Can a turkey be killed ,,,

[drabndouble]

Without using a decoy?
 
 You guessed it ,,,,I don't use or approve of the use of decoys . I have been known to use them in the past ,,,but never again . I get more from a hunt and learn more about how to hunt without something to get toms attention away from where the calls are coming from .

[Bulldogmikey]

I am just old school. Never did use them and wouldn't. My sons do but I wish they would not. It says a lot more about the pure hunting skill to not use them. I guess this is kinda like the shotgun and choke discussion. We are in the minority!

Mike

[Porter]

Yes they can.  I sometimes use them, but find myself using them less and less. 

I've shot way more without than with!  I run and gun a lot and I hate carrying even a fold up one in my pack!

I have no issue with them being used either...  each their own. 

[letinmfly]

I've killed toms with and without decoys.  All depends on the terrain I'll be hunting whether I use one or not.  Hunting skill is also knowing when and when not to use one.

Some years back I located a flock of birds, which roosted on the edge of a huge field, that had a good tom in it.  These birds wouldn't come to any of my calling.  The next morning I set up about 100 yards away and put out a hen and jake decoy and did some soft calling at daybreak.  The tom hammered back at least 50 times before he flew off the roost.  The birds flew off the roost and the tom made a beeline for my decoys.  I shot him at 25 yards on the last day of the season.

[Bulldogmikey]

I've killed toms with and without decoys.  All depends on the terrain I'll be hunting whether I use one or not.  Hunting skill is also knowing when and when not to use one.

Some years back I located a flock of birds, which roosted on the edge of a huge field, that had a good tom in it.  These birds wouldn't come to any of my calling.  The next morning I set up about 100 yards away and put out a hen and jake decoy and did some soft calling at daybreak.  The tom hammered back at least 50 times before he flew off the roost.  The birds flew off the roost and the tom made a beeline for my decoys.  I shot him at 25 yards on the last day of the season.

Lou I hear you and understand your point. The point drabndouble and I were making is as he says"I get more from the hunt", and like I said "pure skill".....I have always maintained that the hunt is what is important not the kill. I do understand and appreciate your point though. Sounds like I'm having a discussion with my boys.

Respectufully,
mike

[letinmfly]

Mike.

The hunt to me has always been and always will be much more important than the kill.  I can't remember the number of deer and turkeys that I've let walk when I could have killed them.  The last day of the season last spring I called in a jake and let him walk becuse I had already taken a longbeard and I felt that I didn't need to shoot that jake.  He might turn out to be the longbeard I shoot this year.
I'm not arguing your point, but hunting skill is being able to outwitt your quarry and closing the deal.  Sometimes even though I've outwitted them I've chosen not to shoot for whatever reason I felt at the time.
Let me also say that I very rarely use decoys but if I feel that the need is there I'll put them up.  I've also had hunts fouled up because of decoys, where birds were spooked instead of attracted.  So nothing is a given in hunting, except for the fact that for me there is no better therapy than God's great outdoors.

[Bulldogmikey]

Mike.

The hunt to me has always been and always will be much more important than the kill.  I can't remember the number of deer and turkeys that I've let walk when I could have killed them.  The last day of the season last spring I called in a jake and let him walk becuse I had already taken a longbeard and I felt that I didn't need to shoot that jake.  He might turn out to be the longbeard I shoot this year.
I'm not arguing your point, but hunting skill is being able to outwitt your quarry and closing the deal.  Sometimes even though I've outwitted them I've chosen not to shoot for whatever reason I felt at the time.
Let me also say that I very rarely use decoys but if I feel that the need is there I'll put them up.  I've also had hunts fouled up because of decoys, where birds were spooked instead of attracted.  So nothing is a given in hunting, except for the fact that for me there is no better therapy than God's great outdoors.

And all I say is amen to that. Thanks man. I love discussing different tactics.

Mike

[Mzlhunter]

Sure can. I enjoy the hunt more without them and will not carry one.

[Porter]

Sure can. I enjoy the hunt more without them and will not carry one.

I didn't figured you carried a decoy.  I've not seen the trickling decoy come out yet   

[Zumer]

How did we ever kill any turkeys BEFORE the craze of decoys came about....

      If I can't kill them with good set-ups & realistic calling, then it's my fault.....I'd rather not have a decoy to create another avenue of things to think about....

       I have nothing against those that use them, but they aren't for me.....

       Zips

[BigTomsCalls]

I don't know how many days I hunted last year but lets say 20. I used a decoy one day at the very end of the season. I just think they are more of a hassel then anything else and are not really needed.

[letinmfly]

Tom.

They are a pain in the neck to carry around and I find myself carrying one less and less.  I had one with us last season, but I only used it the last day.

[B-Ready]

The very first decoy (and only one ) I ever had..... was a real ugly hen..... 

[Dcoleinpa]

Gabe Meadow said it best

[drabndouble]

Gabe Meadow said it best