Using the right turkey decoys can make or break a hunt. Yet, many dekes on the market are clunky, difficult to carry afield, and make mobile hunting harder. Further, some of the few truly packable models look too fake to fool that dandy gobbler even if it’s 100 yards away. That’s why Primos, a kingpin in the hunting accessory and decoy market, introduced the Photoform line of turkey decoys. Here’s what you need to know. 
 

Primos Photoform Decoys

 

Primos Photoform Turkey Decoy
Our go-to setup for turkey decoys during breeding season is a juvenile jake pursuing a hen. This pair is lightweight, easy to pack, and has fooled more than one trophy tom this year. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)


What sets this line of wild turkey decoys apart is Primos’ proprietary process of using photographic imagery from the actual type of turkey being replicated and then printing that onto 3D molded lightweight foam models. Realistically colored polymer heads add to the realism and draw the greatest focus from incoming gobblers. 

These Primos stand-ins are indeed lightweight and portable, collapsing down to fit inside a hunter’s vest so you can keep your hands free for the gun. The decoys include – and sit atop – a simple steel stake. Because of the material and printing process, the bodies won’t chip or peel, and we haven’t noticed any fading. With a weight of only 7 to 13 ounces for most of the flock, these babies are the epitome of easy to carry. 
 

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The Primos Photoform Family

 

Primos Photoform Turkey Decoy
The Primos Photoform decoys come packed in smaller boxes, indicative of just how light and compact these critters can be. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)


The Photoform turkey brood includes four model birds. The original players, introduced last year, were the Jake and Hen. New for 2021 are the Leading Hen and Strutter, the Boss Gobbler. Let’s take a closer look at what they are, and when you might use each. 

The original Hen is flexible, making her work in contented, feeding, and breeding postures. For hunters using only one decoy, it’s hard to beat a maneuverable hen. She also works wonders when paired with a Jake. 

The new lady in the flock, called Leading Hen, uses a more upright posture with a semi-tucked head, designed to annoy and draw in other hens. All turkey hunters know when a competing group of hens come calling, their men follow right into your setup. 
 
The submissive body posturing of the Jake decoy, with a semi-alert head but lowered tail, is intended to draw those angry gobblers wanting to run this juvenile offender away from any hens. Post this youngster near a hen or two and there will be jealous toms on the way.
 

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When the use of a large tom decoy is needed – usually reserved for pulling in the most dominant gobbler on a property – the Strutter will be ready in the back pocket of your vest. Because of his larger size and accouterments, Strutter is the heaviest of the gang, tipping the scales at a whopping 2 pounds instead of just a few ounces like the others. Lifelike head details display the vibrant red and blue hues of a mature and ready gobbler. He uses a more upright posture that dominant toms find unwelcome in their territory, so they must come to run him off. 

The Primos Strutter ships with a Photoform printed turkey tail that attaches securely to the decoy. However, that also leaves the door open for hunters to attach an actual gobbler tail to the model for the ultimate in realism. 
 

Field Use
 

Primos Photoform Turkey Decoy
A closer look at the Jake and Hen Photoform decoys shows the heavy stitching and double zippers on the bottom, which allow the dekes to be positioned in multiple ways. Note the realistic photo-image detail on the bodies and heads. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)


These stand-ins are realistic, lightweight, packable, and durable. Though featherweight, they are not much affected by wind. Further, the internal stake pocket is designed to only allow the decoy to pivot partway, eliminating a crazy wind-spinning deke. Construction is solid, with heavy stitching along the base of our test Jake and Hen. Both also feature a double-zippered bottom, allowing multiple positions. For instance, the Hen can be used as contented, feeding, or breeding, all depending on how the zipper is positioned with the stake.
 

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The foam material is flexible and can easily be folded and stuffed quickly into a pocket, yet they pop back to life without a struggle. Unlike foam decoys from many years ago, the Photoforms keep very little memory of their folding.  

Partner the weight with packability and these Photoforms are ready to accompany even the most discerning hunter on adventures ranging from the backyard, another state, or even a different country. These decoys are not the cheapest on the market, but they are not the most expensive either. If you’re investing in a couple of new wild turkey decoys – and you want them to last more than just a few seasons – hook your spurs into Primos Photoform. 

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