a single hen turkey decoy (or two) on a food plot and alert jake facing toward your blind angle. A tom is likely to feel provoked and approach this jake decoy head-on, giving you an excellent opportunity for a good shot.

Fighting

You can position tom and jake face to face to attract other toms. Choose decoys that appear aggressive but are not too big. You want to attract big male birds, not intimidate them. 

Feeding

Replicate a feeding flock by placing a few hen turkey decoys with their heads down, and at least one with its head up. I usually add a jake decoy, too, to attract a tom. This setup is one of the best for the fall season. 

Coming Or Leaving 

If you go turkey hunting in the morning or evening, you can try setting up a few hen decoys between the wood line and a food plot. I like to add strutting jake in pursuit to attract big toms.

Mating

Toms will come when they see a hen and jack mating. If you use a mating pair as a part of a bigger setup, avoid using a full strut gobbler decoy or multiple jake decoys – that can be contra-productive. This is the best setup for the mating season that, according to Greg Yarrow, Professor of Wildlife Ecology, and Extension Wildlife Specialist, starts in mid-march and lasts until July.

For more turkey decoy setup ideas, watch the video below:

FAQs

Does turkey decoy quality matter?

Turkey decoy quality does matter a lot. First of all, you should consider the material a decoy is made of. If it is not of high quality, the decoy will get damaged in the field, and you won’t be able to use it for long.

Do decoys work for fall turkey?

Decoys can work for fall turkey if you follow a couple of rules. First, use hen decoys when targeting hens, and the appropriate age male decoys, jakes or toms when targeting males. Also, use multiple decoys when setting up in an open area.

Final Thoughts

Every turkey hunter has their own preferences – that is exactly why I made my list of best turkey decoys a bit longer – so everyone can pick their favorite! All of them will work equally well for both bow and gun hunters in all sorts of terrain.

Even though I’ve proclaimed the Dave Smith Decoys Turkey Flock a winner due to its versatility and realistic appearance, I believe you should complete your arsenal with an effective dominant bird such as Higdon Motion Tom Decoy

Do tell me what you think! Share this article too.

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Sammy Garrard

I am the Founder and Chief Editor of outdoorsity.net and a prepper with over 15 years of experience. I’m excited to my knowledge and the things I learn while travelling in British Columbia, Canada where I live and around the world. Feel free to follow me on Twitter, Facebook!

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