Once.

Called in one to 50 yards...Missed him with the bow. Shoulda prob been more aggressive[&o]

Unless I'm hunting a particular bird - I am mega aggressive.

I hunt highly-pressured areas, but the key factor in play is thatnot many of the guys hunting these areas are really great callers - and the birds just won't respond. Their cadences aren't quite right... Their tones are off... And they just don't know how to carry on a conversation with a mature tom. I.E. - give him what he wants.

If I get an answer ,that was the last call I will make.

To many videos of guys calling while the bird is at the decoys has some convinced it is necessary.[:@]

Good one Jim, I've had 2 coyotes come in and a fox while calling!

Let me ask......

Once we have them in where they can see the deke (if you're using one).......haven't we done all we can do?

Like I said.....very limited experience.....but "less is more" seems to be the approach I'm leaning towards.

I like this. But Jim I'll add.....how long is your "reply" good for? Time table.....until you feel the need to be vocal, again.

Thanks!

When I have a bird looking at my deke, and committed. I generally shut up, maybe a few puts. Then when he is almost in, I purr him right into the deke. The bird I shot last year hit me decoy before I shot him at 6 steps. If they hang up, back to aggressive.

Not necessarily, Jeff.

I've seen birds hang up 50 yards out in full sight of the decoys.

A sure thing isn't always a sure thing. That Tom sees those hens and says "Okay, I've come this far, now you come to me." He'll stay in full strut, pacing back and forth.

Purr a bit, throw in some yelps and putts, and he'll fold up and come running. Don't say anything and he may stay hung up.

Maybe its just the birds I hunt out here, I don't know. Turkeys is turkeys though, I would assume.

I tend to let the woods tell me how to hunt on a given day. If wildlife is really active, I'll be more aggressive. If the woods are still and quiet, then I'm more passive. Just like with any hunting, you gotta be able to read the signs nature gives you.

Maybe you guys are better callers than I am....(HIGHLY possible)....BUT!!

I've never had a tom come in far enough to see my deke......and decide to commit.....BECAUSE of my calling.

I've come to the conclusion that they're either gonna commit.....or they aren't......and my calling isn't going to be the deciding factor if they DO.....but it most certainly CAN be the deciding factor of why they don't.

I saw that on TV yesterday and wondered what the heck they were doing!!??

Once they're at the decoys I believe that you should be aiming, ready to squeeze off the shot.