New Turkey Hunter

[apple]

What amount of decoys do you use? I have 1 hen and was thinking of getting a feeding hen or would I be better off with a hen and jake? What is your set up? This is only my second year hunting these birds.

 

[redneck4life]

use two hens and a jake one hen is a feeding hen. Dont like using tom decoys they scare jake off. Just remember when you are first starting hunting turkeys dont be afraid to shoot a jake any turkey is a trophy

 

[paolo223]

depends on the situtaion some times just a hen decoy by herself sometimes a hen with jakes or even a strutting tom decoy will realy piss of the boss. and other times they work against you, depends on the birds on that day. but like redneck4life said if its legal shoot it there all trophies.
<-- we got the two birds in the pic during last seasons opener using a hen and jake decoy called those two a jake and a hen, result was one sweet double for me and the old man.

 

[Big Jon]

You could always give it a try without decoys. Set-up in wooded areas where a birds visibility is also limited. Which will force them to come close to inspect your calls (ideally, of course). Also what worked for me a few times is to set-up around a distinct corner. This could be a corner of trees, tall grass, whatever. Just something that will make the bird have to come around the corner to see what's up. And when he does he will be in range. Being a beginner turkey hunter it's tempting to set-up somewhere that allows you to watch the birds for a long time...this is fun but not always the best choice.

Make sure you do lots os scouting...go out in the evening to watch and listen for birds roosting. And remember locator calls are not always your friend. Just being quiet and unseen has always worked good for evening scouting trips for me. Once you know where some birds have roosted a large part of your battle is complete.

Hope this helps....turkeys are a blast...have fun

 

[Strangeday]

I have four or five that spend alot of time in the field beside my house


Damn they look tasty

 

[swailmeister]

I've always used one hen and one jake. No need for anymore.

 

[apple]

Bought another hen decoy today (feeding) Just wondering how close together do you put yours? Whats a good set up?

 

[bucky]

last year i was on 5 kills,4 of the 5 had no decoy's out.usually i would have one hen(bobbinHead)and one jake. good luck you will be hooked for life.place the jake 15 yds out facing you as a tom or jake will go to challenge the deke and you want the bird to turn it's back to you so you can bring the gun up.Bucky