Not from Alabama, ( extreme southern Florida), but I do hunt in the "Roll Tide" state for turkeys. I'm glad to see that you all now "can" use decoys if you whish. I have had to leave mine at home last year.[:@]
But, to tell the truth, with or without them I still love hunting turkeys. IMHO, they do add a small advantage than hunting without them. I say this becuase I thought that you always needed them. That was until I hunted with a master turkey caller who never used them and never seen a reason too. To his credit, his calling was so good I see why.
I've used them as a focal point and as a marker for distance, etc. And as an addition to my "attempts" at calling. Have really gotten away form using the "tom" decoy, as it hasn't worked well this far south. Hen's have worked out good for me.
Good luck this year.