neb

I'm sure it has been discussed here many times with the experienced hunters here on this site. But what is your view and experience of using decoys. I know there is a time and place for them but I have had as good or better success not using decoys and just calling.

What would be the biggest benefit using them?

Wingbone

I tend to use them early in the season. But later in the season, when they've been tempted and educated by the 2-hens-and-a-jake hunters, I don't use them much. Besides, where I hunt, because of the late season leaves obscuring the view, they couldn't see the decoy until they're in range anyway.

Oldtimr

I use one because it gives the tom something to see and hone in on after he hears the call.

excalibur43

Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don't. It just depends on the situation and the set up area for me.

neb

Thanks, for your input and I guess there are times I should use start using them again. One advantage I feel that has done me well using a decoy is the focal point when a bird does come in. I do think it helps to distract them from you. bow hunt them so it is even more important to be inconspicuous.

CalHunter

It depends some on your hunting area. I usually hunt rolling grasslands on a cattle ranch with lots of open terrain and spread out oak trees. Toms can see my decoys from several hundreds of yards away and it's fun to watch them approach. If I hunt the parts of the ranch with denser trees, then I don't use decoys. For me, it just depends on what terrain I'm hunting.

Ridge Runner

never worked for me unless you want to shoot them 50+ yards, they would come in till they saw the decoy, strut and gobble a few minutes. when the hen did not go to thee gobbler, he'd just turn aand walk away gobbling.

JW

I use them in just about every setup I hunt.
Decoys can be very effective.
My decoys are never more than 7 to 10 steps in front of me. I se my decoys in such a way as i can virtually put that Tom exactly where you want it.
I have used foam, motion, hard body, half shells, strutting Toms, jakes and various hen postures.
I try to mimic what I see really flocks look like.
I dabbled in strutting toms before they ever hit the market.
I don't hunt with out them. For the people i take eith me in doring i i troduce them to Turkey porn as they witness my decoys beingbrsped and molested.
I do agree there us a time and place to use them
But I'd rather sit a decoy spread and then adapt yo what I see


JW

CalHunter

RR, I agree that decoys don't always work. That's hunting. When i use decoys, I also use a popup blind and set them in a known travel corridor for the ranch I hunt. It doesn't always work but I have got some big toms out of it. Back in 2022, I bought one of those skinny chicken jake decoys (see picture at link below). Less than 5 minutes into calling, a tom ran up to my jake and tried to beat the snot out of him. It was rally fun to watch and I wish I had video of it. I was in a blind so was able to enjoy the show before shooting the tom. Since then, I use the decoy just to see what will happen.


https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1008114097?pid=655052

Ridge Runner

they may work at times, my preferred method of hunting has always been run and gun, walk and call, walk and call, when a gobbler responds, take cover and work him to within range and shoot him in the face! Has beeen successful for 50 years. Dance with the one that brung ya!