Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy Review

Here’s What I Think of the Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I approach new gear with a critical but open mind. The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy package promised a realistic and convenient solution for turkey hunting. My own experiences with turkey calls and decoys have taught me that realism is paramount, especially when targeting seasoned gobblers, and ease of transport is always a bonus.

The primary reason I sought out a new set of decoys was the need for a more compact and lightweight option for longer treks into the woods. My previous decoys, while effective, were bulky and cumbersome, often making the journey more arduous than the hunt itself. I had been scanning the market for something that could offer a lifelike appearance without the associated bulk.

Upon first receiving the Strut-Lite flock, my initial impression was a mixed bag. The concept of a foldable hollow body was immediately appealing for portability. However, the initial feel of the material and the perceived flimsiness raised a small flag of concern.

I had briefly considered a couple of other brands known for their rigid, high-detail decoys, but their weight and cost were deterrents. Ultimately, the promise of portability and a “flock effect” from these Strut-Lite units drew me in. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism, a blend of “this could be great” and “let’s see if it holds up.”

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy to the Test

I tested the Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy primarily in wooded environments typical of early spring turkey season. This involved setting them up in clearings and along the edges of timber, both individually and as the complete flock. The initial setup and placement were straightforward, facilitated by the included ground stakes.

During my testing, I paid close attention to how the decoys performed under various conditions. While I didn’t expose them to extreme weather, I did note how they held up against light breezes and the natural jostling of being placed and repositioned. The ease of use was a definite plus; the two-piece ground stakes allowed for quick setup and removal, which is crucial when trying to be stealthy in the field.

Any surprises or quirks observed were primarily related to their form. Despite the initial setup, I noticed that the decoys sometimes struggled to maintain their intended shape, particularly the upright hen. This was a point of observation that suggested a compromise for their foldable design.

First Use Experience

My initial deployment of the Strut-Lite flock occurred in a familiar hunting spot, a mixed-woodland area with open clearings that typically draw turkey activity. I opted to set up the trio—Jake, upright Hen, and Feeding Hen—in a small clearing, aiming for a natural group appearance. The quick-snap assembly of the ground stakes was appreciated; it meant I wasn’t fumbling with pieces while trying to remain quiet.

Performance under light breezes was acceptable, with the decoys swaying slightly, which can actually add to their realism. However, the upright hen showed a tendency to list slightly, not quite holding its intended posture as firmly as I’d hoped. This minor issue was noticeable but not a deal-breaker on first use.

The ease of initial setup was a significant win. The ease of carrying them from my vehicle to the setup location was also a standout feature, confirming their lightweight and portable design. Overall, the first use experience was positive, with the main reservation being their ability to consistently hold their intended shape.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of hunting, the Strut-Lite decoys have seen multiple deployments. They’ve been packed and unpacked, carried through brush, and left standing in various weather conditions short of a downpour. Their lightweight nature continued to be a major advantage for accessing more remote hunting locations.

Durability has been surprisingly adequate, given their initial feel. I haven’t noticed any cracks or significant tears, though the paint on the Jake decoy has picked up a few minor scuffs from contact with branches. The material has shown some slight stiffness in cooler morning temperatures, but it generally regained its form once warmed.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down to remove any dirt or debris. The hollow body design makes them easy to store by simply folding them flat. A point to watch out for is ensuring the stakes are fully seated, as a loosely attached stake can lead to a wobbly decoy, which I experienced once. Compared to some more rigid, multi-piece decoys I’ve used, these are considerably easier to transport and store, though perhaps not quite as robust in their structural integrity.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy

The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy package aims to provide a complete and realistic turkey decoy setup. The pack includes three distinct models designed to mimic a small flock, enhancing its appeal to wary toms. Each decoy is constructed with a foldable hollow body, a feature emphasizing portability and ease of storage.

The Hunters Specialties manufacturer has focused on realistic detailing and a durable finish. The included stakes are designed for quick deployment, crucial for fast-paced hunting scenarios. This entire package is intended to create a natural-looking display that can attract mature gobblers.

Specifications

The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy package comes with three distinct decoys: the Jake, the upright Hen, and the Feeding Hen. These are designed with a lightweight, foldable hollow body construction, which is key for ease of transportation and storage. The paint finish is described as flake-resistant, intended to maintain its realistic appearance over time.

Each decoy includes a 2-piece ground stake for quick setup and removal, and the flock 3-pack comes with a total of (3) 2-piece ground stakes. The species represented in the set is a Strutter, with the inclusion of a Jake decoy to represent a younger male turkey. This combination is designed to appeal to territorial male turkeys and attract hens.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – attracting turkeys – this flock performs adequately, though not exceptionally. The realistic detail in the mold and the flake-resistant paint job do contribute to a lifelike appearance from a distance. When deployed correctly, they can certainly draw the attention of gobblers.

The main functional limitation I observed is the tendency for the decoys to not fully retain their intended shape, especially the upright hen. While the foldability is a great feature for transport, it seems to come at the cost of perfect structural rigidity in the field. This means occasional readjustment might be needed to ensure a natural posture.

Overall, these decoys meet expectations for portability and basic realism, but they fall slightly short of exceeding them due to the shape-retention issue. They are effective enough to be a useful tool for turkey hunters, particularly those who prioritize lightweight gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these decoys prioritizes portability with their foldable hollow body construction. This makes them significantly easier to pack into a hunting vest or backpack compared to rigid decoys. The finish is notably detailed, with feather patterns and coloration that mimic real turkeys effectively, contributing to their extremely realistic decoys claim.

Ergonomically, the decoys are very user-friendly due to their lightweight nature. Attaching the stakes is simple, and once in place, they stand reasonably well. The paint finish, while detailed, does have a slight sheen that could be perceived as glossy by some observers, although in field conditions, this wasn’t a major deterrent.

Practical design details include the distinct poses of the included models: the Jake, the upright Hen, and the Feeding Hen. These varying poses are excellent for creating a more natural-looking flock, which is crucial for fooling wary birds. The included stakes are also well-designed for quick insertion and removal.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my usage, the Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy appears to be moderately durable. The hollow body material is a flexible vinyl or rubber, which is inherently prone to some wear and tear over time. I haven’t encountered any major structural failures like cracks or punctures after several outings.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. Storing them flat after they have been allowed to dry completely is recommended to prevent any potential mildew or odor buildup. A potential concern is the long-term integrity of the foldable seams, though no issues have arisen yet.

Under normal use for their category—meaning, not being used as a target or subjected to extreme abuse—these decoys should last a reasonable amount of time. They are designed for portability, not for extreme heavy-duty use, and their performance reflects this balance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy comes with a primary accessory: the 2-piece ground stakes. These are functional and allow for quick setup in a variety of ground conditions. The pack is designed to be a complete solution for creating a flock effect right out of the box.

There are no direct customization options for the decoys themselves, such as interchangeable heads or limbs. However, the use individually, as pairs or use all three Strut-Lite Decoys together for the flock effect approach allows for significant customization in how the flock is deployed. Hunters can also choose to supplement this flock with other decoys from different brands if they wish to further enhance realism or specific scenarios.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy

Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy?

The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy is an excellent choice for turkey hunters who prioritize portability and ease of transport. If you frequently hike long distances to your hunting spots, or if you have limited storage space for gear, these decoys will be a significant asset. They are also ideal for newer hunters looking for an affordable and complete decoy setup without a steep learning curve.

Conversely, hunters who demand the absolute highest level of realism and structural rigidity might want to consider more expensive, solid-body decoys. Those who hunt in areas with very pressured birds, where every subtle detail matters, may find the slight glossiness or shape retention issues to be a drawback.

For those purchasing this flock, I would recommend ensuring you have a good set of binoculars to spot turkeys at a distance and a quality turkey call to further enhance your setup’s effectiveness. A good blind or natural cover is also essential to conceal yourself while your decoys do their work.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy

The Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy offers a compelling balance of realism and convenience, particularly for hunters on the move. Its lightweight, foldable design is a standout feature, making it incredibly practical for backcountry excursions or simply for storage. The included variety of turkey models – Jake, upright Hen, and Feeding Hen – contributes to a more natural flock presentation that has proven effective in drawing attention from gobblers.

While the decoys are detailed and the paint job holds up reasonably well, the primary compromise for their foldability is a slight tendency to not perfectly retain their intended shape. The $129.79 price tag for a 3-pack represents good value, especially when considering the convenience factor.

I would recommend the Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite The Flock Decoy to any turkey hunter who values portability and ease of use. They are a solid choice for those who need to cover a lot of ground or have limited gear space. If absolute, unwavering structural integrity and a non-glossy finish are your top priorities, you might explore other, typically more expensive, options. However, for the hunter seeking an effective, portable, and reasonably realistic decoy setup, this flock is certainly worth considering.