Teal decoys can be a valuable tool for waterfowl hunters targeting teal during teal season. However, with decoys ranging in price from $10 to over $100 each, it’s reasonable to question whether expensive teal decoys are really worth the investment compared to cheaper options. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of high-end teal decoys and try to determine if the extra cost pays off in increased success.
Why Use Teal Decoys?
Before looking at specific decoys, it’s helpful to understand why teal decoys are used in the first place. Teal have excellent eyesight and are wary birds. Showing them decoys that accurately represent live teal is important for convincing passing flocks to commit to your spread. Generic waterfowl decoys in incorrect colors or silhouettes can actually spook teal. Quality teal decoys in proper colors and positions are critical for a productive teal hunt.
Considerations in Choosing Teal Decoys
When selecting teal decoys, here are some factors savvy waterfowl hunters consider:
- Realism – Decoys should closely resemble live teal in size, shape, and coloring
- Durability – Teal decoys should stand up to repeated use in field hunting situations
- Flocking – Flocked decoys with feather detailing are more realistic than smooth plastic decoys
- Motion – Decoys with movable parts or that accept motion stakes create lifelike movement
- Species – Blue-winged and green-winged teal have slightly different shapes and color patterns
- Poses – Different swimming and feeding poses make your spread look more natural
- Quantity – Using large numbers (50+ decoys) allows you to create a realistic flock
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at whether inexpensive or premium teal decoys better deliver on these considerations.
Inexpensive Teal Decoys
On the low end of the price spectrum, teal decoys can be found for around $10-15 each. At this price point, hunters should not expect much in terms of quality and realism. However, inexpensive teal decoys do have some benefits:
- Cost – You can purchase large numbers of decoys for creating big spreads
- Availability – Low-end decoys are widely available at big box sporting goods stores
- Durability – While crude, cheap plastic decoys tend to be durable
- Storage – Less need to handle delicately compared to premium decoys
The main drawbacks of cheap teal decoys are lack of realism in paint schemes, body shapes, and flocking. Cheap decoys also often lack any motion capabilities. While expensive is not always better, hunters should be aware of what exactly they are sacrificing in terms of quality by going the inexpensive route.
Examples of Inexpensive Teal Decoys
- Flambeau Storm Front Teal Decoys
- Mojo Outdoors Blue Wing Teal Decoys
- Greenhead Gear Hot Buys Teal Decoys
Premium Teal Decoys
At the top end of the market, teal decoys can cost over $100 each for ultra-realistic hand painted decoys. Premium teal decoys offer many advantages:
- Realism – Precise paint jobs, shaped heads, and flocking mirror live birds
- Motion – Rotate in wind, accept motion stakes, and have movable parts like feet
- Durability – Hand-painted decoys are rugged and built to last
- Species – Offer both green-winged and blue-winged teal replicas
- Poses – Feeder, drake, hen, and swimming poses available
The downside is the higher upfront investment required. For hunters on a budget, it may not be feasible to purchase large quantities of premium teal decoys. Hunters have to consider if the improved realism is worth the price.
Examples of Premium Teal Decoys
- Avian-X LCD Teal Decoys
- Dakota Decoy Blue Wing Teal
- Dave Smith Decoys Teal Rotator Decoys
Best Value Teal Decoys
For hunters wanting a compromise between cost and quality, the mid-priced teal decoy market offers excellent options in the $50 range per dozen decoys. These decoys offer much better realism than cheap decoys without the staggering price tag of premium decoys. Mid-priced options provide an excellent value for hunters looking to maximize their decoy investment.
Examples of Best Value Teal Decoys
- Tanglefree Featherlite Teal Decoys
- GHG Pro Grade Blue Wing Teal Decoys
- Dive Bomb Painted Teal Decoys
These mid-priced decoys use molded plastic bodies with detailed paint jobs and flocking. While not hand-painted, they offer good durability and realistic profiles without breaking the bank. The sweet spot for an ideal balance of affordability and quality.
Using Teal Decoys Effectively
It’s important to note that no decoy, no matter how expensive and realistic, will work miracles on its own. Using teal decoys effectively requires carefully choosing locations with teal activity, proper decoy rigging and placement, effective calling, proper concealment, and experience hunting teal.
With good teal hunting strategy, inexpensive decoys can certainly get the job done. But premium teal decoys provide advantages in terms of higher flock counts and more sure shots for hunters able to make the investment. For most, the mid-priced decoys strike the right balance of performance and value.
Conclusion
When deployed properly as part of an effective teal hunting setup, quality teal decoys can certainly help draw in more teal and lead to better shooting opportunities. Premium teal decoys provide an edge with ultra-realistic flock patterns, motion systems, and precise species-specific paint jobs. However, less expensive teal decoys can also attract teal when used correctly as part of a smart hunting strategy.
For hunters on a tight budget, inexpensive decoys remain a viable option. At the other end of the spectrum, hardcore teal hunters will appreciate the advantages offered by top-of-the-line decoys and should expect enhanced results from the increased investment. Most hunters will be best served by decoys offering a good balance of affordability and realism.
While expensive teal decoys have advantages, success ultimately comes down to woodsmanship. No decoy can replace scouting, situational awareness, and hunting experience. Focus first on improving your overall approach to hunting teal. Once you are consistently finding and properly hunting teal, then consider investing in premium decoys to gain that extra edge and take your teal hunting to the next level.
