There are times when a guy pretty much knows what direction the birds will come from in a left to right (or vice versa) situation. If you are fortunate to know that, then I don't think distance is as critical as long as they set out within range. What I do in that situation is set the dekes to thefar side of me so it forces the birds to cross in front of me on their way to inspect the decoys. Normally they never know what hit'em.
Since your friend wants to shoot no more than 20 yards, putting a jake decoy at 25 yards will bring a tom in right at 20 yards. Normally, a tom will come strutting in and will face the jake decoy before he initiates a fight with decoy. When I hunt with my bow, I'll position jake decoy at 20 yards facing me and as gobbler comes in he'll circle decoy in a strutting position then will face decoy before he spurs the jake.
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***Life long obsessed turkey hunter***
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everyone has there range and setup. if the max is 20 yards, then I would set the dekes at 15 yards. that way if he comes in to the back , he will still be with in the 20 yard range.if he comes inbetween you and the dekes, that ok also.
he may not want to fight and only strut back and forth,if he does that and the dek. is at 20 yards then he will be out of you range.
JMHO.
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I am not a hunter ; I am a whitetail population reduction specialest
remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.
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