collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!  (Read 7138 times)

Offline buglebuster

  • ELKOHOLIC
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 3812
  • Location: yakima
avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« on: March 12, 2015, 05:18:15 PM »
Anybody check these out yet? They look :tup: :tup: :tup: maybe it's just because I'm used to seeing turkeys with that much white :chuckle: I'm only finding them as a jake/hen combo. Would like to just pick up one or the other not the set right now.

Offline 6haase6

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2012
  • Posts: 774
  • Location: Odessa Washington
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2015, 06:58:45 PM »
I believe midway USA has them in singles.
Slinging arrows and flinging lead is in my blood!

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2015, 07:19:03 PM »
I have some Avian X decoys, but they look more like Easterns (got them for west side so...). Fantastic look, great quality, but the heaviest decoys you will ever find.  I wouldn't want to pack more than two and really don't use the ones I have because of the weight and bulk.  Maybe if I had private land or a spot I could drive close to it would be ok.
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2015, 07:21:13 PM »
I will send you a hen to play with if you want to give it a try before you buy!  Just send me a PM with shipping address and a promise to send it back after the season.
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline buglebuster

  • ELKOHOLIC
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 3812
  • Location: yakima
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2015, 08:31:12 PM »
Wow thanks Rad! PM sent and plans made. I am still interested if anyone knows where you can but the merriams  in singles. Midway just has the original ones as singles.

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2015, 08:45:39 PM »
Looking through Avian's website it doesn't look like you can get them in singles.  Might be worth a call for clarification :dunno:
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline nalley112

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 298
  • Location: Moxee Wa.
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2015, 10:08:42 PM »
Does the cabelas here in town have them? i seen they carry the avians but havent even looked at them yet. i have the original ones from there though.
cortneynalleyphotography- instagram

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15145
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2015, 10:19:54 PM »
I bought a single Avian X hen last year or the year before (can't remember where), they are awesome looking decoys, and not too heavy.

Nice offer Rad!

Bugleboy, I'll let you use mine, and deliver it, if I can come too....   :rolleyes:   :chuckle:


BTW, do a google search for avian x hen for sale, seems lots are available.   :dunno:

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2015, 10:52:30 PM »
I bought a single Avian X hen last year or the year before (can't remember where), they are awesome looking decoys, and not too heavy.

I was not expecting a collapsible decoy to be 4.5#.  To me that is heavy.  If running a double hen set with a jake that's over 13 pounds of decoys collapsed at about 14X7X6 each (rolled up).  That's a bit much for a turkey vest or tuxedo and a three mile hike into my turkey spot.  For someone just hunting the back 40 they should be fantastic! 

I know from personal experience that coyotes hit them at full stride and can't figure out how to kill them :chuckle:
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline 270Shooter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 3828
  • Location: Yakima
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2015, 10:59:27 PM »
I have an avian x hen too. Really nice looking decoy. I agree they are a little on the heavy side and they don't collapse that well in my opinion, but they make up for it with realism.

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15145
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2015, 11:01:32 PM »
I don't carry three decoys.....   :chuckle:  They are definitely heavy duty.  I used some featherflex (?) light foam ones for years and finally upgraded.  I've also used a light inflatable one that I like but it was kind of shiny and I lost the plastic piece that fit between it and the stake, it also leaks a little now.  I think half of my birds have not even had a decoy out for them to look at.   :rolleyes:

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #11 on: March 12, 2015, 11:08:55 PM »
I don't carry three decoys.....   :chuckle:  They are definitely heavy duty.  I used some featherflex (?) light foam ones for years and finally upgraded.  I've also used a light inflatable one that I like but it was kind of shiny and I lost the plastic piece that fit between it and the stake, it also leaks a little now.  I think half of my birds have not even had a decoy out for them to look at.   :rolleyes:

I do not recall a single bird I've killed when a decoy was outside my pack.  Then again, I'm not much of a turkey hunter either.  I do like to make-believe I are one every couple years. :tung:
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15145
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #12 on: March 12, 2015, 11:16:19 PM »
I don't carry three decoys.....   :chuckle:  They are definitely heavy duty.  I used some featherflex (?) light foam ones for years and finally upgraded.  I've also used a light inflatable one that I like but it was kind of shiny and I lost the plastic piece that fit between it and the stake, it also leaks a little now.  I think half of my birds have not even had a decoy out for them to look at.   :rolleyes:

I do not recall a single bird I've killed when a decoy was outside my pack.  Then again, I'm not much of a turkey hunter either.  I do like to make-believe I are one every couple years. :tung:

You don't need decoys when you shoot them off the roost.....   :peep:    :lol4:

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2015, 11:28:19 PM »
What do they say?  What's good for the grouse is good for the jake.  I think that is what they told me in Texas.   Maybe it was goose and gander, I forget :dunno:
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline MtnMuley

  • Site Sponsor
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 8688
  • Location: NCW
Re: avian x Merriam and Rio grande decoys!
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2015, 07:48:10 AM »
These are great looking decoys, but like rad said, gawd awful heavy.  I hand my hands on a couple Merriams the other day, and wondered how you inflated/deflate them once in the field?  I see they had a valve underneath.........

Also looked at another brand, can't remember the name, but their jake was even more lifelike than the Avian X.  Little more expensive though.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Multi season draw odds by Mfowl
[Today at 03:27:12 AM]


Breaking news: Lorna Smith and WWF sue WDFW Director and Deputy Director by EnglishSetter
[Today at 01:40:23 AM]


Bucket List Elk shed help wanted by teanawayslayer
[Yesterday at 11:46:58 PM]


Youth turkey season 2026 by Rainier10
[Yesterday at 11:23:14 PM]


2026 Sportsmen for Conservation Fund Banquet Hosted by SCI Northwest Chapter by Rainier10
[Yesterday at 10:45:45 PM]


Discretion !!! by beav1980
[Yesterday at 08:51:01 PM]


.45-70 Loads and Twist Rate by jrebel
[Yesterday at 08:43:40 PM]


Please Report Problems & Bugs Here by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 08:39:36 PM]


Your biggest spike elk by Brute
[Yesterday at 08:04:49 PM]


Idaho on the verge of outlawing by fishngamereaper
[Yesterday at 08:02:37 PM]


Razor Clams by Sitka_Blacktail
[Yesterday at 04:55:52 PM]


12th Annual - 2026 YOUTH TURKEY HUNT CONTEST (enter by Mar 15) by teanawayslayer
[Yesterday at 10:30:39 AM]


Cancellation Alaskan Bear Hunt by Dan-o
[April 03, 2026, 11:33:49 PM]


Chasing the kids by MADMAX
[April 03, 2026, 07:38:39 PM]


MA10 Blackmouth anyone? by CP
[April 03, 2026, 07:16:06 PM]


Springer season getting close, who's going by Mfowl
[April 03, 2026, 06:31:00 PM]


Questions regarding WDFW Commissioner use of taxpayer money by Jake Dogfish
[April 03, 2026, 06:29:24 PM]


Big game season proposals by Ghost Hunter
[April 03, 2026, 04:40:21 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2026, SimplePortal