Some Mysteries Only Knowledge Explains

Limited Series Launch | Thursday, April 17 at 6PM PST

We’ve always said our Limited Series is about more than decoys, it’s about celebrating the rare, the meaningful, the wild. So, when we learned about a genetic study on turkeys, a first-of-its-kind research project focused on uncovering the genetic secrets of wild turkeys, including rare color morphs and hybridization — we were excited to learn more!

On Thursday, April 17 at 6PM PST, we’re dropping a new Limited Series, but this time, it’s not just about the decoy. It’s about the bird behind it, the science that’s never been done before, and the hunters helping make it all possible.

We’re proud to contribute to a groundbreaking effort focusing on the genetics of wild turkeys, wildturkeyDNA, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Ducks Unlimited, the University of Texas at El Paso, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Wild Turkey Lab, and the Low Country Game Bird Foundation. Together, they’re launching a national research project that invites hunters to help unlock the genetic code of the wild turkey.

We’re proud to support innovative science. Funded by the proceeds from this Limited Series drop, we will be making a gift directly to Ducks Unlimited to support their role in delivering wildturkeyDNA.

This is hunter-assisted science in action, and it starts with turkeys that don’t look quite like the others. From strange feather colors to suspected hybrids, hunters participating in wildturkeyDNA will collect tissue samples from harvested birds with unusual plumage to determine whether they’re wild genetic mutations, heritage domestic breeds, or something in between. It’s the first step in a larger effort to understand wild turkey subspecies, population genetics, and how this knowledge can shape the future of turkey conservation.

At Dave Smith Decoys, we’re proud to support innovative science. Funded by proceeds from this Limited Series drop, we will be making a gift directly to Ducks Unlimited to support their role in delivering wildturkeyDNA. And following the launch, we’ll be holding a special auction for one decoy, with 100% of that winning bid going straight to the fund. Together, these efforts will support the science, tools, and collaboration needed to keep wild turkeys wild—and ensure their future is as strong as their past. 

Because whether you hunt for meat, tradition, or moments that leave you in awe, whether you set up a blind with a full spread or run and gun without a single decoy, we all care about the same bird. And this is our chance to give back to something much bigger than ourselves. You can learn more about the project and how you can participate by visiting www.wildturkeyDNA.com.

Be on the website between 5:30 and 6:00 PM PST on Thursday, April 17. That’s your window to get in the queue. At 6:00 sharp, everyone in line will be randomly shuffled and from there, orders will be processed in order until it’s sold out. Don’t wait. 

One-time drop. Conservation-first.