Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves Review

The Story of My Time with the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves

For years, my pursuit of waterfowl has been punctuated by the subtle art of mimicry, and when it comes to accurately representing the common mourning dove, the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves have become an indispensable part of my kit. This pack of two decoys, from the reputable Avery Outdoors brand, promised an authentic visual draw for wary birds, and my initial impressions upon unboxing certainly supported that claim. The construction felt solid, hinting at a durability that’s crucial when you’re dealing with the elements.

My journey to these specific decoys wasn’t a sudden whim; it was born from a growing frustration with previous models that lacked the lifelike realism essential for successful dove hunting. I’d tried generic brands and even some slightly more expensive options, but none quite captured the natural posture and coloration that I knew would fool even the most seasoned birds. The search was for something that looked believable both up close during setup and from a distance to passing flocks.

Upon first handling the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves, I was struck by the detailed paintwork and the subtle texturing. They didn’t feel like cheap plastic imposters; there was a heft and a fine finish that immediately suggested a higher quality product than their modest price point might imply. I’d briefly considered a more expensive, single-dove decoy from another brand, but the value proposition of this two-pack, especially given the reported realism, tipped the scales. My initial reaction was a quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I might finally have found a reliable tool to enhance my hunting success.

Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial deployment of the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves took place in a familiar setting: a harvested wheat field that had recently attracted a good number of doves. I placed them on short, stubby stakes, mimicking natural perching spots, about twenty yards from my blind. The conditions were typical for early fall dove season – mild temperatures with a light breeze, and intermittent sunshine.

Performance in these conditions was immediately impressive; the subtle movement of the decoys in the breeze added a dynamic element that cheap, rigid decoys simply cannot replicate. Their lifelike appearance held up even as the sun cast long shadows across the field, and the paint details remained sharp. Ease of use was paramount; attaching them to the stakes was straightforward with no fiddly clips or complex mechanisms to wrestle with.

The only minor quirk I noticed on first use was a slight tendency for one of the stakes to work itself loose in firmer soil after a strong gust of wind, but this was easily remedied by ensuring a firmer push into the ground on subsequent placements. Overall, the experience was overwhelmingly positive, exceeding my expectations for such an affordable hunting accessory.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the dove season, the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves have proven their worth time and again. They’ve endured multiple trips into the field, being packed and unpacked, and have even been accidentally dropped on gravel paths during hasty setups. Through it all, they’ve held up remarkably well.

The durability is evident; there are no significant cracks, fading, or performance drops. The paintwork, while showing some minor scuffs from inevitable contact, has remained largely intact and believable to the birds. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, which is a huge plus. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove any field grime.

Compared to other dove decoys I’ve used over the past decade, these hold their own against much more expensive options and far outperform the generic, mass-produced alternatives. They represent a true sweet spot of quality and affordability, offering the kind of reliable performance you’d expect from a premium product.

Breaking Down the Features of Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves

Specifications

The Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves come as a 2-pack, with each decoy designed to replicate the size and shape of a natural mourning dove. They are constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials, intended for longevity in outdoor hunting environments. The manufacturer, Avery Outdoors, has clearly prioritized a realistic form factor, crucial for effective avian attraction.

The Quantity: 2 specification is a key part of the value proposition, allowing hunters to create a small, natural-looking spread without an exorbitant cost. This quantity is ideal for mimicking the social behavior of doves, encouraging them to investigate further. The Species: Dove designation is self-explanatory, but it underscores the specific design intent.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits. Having two decoys means you can create a more convincing visual cue, as doves rarely travel in complete isolation. The durable construction ensures that these decoys will withstand the rigors of repeated use and transport, making them a sound investment for any serious dove hunter.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of these decoys is to attract mourning doves, and in this regard, the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves perform exceptionally well. They achieve this through a combination of realistic coloration, accurate proportions, and a design that allows for subtle movement in the wind. This realistic presentation is what draws birds in, making them curious enough to investigate the perceived flock.

The biggest strength is undoubtedly their visual accuracy; from a distance, they are remarkably convincing. The paint scheme is spot-on, capturing the subtle mottling and tones of a real mourning dove. Their main weakness, if one could even call it that, is that they are static decoys and don’t possess any internal movement mechanisms, which is to be expected at this price point.

Ultimately, they meet and often exceed expectations, especially considering their accessible price. They effectively do their job of drawing birds into the decoys’ vicinity, providing crucial opportunities for hunters.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves is genuinely impressive for their price bracket. They feel solid in hand, not flimsy or hollow like some cheaper alternatives. The finish is matte, which is essential to avoid unnatural glare that can spook birds.

Ergonomically, they are designed for straightforward setup. They attach easily to most standard decoy stakes, and their shape makes them comfortable to handle during placement. There’s no complex assembly or finicky parts, meaning a hunter can deploy them quickly and efficiently in the field.

Practical design details include the lifelike posture and the textured surface that aids in paint adhesion and adds a touch of realism. These elements collectively contribute to a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for its intended purpose.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal hunting conditions, the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves are built to last for multiple seasons. Their construction suggests they can handle being jostled in a gear bag, exposed to sun, rain, and occasional impacts. The material seems resilient to cracking or becoming brittle in cooler weather.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick rinse or wipe-down is sufficient to keep them in top condition. There are no internal parts to clean or maintain, making them a low-fuss addition to any hunting setup. The only potential wear point would be the paint chipping over extensive, rough use, but the quality of application here suggests this is unlikely to be an immediate concern.

There are no obvious failure points from my experience. They are designed for outdoor use and seem to hold up well to the typical stresses of being a hunting decoy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves come as a basic two-pack, primarily consisting of the decoys themselves. They do not typically include stakes, so these would be a necessary separate purchase. However, they are compatible with most standard decoy stakes found on the market.

There are no significant customization options inherent to the decoys themselves, such as interchangeable heads or bodies. Their strength lies in their inherent realism as-is. While you could theoretically repaint them, the existing finish is so well done that such customization is largely unnecessary for their intended function.

The lack of included stakes is a minor point, but it means a hunter needs to be aware they’ll need to source these separately to make the decoys functional in the field.

Pros and Cons of Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves

Who Should Buy Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves?

The Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves are ideally suited for any hunter targeting mourning doves, especially those who appreciate realism in their decoy spread without breaking the bank. This includes casual hunters, seasoned sportsmen looking to supplement their existing gear, and individuals who understand that effective calling and realistic visuals go hand-in-hand for successful hunts. They are perfect for use in harvested fields, along flight paths, or near known roosting areas.

Anyone looking for an entry-level decoy that punches well above its weight class would be wise to consider these. However, individuals who absolutely demand active, motion-producing decoys might find these too basic, though they would likely still benefit from adding these realistic static decoys to their spread for added visual appeal. Hunters who are on a tight budget but refuse to compromise on realism will find these to be an outstanding choice.

For optimal use, I’d recommend pairing these with a reliable pair of decoy stakes and perhaps a good locator call to draw attention to your setup. A compact ground blind or natural concealment will also enhance the effectiveness of these decoys.

Conclusion on Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves

My experience with the Avery Outdoors Mourning Doves has been overwhelmingly positive, solidifying their place as a staple in my dove hunting arsenal. They deliver exceptional realism and durability at a price point that is frankly hard to beat. The build quality and authentic appearance significantly enhance the effectiveness of any dove hunting setup, providing a crucial visual attractant for wary birds.

Considering the price and the proven performance, the value proposition is outstanding. For anyone seeking a cost-effective yet highly realistic solution to improve their dove hunting success, these decoys come with a strong personal recommendation. They are a smart investment that delivers tangible results in the field, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to deploy effective, lifelike decoys.