Turkey Hunting - Decoy Strategies

Turkey Decoy Strategies Spring Season (Breeding Time)

During the spring, gobblers are actively searching for hens. This is when decoys can be most effective for drawing in territorial toms.

1. Hen Only

• When to Use: Early season or in high-pressure areas.
• Effect: A lone hen decoy can appear non-threatening and natural, appealing to toms looking to mate.
• Setup Tip: Face the hen decoy away from your position so incoming toms circle around, exposing their vital area.

2. Hen + Jake

• When to Use: Mid to late spring when toms are competing for hens.
• Effect: Triggers a dominant tom's aggression—he sees a younger bird trying to breed.
• Setup Tip: Place the jake behind or beside the hen decoy, as if he's following her. Put this setup within 20–25 yards of your blind or position.

3. Strutting Tom + Hen

• When to Use: Best on dominant birds in low-pressure or private land situations.
• Effect: Highly aggressive setup—can intimidate subordinate toms but draw in alpha males.
• Caution: Avoid this setup if you're on public land—it may attract other hunters as well as birds.

Fall Season (Flock Behavior)

Turkeys are not mating in the fall. They group up by gender and age, and calls focus more on flock communication than mating.

1. Mixed Flock Setup

• Decoys: Use 2–3 hen or jake decoys together.
• Effect: Mimics a scattered or feeding flock. Works well with kee-kee and assembly calls.
• Best Use: When trying to reassemble a scattered group or intercept feeding flocks.

2. Single Hen or Jake

• Use: When targeting lone birds or trying to remain subtle.
• Effect: Encourages approach from birds seeking companionship or dominance.
• Tip: Use soft clucks and purrs to make it feel natural.

General Setup Tips

• Distance: Place decoys 15–30 yards from your position. This puts the bird in ideal shotgun or bow range.
• Height & Angle: Stake decoys at natural heights. Slightly angled decoys look more realistic.
• Wind: Choose decoys with motion (like those on a swivel) to create realism in breezy conditions.
• Realism: Use decoys with lifelike paint and feather textures—turkeys have incredible eyesight.

When to Skip Decoys

• In high-pressure public areas, turkeys may become decoy-shy.
• If birds are spooked or hang up frequently, try going without a decoy and rely solely on calling and concealment.