To me, using decoys is just added insurance.
You might call in 5 gobblers over the season
that will strut right into gun range without the use
of decoys but that one time when Mr. big hangs up just
out of range you will wish you had that little extra enticement
to bring him in. When using decoys you still need all
the other skills required in turkey hunting. Last year I had set up my decoys on an open 40 acre field. I hadnt called in about 15 minutes
when a big tom came out at about 9:30 of the woods on far side of the field about 125 yards away. He kept stopping and glancing at the decoys but continued his walk to the left and away from me.
I gave a couple of yelps and puffed up and started strutting in circles. I did a couple of soft purrs and clucks and each time he wouldpuff up and strut but wouldnt come in. I played with him
for about 15 minutes but he just would not come in.
I was almost ready to write this one off when a slight gust of
wind came through and rotated one of the hen decoys
about 30 degrees. That woke him up. He started gobbling
and came in to about 50 yards and started strutting in place again.
One more purr and cluck and he shot right in to me.
I dont use the decoys in all situations but I do carry them with me
every time just as an added trick.
I also carry a turkey wing with me. Ive had gobblers
hangup just out of sight only to have them come barrelling
in after I flap the turkey wing. Sometimes they just need a little
reassurance.