the past two days i have called in two toms and they come in strong gobbling and struttin but once they get to about 60-70 yards they just stop and look around. i am yelping sometimes and some cutting but thats about all i can do with a slate. my box makes to much movement when i use it and i am not good with the mouth calls either. what else can i do with my slate to make them commit to my decoys. thanks. Pete

Sometimes you have them so confident that hen is there, that they wait for her to show up...next time, try not to call as much when you know he's/they are coming...this way you have them guessing where she is, and they're more likely to come and take a looksy...

but when they gobble, give a soft yelp or do some purring to let them know you are waiting, but then just set the call down and wait... good luck...

I was just out today, had one gobbler that did that same thing, then i moved, another goblbler that wouldn't come out closer, i started doing a little purring, brought him in 15 yrds, too bad i didn't have my shotgun was just out doing some scouting

Pistol pete,

I'm assuming there's nothing there to hang them up.Like a creek they won't cross a deep gutter or anything like that.Try scratching in the leaves and call lightly.In the past the leaf scratching sealed the deal on hung up gobblers.Also try a decoy set up with a hen/jake combo.

Would your screen name by chance be named after pistol pete maravich?

germain,
no i was named after him, my buddy's college roommate gave me that name on night while we were drinking. no there is no creek or anything. and i tried the leaves thing with no luck. Pistol Pete

OK pistol pete.Try setting up on the other side and call less.

If they are hangging up try some soft calling with purring. Could also try to stop calling all together.

I'd try using soft calling, clucks and purrs. At times you may need to just shut up all together. Also a hen decoy might not be a bad Idea. But when they're starting to get close but wont quite come in, clucks and purrs is what you should do on the call.

Here is a thought,If you are using a hen decoy,Have it facing you,But not right infront of you. Set it up either to your left or right wich ever would be best advantage to you that way the Tom Thinks the hen doesn't see himand will come in.
By setting it of to your left or right He will be looking at Her instead of you. .................................................. ............o <-- decoy



.................................................. ............................X <--- you

Hope it helps,Ive tried to make a diagram but it just isn't staying the way I type it.

i have had the decoy facing me but i had it infront of me. ill try it being off to the side next time. thanks.