I , like many , have used decoys in the past . But I will not again . When you or I set up in the right spot the bird must look for the source of the calling . And as you know it is something that sometimes must be done in a hurry . To have room to shoot and if needed to swing the gun.
Is the cover too dense ?
Is the woods too open ?
Is there something there that may cause tom to circle?
Is the spot under my butt going to be comfortable enough to be still for a while ?
My contention with the use of dekes is that they are not necessary and they take away part of the thrill of the hunt . Learning to pick a set up location is an ongoing adventure .
It seems that a great many of todays hunter got started after the development of the lightweight decoy and the video hunt. I think a lot of these hunters have actually been trained by the videos to believe a decoy is what it takes . When in reality a wild turkey can be called to your lap if you pick the proper spot and sit still like a stump.
Be realistic in calling and don't move a muscle till it's time to shoot. Patience goes beyond waiting for tom to come to the call. Patience must be exercised after he arrives so you can get the best shot . So , after he arrives and you just can't get a clean shot ,,,,,let him walk away unspooked . And if time allows , move to another setup or wait and work him again tomorrow. And when he comes to your calls he'll be looking right at the very spot where the last call came from . Then as he's staring at your quivering body because you don't have a decoy for him to look at, and you try your best to be still and limit the deep breath as your chest is heaving and the fog is rolling out of your net , then ask yourself if a deke will get you in this same predicament .
If I ain't fooled him ,,,I won't shoot him .
