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.
Best for the Price: Redhead Remote Strut Stake – Gen 2
Most Versatile: Avian-X X-Factor Decoy Motion System
Most Realistic / Most Natural Movement: Higdon XS TruFeeder Hen
Best for the Price: Redhead Remote Strut Stake – Gen 2
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
- Will stop instantly when the button is pushed
Weaknesses:
- No option to operate if the remote is lost
- Only operates in a confined pattern
Most Versatile: Avian-X X-Factor Decoy Motion System
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
Most Realistic / Most Natural Movement: Higdon XS TruFeeder Hen
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.
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:
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Motorized Bases: Devices like the Redhead Remote Strut Stake – Gen 2 allow you to rotate decoys remotely, adding lifelike motion.
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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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