Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: Mallardmasher on April 04, 2017, 11:21:47 AM

Title: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Mallardmasher on April 04, 2017, 11:21:47 AM: I am new to Turkey hunting, My Daughter has wanted to hunt them for the last couple years, So I took the plunge, I have been doing lots of research and attended two seminars, and worked on calling and lots of scouting.
Purchased these DSD decoys direct. Will they be enough. I have read the toms will approach the hens from the rear, so face them away from you, but it seem they approach the jakes head on... So how would you set this threesome up.
Thanks for you time, Matt
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on April 04, 2017, 11:49:39 AM: My experience is that the toms will approach the Jake first. Set the hens a little further out from the Jake. The toms will attack the Jake before attending the hens.
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on April 04, 2017, 01:27:46 PM: Dang, went all out on your first turkey decoys. Those look awesome!! Id be careful with that jake on public land though....
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Mallardmasher on April 04, 2017, 01:41:38 PM: I have his goose decoys and the birds just bomb into them, So figured do it once and be done. But it could also be my lack of knowledge in how smart and cautious turkeys are.
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Mfowl on April 04, 2017, 01:51:24 PM: Turkeys are cautious but not smart. I'd focus on putting g your decoys out so your not in the line of fire of another hunter. It doesn't really matter which way they are facing, if the birds come in to them you'll get your shot opportunity.
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: biggfish on April 04, 2017, 01:57:34 PM: From my observation I've noticed toms like to come at the Jakes head on. Not the rule as with all things just keep that in mind when placing your set.

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Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Mallardmasher on April 04, 2017, 02:58:07 PM: She just informed me, she will not be able to go until the weekend of May 6th, will the game be much different that time of year, I still plan on going the opener or weekend after. To try to get it all figured out, So I can make it a good time for her..
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Mfowl on April 04, 2017, 03:29:27 PM: Quote from: Mallardmasher on April 04, 2017, 02:58:07 PM
She just informed me, she will not be able to go until the weekend of May 6th, will the game be much different that time of year, I still plan on going the opener or weekend after. To try to get it all figured out, So I can make it a good time for her..

It can change, sometimes pressured birds don't like decoys at all. Sometimes the breeding season is over by the latter part of the season but that won't likely be the case this year with the late spring.
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 04, 2017, 04:22:23 PM: I have the same turkey decoys. They work good. The only thing better than those decoys are stuffers. :tup:
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: Whitenuckles on April 04, 2017, 05:02:30 PM: Last year we shot 7 birds over decoys, all but 1 approached the Jake from behind. Lots of things come into play, lay of the land, ECT.. I think the most important thing is setting up in the right place. A simple barb wire fence will hold up a horny Tom.
Also keep in mind, a horny Tom is looking for love, if he sees your decoy spread and doesn't like it, he'll go the other way. But if he doesn't see decoys, he'll continue to look! Meaning.... He'll come in closer searching for her. I always hunt new land without decoys. But on my property I know exactly how dominant each bird is. So I set up decoys for the aggressive birds or the bachelor Tom groups. :twocents:
Title: Re: Decoys and readiness
Post by: turkeydancer on April 05, 2017, 09:12:49 AM: It's my experience that Jake towards you and hens away ... this will give you the chance to make any adjustments you need to without the bird seeing you because he will have the his back to you when he comes in. :tup: