First Impressions of Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy promises a unique approach to turkey hunting. It’s designed to trigger aggression in toms by presenting a non-threatening, almost pathetic-looking jake. Flextone aims to capitalize on the turkey’s ego, drawing them in for a fight they think they can easily win. I’ve been hunting turkeys for over a decade and I’m always looking for an edge. This decoy’s concept of creating a submissive profile to entice dominant toms intrigued me.
I wanted to see if this “underdog” approach could outsmart wary birds that had seen every traditional decoy setup imaginable. My typical decoy spread involves a hen or two and a dominant jake. I was curious to see how a decoy that was the polar opposite of that strategy would perform. I was looking for a way to change up my setup and become a more successful hunter. When the Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy arrived, my first impression was that it was smaller than I anticipated.
Out of the box, the molding detail is surprisingly good for its size. The paint job mimics a subdominant jake, complete with a pre-attached synthetic beard that looks appropriately unimpressive. Compared to my other decoys, like the Avian-X LCD Half-Strut Jake, which focuses on a realistic, dominant posture, the Funky Chicken is clearly designed to be the opposite. The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is designed to be less intimidating. I was cautiously optimistic that its small size and vulnerable appearance would make it an irresistible target for the local toms.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hunt with the Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy was on a crisp spring morning in the Missouri Ozarks. The area is known for its high turkey population, but also for its call-shy birds that have seen it all. I set the Funky Chicken about 15 yards in front of my blind, slightly offset from a single hen decoy. The initial setup was simple and fast. Within an hour, I had a response to my calling – a gobble in the distance.
The tom approached cautiously, stopping frequently to survey the scene. When he spotted the Funky Chicken, his demeanor changed. He puffed up, strutted, and marched directly toward the decoy. The tom went directly after the Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy. He completely ignored the hen decoy. He proceeded to flog the poor little jake for a solid five minutes before I had an opportunity to take the shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting with the Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy, I can confidently say it’s a durable and effective addition to my decoy arsenal. The decoy has survived several hunts in various weather conditions. It has been out in rain, mud, and even a late-season snow dusting. Despite the abuse, the paint has held up remarkably well. There are only a few minor scratches, and the synthetic beard is still intact.
Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each hunt. Compared to some of my more elaborate decoys that require careful storage and handling, the Funky Chicken is incredibly low-maintenance. It has consistently outperformed my expectations, drawing in toms that seemed uninterested in traditional decoy setups. The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy proves that sometimes, less is more when it comes to fooling a gobbler.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Flextone
- Color: Black
- Design: Non-intimidating, submissive jake profile. This is crucial for triggering the dominant instincts of mature toms.
- Durability: High-quality carving and paint detail for realism and longevity. This means it can withstand multiple seasons of use and abuse.
- Beard: Pre-attached synthetic beard. It adds to the decoy’s realistic appearance.
- Portability: Collapsible design for easy storage. It is important for hunters who move frequently or have limited space in their vests.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy excels at provoking aggressive responses from toms. Its small size and non-threatening posture make it irresistible to dominant birds looking for an easy fight. The decoy’s high-quality carving and paint detail enhance its realism, further convincing toms that it’s a real, submissive jake.
While the decoy is incredibly effective at drawing in aggressive toms, it may not be the best choice for areas with primarily young or inexperienced birds. It is not a good choice for areas where there are a lot of hunters. In these situations, a more traditional hen decoy setup might be more effective.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is designed for both realism and portability. Its collapsible design allows it to easily fit in a vest or bag, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry in the field. The decoy is extremely easy to transport.
The pre-attached beard eliminates the need for additional setup. The beard is also designed to withstand repeated abuse from aggressive toms. The Funky Chicken is designed for easy setup and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is built to last. Its durable construction and high-quality paint job ensure that it can withstand multiple seasons of use. Cleaning is simple; just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each hunt.
The synthetic beard is also designed to be resistant to wear and tear. Hunters can expect the Funky Chicken to remain in good condition. They can expect the Funky Chicken to remain in good condition with minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy comes with a sturdy mounting stake. The stake allows for easy and secure placement in the field. While there are no specific customization options for the Funky Chicken, it can be easily paired with other decoys to create a more realistic spread.
Combining the Funky Chicken with a hen decoy or two can create a scenario that mimics a real-life turkey encounter. This can increase the effectiveness of the decoy setup and improve your chances of success. The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is designed to work with other brands’ accessories.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy
Pros
- Extremely effective at drawing in aggressive toms. Its submissive posture triggers a dominant response.
- Highly portable and easy to store. Its collapsible design makes it perfect for run-and-gun hunters.
- Durable construction and realistic paint job. It can withstand multiple seasons of use.
- Simple to set up and use. The pre-attached beard eliminates the need for additional setup.
- Works well in combination with other decoys. You can create a realistic and enticing spread.
Cons
- May not be as effective in areas with primarily young or inexperienced birds. The decoy requires a mature tom with a strong sense of dominance.
- Relatively small size compared to some other decoys. Hunters may prefer a larger, more visible decoy in open areas.
Who Should Buy Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy?
- Perfect for: Hunters looking for a unique and effective way to draw in aggressive toms. Hunters will get a new decoy that will entice toms.
- Who should skip this product? Hunters in areas with primarily young birds or those who prefer larger, more visible decoys. They may want to use a different decoy.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A realistic hen decoy to complement the Funky Chicken’s submissive posture. This can create a more complete and enticing scenario for approaching toms.
Conclusion on Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy
The Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s arsenal. It is valuable because it offers a fresh approach to decoying. Its unique design and proven effectiveness make it well worth the investment. At a price of $68.59, the Flextone Funky Chicken Gen 2 Decoy is well priced.
The price is justified by its durable construction and ability to consistently draw in aggressive toms. I would absolutely recommend the Funky Chicken to any hunter looking to add a new dimension to their decoy spread. Go out there and give those toms a fight they won’t forget!