The realism in today’s turkey decoys is miles from just a couple of decades ago, with iridescent paint schemes, feather detailing, and lifelike improved postures. The only way to tell them from the real thing is that they don’t move.
Wily old toms often become decoy-shy, avoiding even the best fakes. It’s impossible to read a turkey’s mind, but the decoy not moving is likely a factor in keeping toms at bay. Think about it: if a tom is wary, hesitates, and watches, he could note no movement. While a turkey’s brain is a fraction of the size of a human brain, its instincts are honed by Mother Nature, surviving many predators besides humankind.
Recognizing this long ago, I tried set-ups with strings to make a decoy move, but the problem is a screen or blind is needed to hide the movement necessary to pull the string. I also once had a turkey walk into the string, although it was on the ground, and that caused some scrambling.
Motorized decoy bases changed that, and being a turkey gear aficionado, I bought one. My first one was the first generation of the Bass Pro Shops RedHead Remote Strut Stake. Released in 2012, this product is a motorized base that rotates a Jake decoy. It comes with a remote to turn it on and off. It was effective, although the box’s housing is small and clunky.
Today, there are several options to bring movement to decoys. Below you will find my list of the best ones on the market today – click the green to shop, click the orange to read why it was chosen.
The second generation of the Remote Strut Stake was released in 2015, and is $49.99. It can also be purchased with Redhead Crazy Jake and hen for $99.
It contained several improvements from the original stake. The first model was designed for decoys with a metal stake, while generation two goes one step farther. It will work with decoys with metal stakes but also uses a stopper to allow it to work with Avian-X and Dave Smith decoys. Instead of a remote with a lanyard on it, the second-generation remote is inserted into a waterproof case with a lanyard, increasing its versatility in wet weather.
One of the things I like about the Remote Strut Stake Gen -2 is it stops instantly when a tom is coming in. This gives the hunter the versatility to stop the decoy to face an incoming gobbler or have it facing away from it.
Strengths:
Good bang for the buck
Simple to set up
Works with a wide variety of decoys
Remote control
Comes with a carry bag and is reasonable to transport
Introduced in 2024, the X-Factor Decoy Motion System provides decoys with a pivoting motion and offers several bonuses.
Instead of connecting directly to the decoy using a stake, the system uses cords to create motion. With Avian-X, or any other system with stubby legs, it is attached via elastic cords to the cord in the leg. This is done by extending the leg cord at the bottom, and then the Factor decoy cord is attached using a loop. With the X-Factor Decoy Motion System staked to the ground adjacent to the decoy stake, the X-Factor cord is attached with an alligator clip. A swivel in the base rotates, and the decoy moves with it via the cord.
The system has extra X-Factor cords for decoys without legs attached via elastic cords. To use the X-Factor Decoy Motion System with these, a 7/16-inch hole is drilled in the decoy and a special X-Factor cord is used to go through the hole and pivot to stay in place. The hole is drilled three to five inches from where the decoy stake exits the decoy body.
As for the bonuses, the remote for the X-Factor Decoy Motion System allows the user to choose between constant spinning and intermittent spinning. The latter will stop at the end of the 180-degree rotation cycle before returning the other way. Using the “Spinning” button, it will spin 180 degrees every time the button is hit.
The “Intermittent” function will add a sense of reality to the movement as it moves, stops momentarily, and moves back. The remote also has an “Off” button to stop movement.
Another bonus is that the X-Factor Decoy Motion System stakes clip in to place on the base for convenient storage. The system can also be set up to function constantly without using the remote. I have also tried this with an Avian-X LCD feeding hen, and the realism is incredible. It will also work with some waterfowl decoys.
The X-Factor Decoy Motion System is available from $59.99 at Scheel’s.
Strengths
Works with a wide variety of decoys, not just Avian-X
Although intended to work with Jake, it also works great with hen decoys.
Relatively lightweight and compact
Will work without the remote
Has intermittent and one-time use features
Stakes stored in the base
Price is reasonable
Will work with waterfowl field decoys
Weaknesses
No carry case
Takes getting used to for set up in the dark
When the stop is hit, it doesn’t stop instantly and will return to the nearest end of its movement range.
Requires drilling holes in decoys that don’t have legs attached with an elastic
Higdon, which started in the 1990s as a motion decoy company, takes a different approach to adding motion to turkey decoys by producing decoys with motion built in instead of an add-on system. This means a slicker package for the hunter to take into the woods, but it also adds to the expense and warrants purchasing a new decoy instead of an add-on.
To call the XS Tru-Feeder a motorized decoy would be an understatement. Introduced in 2024, this decoy takes the motorized concept to a whole new level. I thought it was a real decoy when I first saw it from about 40 yards away through a crowd at the NWTF convention last year. It pivots side to side and up and down in a feeding motion.
The Tru-Feeder uses a motor and gears to turn into a robotic turkey. It is a hard-body decoy in the feeder position with detailed feathering and iridescent paint.
Higdon also produces an XS TruStrutter motion tom that rotates side to side. The decoy has a flocked back to add realism, carved feathers, iridescent paint, and even a carry handle on the back. It comes with a silk tail attached via a magnetic ring, or a real fan can be added for enhanced reality using the same magnetic ring.
Both Higdon decoys come with a remote, which can be set to power both decoys.
Strengths
First to create a motion hen
Works in situations where a tom is wary of any male decoy
Ultra-realistic movement, both side-to-side and up and down
Has rechargeable batteries
Self-contained
Weaknesses
Won’t work without the remote
Costly
The stake is attached with a screw with an Allen key, which is difficult to tighten in the dark.
Dave Smith Decoys (DSD) has long been known for its ultra-realistic decoys, and in fact the company is often mentioned in discussions about the most realistic decoy. The Mating Motion Jake adds motion to this storied line.
The Mating Motion Jake is intended to be used on top of the DSD Mating Hen to simulate the breeding action of turkeys and bring jealous toms running in. It can also be used beside a standard hen or by itself. A pull of the string gives the jake motion similar to the gyrating of a jake balanced on top of a hen.
The Mating Motion Jake comes with DSD’s Advanced Crosslink Elastomer (A.C.E. Technology), which is superior to the polyethylene used in most decoys. It is a self-healing material that only has minimal damage if shot. It maintains it shape, even in cold weather, holds detail well and paint adheres to it well. It’s also soft when walking through the woods.
The Mating Motion Jake comes up a carry bag.
Strengths
Ultra-realistic
Doesn’t rely on batteries
Works in situations where a tom is wary of any male decoy
The TruStrutter XS Motion Decoy is a lot more than a tom that moves, it’s an ultra-realistic gobbler decoy on its own.
It’s a natural for Higdon, which started as a motion decoy company more than two decades ago, to add turkey motion decoys to its line. There are several full-size gobbler decoys on the market, but this is the only one that is built as a motorized motion decoy.
The TruStrutter uses a motor to turn from side to side, similar to a tom in strut. It does so in a way only a company familiar with motorized decoys could. It comes with a rechargeable lithium battery that has a long run time. It comes with a remote that has a couple of options to control it.
The hard body decoy is loaded with features as well. It has XHD Hyper Feathering that sees individual feathers carved into the body, with a high-contrast UV iridescent paint job applied. Vibrant colours on the head are sure to gain the attention of a gobbler. A flocked back adds a sense of depth to the body. Either the included synthetic fan or a real turkey fan can be held in place with the innovative magnetic fan ring which goes on behind the back of the decoy. The TruStrutter has an aggressive pose designed to bring out the competitive nature of spring gobblers.
It comes with a detachable carrying handle and a carrying bag.
Strengths
Ultra-realistic
Works in situations where a tom is wary of any male decoy
Ultra-realistic movement, from side-to-side
Has rechargeable batteries
Self-contained
Realistic feather pattern and paint job
Allows use of a real turkey fan for added realism
Lightweight
Weaknesses
Costly
Isn’t collapsible
Large to transport long distances
FAQ’s
Turkey motion decoys are designed to add realistic movement to your decoy setups, enhancing their effectiveness in attracting wary toms. Here are some frequently asked questions about turkey motion decoys:
What are turkey motion decoys?
Turkey motion decoys are decoys equipped with mechanisms—such as motorized bases or pull strings—that simulate natural movements of turkeys, like feeding or subtle body shifts.This added realism can make the decoys more convincing to live turkeys.
Why should I use a motion decoy instead of a stationary one?
While modern stationary decoys are highly realistic, the lack of movement can deter cautious toms.Incorporating motion mimics natural behavior, potentially increasing the likelihood of attracting turkeys that might be skeptical of static decoys.
Are there different types of motion decoys available?
Yes, there are various options, including:
Motorized Bases:Devices like the Redhead Remote Strut Stake – Gen 2 allow you to rotate decoys remotely, adding lifelike motion.
Decoys with Built-in Motion:Some decoys, such as the Higdon XS TruFeeder Hen, have integrated mechanisms that simulate natural feeding movements.
How do I control the movement of these decoys?
Many motion decoys come with remote controls, enabling you to activate or adjust the movement from a distance.This allows for strategic operation, aligning the decoy’s motion with the behavior of approaching turkeys.
Are motion decoys legal to use in all states?
Regulations regarding the use of motion decoys vary by state. Before using them in the field, it’s essential to consult your local wildlife agency or hunting regulations to ensure compliance.
Can I convert my existing decoys into motion decoys?
Yes, aftermarket products, such as motorized stakes or bases, can add motion to your current decoys.Ensure compatibility between the device and your decoy model for optimal performance.
Do motion decoys require special maintenance?
Regular maintenance is minimal but important. To prevent damage, keep the mechanical parts clean and dry, replace batteries as needed, and store the decoys properly.
Incorporating motion into your turkey decoy setup can significantly enhance its effectiveness, making your hunting experience more successful.
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Jeff is a passionate outdoorsman who enjoys hunting with his family in Southwestern Ontario, and beyond. Jeff looks forward to turkey hunting each spring, and then switches to fishing with his family for perch, walleye and bass in the summer. In the fall, Jeff is busy chasing whitetails, waterfowl, fall turkeys and moose when he isn’t working or pheasant hunting with his English cocker spaniel.
