I've only killed birds in late season but all my experience is back in eastern states so I hope I can help you out. This is my personal
so take it for what you will.
1. I run a lone Hen for a decoy. At this point in the spring jakes have had their butts kicked and sometimes can be extra nervous coming into other male decoys.
2. They will respond to calls but sometimes if they are in higher pressure areas they won't. They will just slowly come in quiet to take a peak whats going on. Dont get frustrated if they aren't calling.
3.Birds have been talked to a bunch at this point, DONT OVER CALL. you will stick out like a sore thumb and that wise old tom will want nothing to do with you.
4. Late season there is a good chance they have hens that come to them daily. Therefore toms might not even bother to gobble. Find the hens and you'll find the toms.
5. 10-11am becomes more important as at this point the birds have a day to day routine where the hens go to their nest and the toms go looking for other hens to breed so make sure you dont pack it in early.
6. BURN BOOT LEATHER! if your hunting on public land this becomes critical as birds have been pushed around from hunters as well as other critters. Locator calls such as crow calls can really help you cover ground and locate birds. I do this after 7-8ish in the morning and before the 10-11am time frame.
7. Dont give up, cant kill them unless your out there.
best of luck I'll be doing the same
