Are they too white ?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I want to start out by saying Thank you to tlbradford for the Turkey fan !
But I was wondering, the first thing I noticed were how white the tips of the feathers are...
I am planning on using the fan on my B-Mobile decoy, and because I am hunting Easterns, should I stick with the silk fan, and save the feathers for after I get my eastern and head over the hill for the "other"
Turkeys ?
The Toms I have seen do not have ANY white, except for wing patches.
They actually look almost completely black from a distance.

[JKEEN33]

I don't think you are going to have any issues due to the white. You have been seeing Easterns which don't have the white bans. I personally don't like using Tom decoys. I've seen a few birds shy away from them, even jake decoys, so I quit using them. Just my opinion though. I always carry a hen.

[NWBREW]

I've killed some Toms that had nice white tops. 

[turkeydancer]

SSB - The white tips are Merriams and the black Eaterns ... however it won't make a bit of difference to the turkey.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

SSB - The white tips are Merriams and the black Eaterns ...
.

I know this, my question was referring to the fact I am hunting Easterns, and as spooky as they are, would the "difference" alert them, or attract them ?
My issue is with a certain Tom, that likes to strut on top of a bald hill about 75 yards out in a clear-cut, with no way to sneak closer.
I have tried no decoy, a lone hen, and 2 hens.
I was thinking that a small flock w/Tom might get him to come down to kick some (you know what)
He is at least 4 years old, so has to be the boss of the area, although I have not seen or heard other toms......

[MtnMuley]

Personally, I'd dye or paint the Merriam's fan brown to match your Easterns you'll be hunting, and end the debate.  Anyhow, I hope this latest "trick" puts an end to a challenging ole friend..........

[Wacenturion]

Personally I wouldn't use a decoy and tip him off.  He has been there several years for a reason.  Get in quietly before dark and set up in an area he generally will frequent during his daily routine.  Get him to gobble back at your first few hen calls, and don't make another peep all day.  Be quiet and watch for him.  He will likely check it out sometime later in the day.

I call it "curiosity killed the gobbler".  If he is one of those #**#!!* birds, that is one possible way to harvest him.  Requires lots of patience, with no guarantees.  I can however vouch for the fact it does work.  

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Only problem is, I cannot figure out where he goes after he leaves his strut zone.
The only times I have been able to see which direction he heads is when he has spooked after I tried to draw on him, 
I was hoping a decoy might buy me a second or two....
I have not seen any hens, the only reason I know he is there is he is not shy about gobbling on nice sunny mornings.
I have only heard him gobble once on a slightly drizzle morning, during "civil" twighlight (1/2 hour before daylight from his roost.
He flies straight out to hill in clear-cut, struts there for quite a while, then dissapears into the 3-4 ft high growth.....
I was planning on setting up my dekes in a small clearing within sight of his hill, and hopefully getting him to come on down..

[tlbradford]

Personally, I'd dye or paint the Merriam's fan brown to match your Easterns you'll be hunting, and end the debate.  Anyhow, I hope this latest "trick" puts an end to a challenging ole friend..........

Sorry I didn't get to your pm.  I would also do this.  I don't think it will matter to the Tom, since they are going to want to run off any competition no matter what the species, but why leave it to chance.  Good luck, I hope you smoke him.

[turkeydancer]

SSB
Put a blind (or two) or build a "natural blind" within bow range of his fly down  and/or his strutting area?  Since you know he goes to those places you could be setting in a nice blind on a tripod stool with a heater, drinking coffee, etc ... nice and comfy just waiting him out and can draw and let fly hidden from his view ... build it and he will come ... no dekes required.
 

[jackelope]

I've killed some Toms that had nice white tops. 

Easterns?