must be that turkeys are just different, I know in central ky. everyone uses decoys, but I had no trouble killing them there without decoys,, they do act different and you get busted a lot by single hens that come charging the call. When you find a hen with a gobbler in tow, ya just wait till the gobbler comes in following the hen and gets close enough for a shot.

I bought an Avian X HDR Jake decoy this week to add to the 2 Avian hens that I have. See what happens!

I like a hen decoy to take the gobbler's attention away from me.

I you sit out in the open, yes the snort will affect the outcome. But I find sitting in my blind I can holler the Gettysburg address with no adverse effects.
It's the human form not the sound.

I screw with every hen or jake(s) that wander in my setups. It teaches me just how much I can get away with.

JW

Decoys can be a valuable tool for hunters, but knowing when to use them is key. While calling can be effective, decoys offer some distinct advantages. The biggest benefit is their ability to attract animals from farther distances. A realistic decoy can pique an animal's curiosity or trigger its social instincts, drawing it in where your calls alone might not. Additionally, decoys can keep an animal occupied, giving you more time to remain still and hidden for a clean shot. However, remember that successful decoy use requires careful strategy and placement depending on the species you're hunting.