RE: Decoys or Not?
I use the FeatherFlex line of decoys, they fold up nicely in my vest and are no extra weight at all. I will use 4 or 5 decoys on a set-up before daylight, and usually 2 or 3 on a bird that I am trying to move on. I always use one jake decoy and the rest are hens. I always set the decoys within 20 yards of me unless I am hunting somewhere that I am afraid of another hunter moving on them. Always face the jake decoy at you. Most toms will move on the jake and try to go head to head with it, making the tom turn his back on you giving you ample time to aim. It has been my experience, that when I hunt without a decoy and I have a tom coming in looking, he will see the slightest bit of movement as he looks for the hen that you are imitating. This has led to more than one bust by a tom, so starting out, I would suggest you use a couple of decoys. Good Luck!