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Are decoys overused?

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meemphisbluesagain

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I may stop using mine except for sitting in a blind cold calling.
When I'm working a turkey it takes longer to set up and I make more noise when I'm messing with my decoy. I missed out on a turkey last year because I was more worried about facing the decoy in the logging road than facing the way the turkey was coming from.
 
i only use them in blind calling setups or when hunting big fields, if i have a hot bird i do not take the time to set them up ive been busted to many times in my younger day trying to get the decoys setup when i should have been sitting my rear down and getting ready
 
I honestly haven't noticed a difference when using decoys or with out them, but I like for the turkey to come in not knowing where the hen is at and spend more time around me walking around looking for me so I can maybe spot him before he sees me if he comes in silent, or have more time to get off a good shot, and you got a better chance of the turkey hanging up at 50+yds when using a decoy
 
Touchy area in this forum...ask Setterman.

They can be a burden but they may help as well.

Really depends on what type of hunting Im doing.

Getting set up and calling...mostly all the time but if Im walking and calling...hardly ever.

I guess it all depends on the situation and location.

Both have worked for me.
 
knightrider, that's just what I'm now learning. If the turkey is gobbling and coming to me what the heck do I need the decoy for.
Especially if I'm hunting in the woods where I can't see that far and the turkey can't see me until he's in shooting distance
 
If I'm setting up blind, I use a decoy. If im hunting a large field, I use a decoy. If I'm covering a lot of ground, I don't use one. If I'm in the woods, I dont use one. There are situations where they are helpful and there are situations where they are not needed. I've had them run to the decoy...and run away from the decoy. I'd say though, probably 75% of the time I dont use one.
 
I have to agree with the above post. Decoys are effective in fields and not as effective in the woods. Decoys have to be seen to be effective. I have hunted with people that think a flock of decoys is more effective then one or two decoys. A flock of decoys will spook turkeys. I use one or two decoys when hunting the edge of a field.
 
agree with most of the others...if i am setting up in a field i tend to use them but not all the time. very rarely do i use them in the woods and I am NOT a fan of the full strut ones.
 
if you're hunting a open spot it may make the tom come in if he sees whats making the noise and it helps take some attention off of you. hardwoods it's good to have him come looking hard just my opinion
 
Yes, yes and yes. Especially when used in anything other then fields. I think they are necessary in fields, but could be left behind in the woods.
 
Setterman I heard you don't use decoys at all.......is it untrue or are you just offering advice for those who do? Either way your advice is worth listening to
 
catman529 said:
Setterman I heard you don't use decoys at all.......is it untrue or are you just offering advice for those who do? Either way your advice is worth listening to
Click to expand...

I do not use decoys, nor do I own any. I grew up hunting in Bama and they were illegal there until just recently. Therefore I learned to hunt without them by necessity, even in fields. I personally do not think there is any benefit to them in the woods, a good set up, and not over calling should make them pointless. I have never left the woods saying "wish I had a decoy" thinking it might have changed the outcome.

Fields are a different story however, I do see their benefit when hunting large fields.

As a side note, I think far too many folks are relying too heavily on the deadly nature of full strut decoys in recent years. I think they could be missing much of what makes turkey hunting really unique. However, ultimately it is an individual decision, but for me I will always choose to hunt without the aid of a decoy.
 
Do you think a lot of the hunters on the WMAs will be hunting field edges like people usually do? Would I possibly have an advantage if I stick to the woods without a decoy when I hunt on the WMA? Or do the turkeys not care....
 
Like I said a few months ago...the Ole Boy has become gentle in his old age! LOL

I can tell we are getting closer to April 2nd...chatter is forthcoming.


Setterman said:
catman529 said:
Setterman I heard you don't use decoys at all.......is it untrue or are you just offering advice for those who do? Either way your advice is worth listening to
Click to expand...

I do not use decoys, nor do I own any. I grew up hunting in Bama and they were illegal there until just recently. Therefore I learned to hunt without them by necessity, even in fields. I personally do not think there is any benefit to them in the woods, a good set up, and not over calling should make them pointless. I have never left the woods saying "wish I had a decoy" thinking it might have changed the outcome.

Fields are a different story however, I do see their benefit when hunting large fields.

As a side note, I think far too many folks are relying too heavily on the deadly nature of full strut decoys in recent years. I think they could be missing much of what makes turkey hunting really unique. However, ultimately it is an individual decision, but for me I will always choose to hunt without the aid of a decoy.
Click to expand...
 
catman529 said:
Do you think a lot of the hunters on the WMAs will be hunting field edges like people usually do? Would I possibly have an advantage if I stick to the woods without a decoy when I hunt on the WMA? Or do the turkeys not care....
Click to expand...

It seems most turkey hunters are obsessed with fields anymore. I do not remember ever seeing so many folks willing to sit in a blind and stare at a decoy spread in hopes a turkey blunders by.
 
Setterman said:
catman529 said:
Do you think a lot of the hunters on the WMAs will be hunting field edges like people usually do? Would I possibly have an advantage if I stick to the woods without a decoy when I hunt on the WMA? Or do the turkeys not care....
Click to expand...

It seems most turkey hunters are obsessed with fields anymore. I do not remember ever seeing so many folks willing to sit in a blind and stare at a decoy spread in hopes a turkey blunders by.
Click to expand...


SO TRUE
 

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