Gobbler Tricks with an Avian-X Jake
Dr. John Woods 02.28.19
When it is all boiled down to the basics of turkey hunting, it is all about tricking the gobbler into making him think the hunter is a hen. As seasoned turkey hunters know already, there are a ton of tactics and tricks to fool a tom, but it can sometimes be easier said than done. A good hunter is always looking for an edge. Using a decoy is one of them.
Turkey decoy manufacturers are coming up with more realistic looking decoys all the time. Avian-X out of Port Clinton, Ohio has been perfecting their turkey decoys for a while now, and their latest trickster is going to be something else. To be called their Avian-X HDR or Heavy Duty Realism, this jake decoy has unbelievable realistic colorations and form to outwit any gobbler.
The whole turkey hunting concept behind the Avian-X HDR is not to agitate a home bound gobbler but make him think another bird is after his ladies. This decoy looks like a smaller sized jake that is on the prowl looking for active hens. Being a smaller looking bird this will not intimidate a boss gobbler, but attract him within range to check out the competition.
The Avian-X HDR is blow molded in a quarter-strut pose with bristling subdominant feathers. This posture makes the decoy look like he is laid back, but ready to take on a challenger without being overwhelming. A gobbler is not going to allow a jake to take his hens, so the approach is on.
Additionally the HDR decoy has two removable heads. One is a curled, taller, aggressive posture, while the other option is lower that appears more submissive. You have to work with both heads to see how the gobblers in your hunting areas respond.
Avian-X has made this decoy to withstand the elements, too. Made of rubber molding the HDR can take a gobbler pounding and be ready for the next hunt. When coupled with an Avian-X laying hen, this combination is set for some gobbler tom foolery.
The decoy comes with a mounting stick for quick set-up that stores in the tail. The paint scheme and feather detailing is super realistic including the synthetic jake beard and rubber molded leg stumps with spur detail. The Avian-X decoy package includes the decoy, two heads, a carbon stake and a carry bag. Check it out at www.avian-x.com.
