I agree with Adrian. I didn't use a decoy this year. Best year ever.

IMHO, if the bird spots the decoy there's a 50-50 chence he'll strut and wait on the hen to come to him. If there is no decoy he will move around looking for the hen. Hens don't stay in the same place. I think the gobbler realizes this and goes looking for the hen.

As far as being eyeball-to-eyeball, I like it. Yes, it's a further test of your skills.