My $0.02.....

If you are in an area that has held birds in the past, be patient. They are there. They are just not gobbling which makes you think there isn't a turkey around. I agree it is very hard to hunt them when they're not gobbling. Personally, I hate it. Those that stick it out through the quiet times waiting for the turkeys to show are the successful hunters. I commend them and have to admit I split on quiet days. But, I have landowner tag which allows me to hunt for over five weeks.

Anyway, my advice is to wait it out. They are there just not gobbling. Put your dekes out in a field with a large viewing area. Turkeys don't cover as much ground as deer. I recently read they have a home range somewhere around 600 acres. So their rounds should eventually take them to the field with your decoys.

BTW - Many hunters in Illinois experienced the same thing - gobbling early in season then a few weeks of quiet. I all by gave up on my private ground until two friends recently bagged a long beard and heard a bunch of others. I went out yesterday and shot a long beard in 30 minutes. I also heard one gobbling his a$$ off on the roost last night. They are still looking for love. If you can call and can stick it out all morning, you'll get one.

Patience is a very hard thing to possess while turkey hunting, but is probably the #1 priority when hunting without gobbling.