Heyday Decoys

Early on, Lifetime decoy lines were a huge success. A coated wire line that did not tangle, of course, had benefits for all waterfowl hunters, especially when these were the first to PVC-coat Texas rig steel lines.  Today, after purchasing Lifetime, Heyday is a company built on a philosophy of giving more and creating products that take each hunter to the heyday of their hunting memories.

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In 2022, I wrote about their EVA decoys. As a new company, Heyday Decoys was beginning to expand Lifetime’s products into a market force with expanded offerings beyond decoy lines and EVA decoys.  The early presentation of EVA molded foam decoys had a limited repertoire of species, but today Heyday’s line includes Gadwalls, Black Ducks, Bluebills, early season Teal, Green Wing Teal, Blue Wing Teal, Redheads, Wigeon, Pintails, Canadian Geese, Snow Geese, and Specklebelly Geese. 

As Heyday emerged from Lifetime, the innovation of even the early products became evident in the current designs.  But well beyond the design changes to decoys, Heyday provides some cool new products, incorporating what started their business in 2012 with PVC-coated steel lines.  One must appreciate companies that think outside the box.  Gun slings are a necessary part of hunting, and over time, it seems they have gotten larger, more padded, and more diverse in color and camo patterns. 

Heyday has instead kept to their “light as a feather” motto and created a gun strap unlike any other.  A single strand of PVC-coated steel becomes the strap with side-release clamps usable over the shoulder or across the chest. It is lightweight and packable, no-dig pain-free, eliminates bunching of clothes, and is flexible and non-intrusive.  

In a word, their drops are secure.  Using a hydraulic press method, “neverlose crimps” they not only crimp the steel lines, but also make them able to slide open and closed.  Smaller 3” carabiners attach drops to the strap.  Drops come in a variety of combos. Great ideas are what draw us waterfowl hunters to products like the Bare Sling (MSRP $29.99).  In today’s world of legally being able to transport ducks and even photograph ducks, one must keep their ducks readily identifiable.  There is little room to waver from the requirements of separate but identifiable waterfowl.  Enter the Bare Tote. 

Of course, decoy lines are the staple of Heyday’s heritage.  Their lines are resistant to rust, memory, tangles, and cold weather.  The 3/32” diameter cable comes in seven different colors.  All line sets include a 5” carabiner for dry hand collection of decoys with a loop on each line to secure.  Neverloose crimps are secure and durable to withstand any abuse you can muster.  Heavy-duty, large clips and secured cast lead weights make their Texas rigs an outstanding product and great value. 

Another product I added to my decoys is the new Gadwall EVA Decoy (MSRP $149.99).  There have been changes since my review in 2022, but more to the point, the detail and coloration of the Gadwall are excellent.  For any hunter watching birds over the decoys, that white speculum patch is a key to identification. 

I have two sets of these lightweight decoys.  One with weights installed and another without.  I can say that when throwing decoys, those without weights sometimes do not right themselves.  Those with weights don’t have that problem.  But if you want lightweight, removing a dozen weights saves almost five pounds.  Something to consider if you haul in decoys by foot or sled. 

READ MORE HERE: Barronett Blinds Hi-Five See-Through Hunting Blind

Heyday is setting in motion innovation in decoy design and construction, but also innovating new items for use by waterfowl hunters.  Other items they offer include molded dog food and waterers, jerk rigs and gang rigs, and a huge variety of clothing, hats, and other accessories. 

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