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General Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: hun10 on September 01, 2009, 11:53:51 AM

Title: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 01, 2009, 11:53:51 AM
I think that most turkey hunters use a decoy from time to time, however, I have been hearing some people talk about not using one and having good success.  Personally, I use one when I can (especially in a field edge) but I took my biggest bird without using a decoy and he still came in puttin on a show.  What say you?
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: turkeybeagle on September 01, 2009, 11:58:32 AM
i like the bird to come to me not the decoy  ;D
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Dcoleinpa on September 01, 2009, 12:03:25 PM
i have not had good luck with them. i will be saving some weight in my vest  and letting the calls serve their purpose :)
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: SCALPM on September 01, 2009, 12:16:41 PM
I love using decoys....especially on the wma's I hunt. I walk 75 yards down the trail and set my first one up...then I walk another 150 yards down the trail on the way to my spot and set up another...then make a right at the T and walk 100 yards and set up another....then backtrack to the main trail and walk to my spot and set up...

They work great on people that park next to my truck and try to hunt up in my Butt.

A real old turkey hunter taught me how to use decoys....
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: AlanKrow on September 01, 2009, 12:52:32 PM
I use them , now and then!
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: West Augusta on September 01, 2009, 01:00:55 PM
I used to, but cannot say that I have had a turkey look at the decoy.  So, I quit using them.  Lighter load and less in my vest.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 01, 2009, 01:31:46 PM
Wow!  Im kinda surprised so far at the responses.  I have had real good luck with them.  I have gotten away with some movement mistakes all because the turkey was so focused on my decoy.  I like them for field edges like I said earlier to watch em come struttin in, but if Im in timber I won't set one up....I want him to search for me.  I like the differences in opinion.  Either strategy can get the job done IMO. *cheers*
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: ronmexico on September 01, 2009, 01:45:17 PM
Wow!  Im kinda surprised so far at the responses.  I have had real good luck with them.  I have gotten away with some movement mistakes all because the turkey was so focused on my decoy.  I like them for field edges like I said earlier to watch em come struttin in, but if Im in timber I won't set one up....I want him to search for me.  I like the differences in opinion.  Either strategy can get the job done IMO. *cheers*

some are for them, some against.  i think in the right situation, they can be great and provide for an exciting hunt.  other times, it can ruin your hunt and cause a bird to hang up.  i understand why some like to use them, just as i understand why some are against it.  whether someone chooses to use one, doesn't bother me one bit. hunt how you like.  i have used them with good results and i have used them with poor results.  you don't need a decoy to bring a bird in, but sometimes it does the trick.....and sometimes it spooks the bird.  i have been trying to reduce what i carry and the decoys are out of my vest.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: amims5 on September 01, 2009, 08:07:24 PM
We use them some. Had a big gobbler I worked for 2 hours come into a feild take one look at B-Mobile and take flight. Not run but fly! From 80 yards off. It's probably the most disgusted I have ever been after any hunt for any species.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: deacon on September 02, 2009, 07:20:46 AM
I will use them in one spot I hunt and that's it. I don't really like hunting fields but this one is the exception and I will stick up a couple decoys in the bottom corner...they just work great there. Everywhere else I like the birds to look for me!
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 02, 2009, 12:36:40 PM
We use them some. Had a big gobbler I worked for 2 hours come into a feild take one look at B-Mobile and take flight. Not run but fly! From 80 yards off. It's probably the most disgusted I have ever been after any hunt for any species.

You said B-mobile but how about other decoys?  I use one or two hen featherflex decoys.  Simple and extremely light with almost instant set up. RkLu

Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Bulldogmikey on September 02, 2009, 01:02:56 PM
Never hunted with um.
Mike
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 02, 2009, 02:46:28 PM
Never hunted with um.
Mike


Wow!  You guys need to hunt with em just one time.  Only knock on em is that they are really light and they will move with the wind.  A simple stick in the ground cures that tho.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff166/jrroyston/31441.jpg)
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: IhEArdAbIrd on September 02, 2009, 03:17:48 PM
I don't use them. I feel like I'd be cheating myself out of knowing he came in to my calling as opposed to him coming in because of the deke. It takes more skill to call one in than to have him come because of something he's looking at. *up*
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 02, 2009, 08:00:18 PM
I don't use them. I feel like I'd be cheating myself out of knowing he came in to my calling as opposed to him coming in because of the deke. It takes more skill to call one in than to have him come because of something he's looking at. *up*

As long as he comes in I don't really care.  I think initially he would want you because of your calling, he would have to otherwise why get out of the tree or fly across a creek?????  When he makes his appearance out in the open and sees that hen, the show begins.  You guys may need to put the wood calls down and learn to use a mouth call tho. ROTFLMBO
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Porter on September 03, 2009, 08:34:43 AM
I'm starting to get more and more where I do not use them.  I've had nothing but bad luck with the gobbler decoys.  I've shot many more birds without a decoy than with.  I usually end up putting them out at the beginning of the season and then saying forget it.

I like run-n-gunning too much!!!
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 03, 2009, 12:43:44 PM
I know.  Im just messin.  Im going to try more without a deke and then maybe I will kill some more birds. *bannana*
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Porter on September 03, 2009, 12:45:16 PM
I guess the most important part is... get out and hunt!!  Calling (in my opinion) is the most important part... maybe location location location should be... 

I think next year I'm not going to use any decoys and see how I do!
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Dcoleinpa on September 03, 2009, 01:44:18 PM
same here porter
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: hun10 on September 03, 2009, 02:23:31 PM
I guess the most important part is... get out and hunt!!  Calling (in my opinion) is the most important part... maybe location location location should be... 

I think next year I'm not going to use any decoys and see how I do!


I think the big three as far as turkey rules go are:

1. Location, Location, Location
2. Calling
3. Patience and knowing when/how to move
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Ozark Custom Calls on September 03, 2009, 05:45:10 PM
Well I use and don't use decoys. Youth hunting consisted of Decoys, binoculars, blind, food, drinks, widdling knife, nintendo dts (on mute), heater, snacks, baby and blanket (don't ask), extra coat, 2 loaded vests, more calls than anyone ever needs, flashlights (plural on porpose), hunting knives, makeup, pink camo hat (no, not mine either), umbrella (hangs head in shame now), grunt call (yes I know), and maybe a stuffed animal to round it all out. All this and three trips from the truck, it's time to pee (rolls eyes). Then actually STILL having a bird come in just to scare it off at the last second to gasious nerves tears, in the eyes.... "daddy I tried to hold it but I was too nervous" At least an 11" beard at 30yds and she pulled the wrong trigger! ROTFLMBO

What does the commercial say???? Priceless!

I guess it don't matter what you bring sometimes!

Was my favorite hunt ever and My daughters first.

Richard
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Dcoleinpa on September 03, 2009, 05:57:16 PM
 *up* *up*
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: wisturkeyhunter on September 03, 2009, 11:02:44 PM
I've used them the past but I think it cheapens the hunt and take some of the thrill of calling a bird to the gun away.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Porter on September 03, 2009, 11:32:14 PM
Well I use and don't use decoys. Youth hunting consisted of Decoys, binoculars, blind, food, drinks, widdling knife, nintendo dts (on mute), heater, snacks, baby and blanket (don't ask), extra coat, 2 loaded vests, more calls than anyone ever needs, flashlights (plural on porpose), hunting knives, makeup, pink camo hat (no, not mine either), umbrella (hangs head in shame now), grunt call (yes I know), and maybe a stuffed animal to round it all out. All this and three trips from the truck, it's time to pee (rolls eyes). Then actually STILL having a bird come in just to scare it off at the last second to gasious nerves tears, in the eyes.... "daddy I tried to hold it but I was too nervous" At least an 11" beard at 30yds and she pulled the wrong trigger! ROTFLMBO

What does the commercial say???? Priceless!

I guess it don't matter what you bring sometimes!

Was my favorite hunt ever and My daughters first.

Richard

Dude you should have warned me not to read it tonight.. just woke the wife up laughing at you ROTFLMBO
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Ozark Custom Calls on September 03, 2009, 11:40:43 PM
Well I use and don't use decoys. Youth hunting consisted of Decoys, binoculars, blind, food, drinks, widdling knife, nintendo dts (on mute), heater, snacks, baby and blanket (don't ask), extra coat, 2 loaded vests, more calls than anyone ever needs, flashlights (plural on porpose), hunting knives, makeup, pink camo hat (no, not mine either), umbrella (hangs head in shame now), grunt call (yes I know), and maybe a stuffed animal to round it all out. All this and three trips from the truck, it's time to pee (rolls eyes). Then actually STILL having a bird come in just to scare it off at the last second to gasious nerves tears, in the eyes.... "daddy I tried to hold it but I was too nervous" At least an 11" beard at 30yds and she pulled the wrong trigger! ROTFLMBO

What does the commercial say???? Priceless!

I guess it don't matter what you bring sometimes!

Was my favorite hunt ever and My daughters first.

Richard

Dude you should have warned me not to read it tonight.. just woke the wife up laughing at you ROTFLMBO
Funny thing is I am sure I missed some stuff I had to bring. lol
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: harmonden on September 04, 2009, 12:41:28 AM
i don't us'em......But......don't really care if somebody i'm hunt'in with wants to......i'm easy *bannana*................
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Gobbleking57 on September 06, 2009, 10:35:23 AM
Only time I use a decoy is when I need a bird to approach a certain opening to get a shot.When you are in a situation where you don't feel calling the bird in range is the question and your shooting lanes are limited it may help get the bird to where you need him to get your shot. Otherwise don't pull em out...
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Custom Caller on September 06, 2009, 10:49:02 AM
I use them when the time calls for it. They can help you but they can hurt you as well especially on WMA where other people have used them and they have seen them before.  It is good to have one out sometimes cause the bird will come to the calling and if he doesn't see anything he will leave quickly. I personally don't like having to carry one so most of the time I hunt without one.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: drabndouble on September 06, 2009, 03:01:04 PM
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 .
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Dcoleinpa on September 06, 2009, 03:21:49 PM
 "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 ."

one of the best things ive ever read :).
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Yankee on September 06, 2009, 06:32:40 PM
Just say no
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Zumer on September 06, 2009, 08:12:14 PM
Just say no


ROTFLMBO ROTFLMBO ROTFLMBO

      Good One!!
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: longbeardfever4ever on September 06, 2009, 08:18:42 PM
Just say no


ROTFLMBO ROTFLMBO ROTFLMBO

      Good One!!

ROTFLMBO ROTFLMBO
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Les C on September 07, 2009, 12:20:26 PM
Sometimes I use them and sometimes I don't. Just depends on the terrain and situation. I always have them in my vest though.
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: Gobbleking57 on September 09, 2009, 10:24:36 AM
I'm never gonna limit my options. You never know what its gonna take to seal the deal so I go prepared for any scenario..... 8)
Title: Re: Decoy or no decoy?
Post by: drabndouble on October 11, 2009, 08:58:36 AM
Check it out ,,,the ''Mail Pouch'',,,page 8,,,winter 2009 issue of Turkey and Turkey Hunting.


Well said Mr. Ferrell.