Getting Up Close with the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves
As someone who has spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across diverse environments – from the meticulous demands of a lab to the unforgiving realities of outdoor expeditions – I’m always on the lookout for equipment that promises efficacy and value. This pursuit led me to the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves, a hunting decoy designed to enhance the productivity of any hunting trip. My current setup was feeling a bit dated, and the thought of a more effective method to attract game was a compelling reason to explore this particular offering.
My initial impression upon unboxing was one of practical design. The decoys felt solid without being overly heavy, suggesting a balance between realism and portability. While I considered a few other brands, their price points or simpler designs didn’t quite match what I was looking for in terms of versatility for various hunting scenarios. The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves offered a specific set of features that immediately piqued my interest, sparking a sense of pragmatic optimism about its potential contribution to my hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves to the Test
First Use Experience
My first foray with the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves was during an early morning hunt in a familiar field known for its dove activity. I set up the decoys near a known feeding area, arranging them to mimic a small flock settling down. The initial setup was straightforward, with the included perching and resting poses offering a natural spread that I could adapt to the terrain.
The decoys performed admirably under the soft morning light, appearing lifelike enough to draw the attention of passing birds. While I didn’t encounter extreme weather conditions, the light dew that settled on them did not seem to affect their appearance or stability. Their ease of use was apparent; no complex assembly or adjustment was required, allowing me to focus on positioning and staying concealed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hunting excursions spread across a few weeks, the durability of these decoys has proven itself. I’ve subjected them to being tossed into a gear bag, placed on various surfaces, and even experienced an accidental drop onto packed earth, yet they’ve shown no signs of cracking or significant cosmetic damage. Their lightweight construction makes them easy to transport in larger numbers without adding excessive weight to my pack.
Maintenance has been minimal, typically involving a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris after a day in the field. Compared to some of the cheaper, hollow plastic decoys I’ve used in the past, these have maintained their shape and color exceptionally well. There’s a noticeable difference in the quality of construction that suggests they will remain a reliable part of my hunting arsenal for seasons to come.
Breaking Down the Features of Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves
Specifications
The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves come as a 6 Pack, which provides a good starting point for creating a convincing spread. This pack thoughtfully includes 3 Perching and 3 Resting decoys, offering variety in their pose. This duality is crucial for replicating the natural behavior of mourning doves, a key element in effective decoy placement.
The manufacturer is Greenhead Gear, a name synonymous with quality hunting accessories. While specific material compositions aren’t detailed, the tactile feel suggests durable, weather-resistant plastics designed to withstand outdoor elements. The pack quantity of six, with its balanced mix of poses, is a practical specification that directly impacts the user’s ability to create a more realistic and attractive decoy setup without needing to purchase multiple individual units or larger, potentially more cumbersome, packs.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role as a hunting decoy, the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves performs exceptionally well. The distinct poses of perching and resting doves lend significant realism to a spread, mimicking natural flock behavior that often attracts real birds. This realism is their greatest strength, directly translating into a higher likelihood of successful hunts.
One minor area for potential improvement could be the coloration; while generally good, a slightly more varied set of subtle colorations within the pack might enhance realism further. However, this is a minor point, as the overall functionality of attracting birds is undeniably strong. For their intended purpose, these decoys meet and often exceed expectations, especially when considering the effective price point of $47.99 for the six-pack.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves focuses on visual appeal and practical deployment. The sculpted details and subtle paint applications give them a lifelike appearance that is essential for any effective decoy. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and position, whether you’re placing them on a fence post, a tree branch, or simply on the ground.
There is no real learning curve with these decoys; they are ready to deploy right out of the box. The varied poses are intuitive, and their placement doesn’t require special rigging or tools, making them user-friendly even for novice hunters. The finish feels robust, suggesting it can handle the rigors of being outdoors and transported without immediate wear.
Durability & Maintenance
Designed for repeated use in outdoor environments, the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves appear to be built for durability. After my testing period, which included multiple deployments and less-than-gentle handling, there were no signs of structural compromise. They feel like they are made to last, which is crucial for equipment that will be exposed to the elements.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse or wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep them in good condition for the next outing. The plastic used seems resilient to fading and cracking, suggesting a long service life. There are no complex parts to maintain or potential failure points that I’ve identified, making them a low-hassle addition to any hunting kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves come as a straightforward package, with the 6 Pack containing the 3 Perching and 3 Resting decoys being the primary offering. There are no additional accessories included in the standard pack. However, their design is such that they can be easily integrated with standard decoy stakes or utilized on natural perches like fences or branches.
While not explicitly stated, their construction likely allows for some degree of personal customization, such as adding additional natural foliage for camouflage or perhaps even touch-up paint if desired. For hunters looking to expand their spread, these decoys are a solid foundation that can be readily augmented with other decoys or natural elements in the field.
Pros and Cons of Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves
Pros
- Realistic Poses: The inclusion of 3 Perching and 3 Resting models creates a natural and attractive flock presentation.
- Durable Construction: The decoys have proven to be robust, withstanding repeated use and accidental drops without damage.
- Lightweight & Portable: Easy to carry in sufficient numbers for a convincing spread without adding excessive weight.
- Effective Attraction: Their lifelike appearance has demonstrably drawn the attention of game birds.
- Excellent Value: A 6 Pack at $47.99 offers a cost-effective way to acquire quality hunting decoys.
Cons
- Limited Coloration Variation: While good, the color detail could be even more nuanced for maximum realism in certain lighting.
- No Included Accessories: While not essential, the absence of basic stakes might be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Who Should Buy Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves?
The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves are an excellent choice for any hunter targeting mourning doves. They are particularly well-suited for individuals who value realism and effectiveness in their decoy spreads without breaking the bank. This product is perfect for both novice hunters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use setup, and experienced hunters seeking to supplement or upgrade their existing decoy collection.
Those who require highly specialized or ultra-realistic, hand-painted decoys might want to consider more premium options, although at this price point, the Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves offer a significant bang for your buck. For maximum effectiveness, I’d recommend pairing these with a few other types of decoys or incorporating natural elements from the surrounding environment to create a truly convincing scene. Basic decoy stakes, if not already owned, are a sensible addition to ensure optimal placement in open fields.
Conclusion on Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves
The Greenhead Gear Mourning Doves deliver on their promise of being an effective hunting decoy at a very accessible price point. Their blend of realistic poses, durable construction, and ease of use makes them a standout option in their category. The 6 Pack offers fantastic value, providing a solid foundation for any dove hunting setup.
Considering their performance in the field, the resilience they’ve shown, and the attractive price of $47.99, these decoys are a wise investment for any dove hunter. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their success rate with a reliable and realistic decoy spread. If you’re heading out for doves, this pack is a practical and effective addition to your gear.