Decoy Review: Flextone Thunder Chick and Jake Decoys

Turkey decoys can make the difference between success and tag soup. As a new turkey hunter this year, I knew I needed to take advantage of decoys. I figured they could help me overcome shortcomings in my novice calling skills. Ultimately, I chose the [Flextone Thunder Chick feeder](http://The Thunder Chick and Jake were the perfect decoys for a new turkey hunter. I loved the look, and how simple they were to set up. Ultimately, these decoys played a key role in my successful turkey hunt. The two hens with the Tom cut into the woods before reaching an open area. It’s very likely the Tom would have followed had I not had these decoys out. For under $100, this is a very affordable setup to get started turkey hunting.) and Thunder Jake decoys. Here’s a quick review of how they performed for me this year.

Flextone Thunder Chick Feeder and Jake Overview

Pros

• Lightweight
• Realistic detail and paint
• Durable
• Impossible to lose stake

Cons

• Lack of realistic legs

I spent just over $100 for the Flextone Thunder Chick and Jake. There’s a few variants, but I chose the feeding hen and upright Jake. In hindsight, I might have overpaid slightly at Sportsman’s Warehouse. I found these decoys available online for as little as $40 each. There are probably chances to get them even cheaper if you catch a clearance sale at Walmart or another big box store after the season. Either way, it was an affordable solution for decoys. Flextone builds these out of blow-molded plastic. They feel very robust and have excellent detail. Every skin fold and feather look true to the real thing. The eyes have a glossy, life-like appearance. I also like the vibrant colors of the Jake’s head. It gives the perfect illusion of a submissive young male.

The decoys' lightweight nature made it very easy to transport them half a mile back to my hunting spot. I did all my hunting from a ground blind. However, with a proper carry bag, these wouldn’t be a problem to transport for a run-and-gunner.

One feature I love about these decoys is the stake. Flextone attached it to the decoy’s body via an elastic cord. The pointed end tucks into a hole in the tail. It’s an inspired design choice since it guarantees you won’t drop the stake in the field. Nor will I have to hunt for it among my other hunting supplies when the season rolls around next year.

The only real negative I have about the decoys is that they don’t have detailed legs that go to the ground. If you are hunting a pressured area with decoy-shy birds, these may not be the perfect illusion.   

Hunting With the Flextone Thunder Chick and Jake

I used a standard setup for these decoys, placing them about six to eight feet apart, 25 yards from my blind. Over five days, these decoys brought in multiple hens and Jakes. The fine details and bright paint job seem to grab the bird’s attention. One of the Jakes they brought in tried to spur the male decoy. That was before he resorted to pecking it on the head for over a minute. That bird was completely fooled. It helps that these decoys also spin freely on this stake with the wind, imparting some movement. It’s not much, but it probably helps fool shy birds.

During an afternoon hunt on opening day, I used only the Thunder Chick to experiment with setups. I had a Tom enter the field I was hunting, but he hung up. He strutted back and forth for twenty minutes, waiting for my decoy to come to him. It became apparent that these birds were highly competitive, and a male decoy was necessary.

On the fifth day of the hunt, another Tom entered the field about 150 yards north of my position. However, he was accompanied by two hens. Knowing he’d be reluctant to leave his ladies, I didn’t even try to call. Instead, I elected to wait and see what would happen once they saw the decoys. It took almost two hours, but the Tom finally saw them. He ended up walking into my setup at only six yards. Needless to say, it was an incredibly easy shot for my first turkey harvest ever. And the Flextone decoys made it happen.

Final Thoughts on the Flextone Thunder Chick and Jake

The Thunder Chick and Jake were the perfect decoys for a new turkey hunter. I loved the look, and how simple they were to set up. Ultimately, these decoys played a key role in my successful turkey hunt. The two hens with the Tom cut into the woods before reaching an open area. It’s very likely the Tom would have followed had I not had these decoys out. For under $100, this is a very affordable setup to get started turkey hunting.