PORT CLINTON, Ohio -(Ammoland.com)- High-pitched yodels can be heard as a flock of geese approach the spread. Specks! The lead birds maple leaf and drop nearly to the ground, then ride just a few feet over the stubble as the birds in tow lock their wings.
Comfortably concealed in an Avian-X A-Frame Blind, the hunters ready themselves to shoot. It’s spectacular. Just a few more yards and it’s go time.
Right before the command of take-’em, the wayward flock of speckle bellies decides to do what they do: Skirt the spread just out of range, flank the ill-prepared hunters and land in the field 100 yards away.
With no speckle belly decoys in the spread, it was all but guaranteed that these peculiar geese wouldn’t finish in the kill hole.
White-fronted geese, or speckle bellies, are commonly referred to by hunters simply as specks. Like other species of geese, white-fronted geese have been expanding their population and range in recent years.
Many states and provinces have lengthened season dates and liberalized bag limits so hunters can take advantage of their increasing numbers.
Considered to be prime table fare, specks are known to be problematic for hunters. Sometimes chatty, but often aloof, the frustration of hunting them has led a good number of otherwise savvy waterfowl hunters to all but ignore them.
But, ask any successful speck hunter and they’ll insist these geese will respond well to good calling and a small spread of realistic decoys.
While they often keep to themselves, it is common for specks to feed in the same field with other species of geese and ducks. Whether hunting Canada geese or snows, it’s a smart move to set some speck decoys off on their own; it won’t bother the other species one bit, and specks will zero in on their own kind.
Just be sure that the decoys are ultra-realistic, come in varied poses and have a motion system that works.
New for 2017, Avian-X’s full-body AXP and AXF Speckle Belly Fusion Packs include 3 feeders, 2 walkers and 1 sentry pose. These true-to-life decoys are pure Avian-X, and will quickly become the standard by which all others are judged.
They look better because they are better. The various body postures mirror those of real geese, while the deep texture and detailed paint schemes match the intricate, yet subtle coloration of the white-fronted goose’s distinct plumage. They work better, too. Avian-X Specks are molded from an advanced rubberized material and sport infallible, non-chip paint (AXP) and durable flocking (AXF) – not to mention the best motion stake system on the market, which work equally great on bare ground, in stubble or shallow water settings.
New Avian-X Specks are also compatible with Avian-X’s all new X-Stands, which greatly reduce decoy spread set-up and takedown times. Each AXP or AXF Speckle Belly Fusion Pack comes complete with motion stakes and a 6-slot carry bag.
Avian-X AXP Speckle Belly Fusion Pack:
- Molded from advanced rubberized material
- Ultra-realistic, non-chip paint
- Motion stakes and 6-slot bag included
- Fusion Pack Includes 3 feeders, 2 walkers and 1 sentry
Decoys measure 21” L X 10” W X 14” H
UPC: #8-10280-09014-7
SKU: #9014
MSRP: $189.99
Avian-X AXF Speckle Belly Fusion Pack:
- Molded from advanced rubberized material
- Ultra-realistic markings
- Durable flocking
- Motion stakes and 6-slot bag included
- Fusion Pack includes 3 feeders, 2 walkers and 1 sentry
Decoys measure 21” L X 10” W X 14” H
UPC: #8-10280-09019-2
SKU: #9019
MSRP: $239.99
Master decoy carver Rick Johannsen’s work speaks for itself, and the Avian-X Speckle Belly is no exception. The striking realism of these full-body decoys is worthy of a trophy case, but will be more at-home in the green pastures of the west on sunny days, or piled in a jon boat in the shallow backwaters and marshes of the Mississippi River.
Wherever they’re deployed, Avian-X’s specktacular new specks will give waterfowl hunters the upper hand anytime white-fronted geese make an appearance.
Take ‘em!
About Avian-X:
The premier Zink and Avian-X brands offer today’s waterfowl and turkey hunters the best and most complete line of highly realistic decoys, beautifully effective calls and other related products that result in increased success and satisfaction afield — whether that means more birds on the ground, or the creation of additional cherished, lifetime memories. At Zink and Avian-X, our goal is to use our team’s extensive field knowledge and experience to promote and advance the sports of waterfowling and turkey hunting in a traditional, ethical, responsible, and enjoyable manner. Mediocrity is not an option.