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Guest Shot

Part IV: Calling & Decoying Turkeys

By Dave Richey

Calling and turkey decoys go together like bacon and eggs.

A hunter can use one or the other, and take a spring gobbler, but mixing a call with one, two or three decoys improves the chance for success if the caller chooses the set-up site properly, places the decoys expertly, and calls just enough to draw a gobbler within range so it can see the decoys.

One question always comes up: How many decoys should I use? I've used one with success, two with greater success and three (two hens and a jake or two jakes and one hen) with the best success. I use the lightweight Feather Flex decoys that can be folded, and stored in a hunting vest until needed.

I take broken or dented aluminum XX-75 arrows, cut the shaft to 18-20 inches, place an arrow insert in each end, and use a thin 125-grain target point on the bottom so it can be easily inserted into even the hardest dirt. I use a long, thin-diameter target point but place a one-inch washer between the insert and target point. Spray the washer and any silver-colored target points with dark brown camo paint, and the decoy is ready for use.

The arrow shafts stick easily into the dirt, and any soft breeze will allow the decoy to turn on the breeze. However, too much decoy movement can be just as bad as too little.

Take two other useless aluminum arrows, cut them into eight-inch lengths, and glue an insert into one end. Add a rusted target point to each one, and make six short stakes. These are placed 12 inches on each side of the decoy tail to prevent them from spinning completely around in a gusty wind. These stakes allow each decoy to swing 12 inches either way and back again. It helps add wind-created realism to a spread of turkey decoys.

Hunters, when picking a place to set out decoys, should look for an opening in the woods where turkeys can check for danger. Never set decoys in heavy brush because birds will not go there. Avoid placing decoys or trying to call gobblers across wet ground. By and large, turkeys dislike getting their feet wet.

Keep the decoys in the open where they are easily seen by an approaching gobbler, and I try to position the jake decoy(s) closest to me and the open woods. A gobbler will head for the jake decoy to chase him away so place the decoy(s) (if you are right-handed) a bit left of your sitting position for an easy shot.

Sit with your back to a tree as wide as your shoulders, and if the ground around one tree in the area is a foot or two higher than other nearby trees, set up with your back against that tree. Space the decoys out so they are separated by five to eight yards as is common when hens and jakes travel together. Don't bunch decoys too close together. The slightly higher elevation of your position offers a better view as birds start moving your way.

My favorite hunting day is a cool, clear dawn with just a soft breeze. Sound carries well, and if you've done your homework and know where the bird is roosted, it should be possible to reach the chosen location in the dark without sounding like a tank. Do not talk, and if hunting with a partner, each person must know where they are going ahead of time. Get in position, sit down, get comfortable, remain silent and wait.

There's no need for an owl hoot or crow call. If you put the birds to bed the night before they should still be there. Sit back, relax and enjoy the morning. Wait for the first crow call of the morning or the first gobble, and progress slowly. Ration your calls wisely, and let the gobbler start things off.

Now is not the time to push a roosted bird. Play it slow and coy, and let the gobbler call once or twice before you come back with a soft call. Remember, sound travels well on cool mornings. One thing that can happen is to learn at the last moment that the gobbler is surrounded by hens.

If a gobbler is henned-up, and they start calling, imitate their sounds and call back to them. A henned-up gobbler will seldom leave his harem, but if the caller can chat with the hens, sometimes they will bring the gobbler along as they investigate the new hen in their area. This has happened to me and to people hunting with me on several occasions, and chatting with the hens can eventually lead to a gobbler coming in. It's always worth a try.

Guest Shot: "Part IV: Calling & Decoying Turkeys"
April 2004

About the Guest Shooter:  The author of 22 books, 7,100 magzine articles, hundreds of published images and 23 years as an outdoor newspaper columnist for The Detroit News (Ret. May 2003), Dave Richey is without a doubt, one of, if not the, most prolific outdoor writer in America. Dave is an Active Member of OWAA since 1986; recipient of the Ham Brown Memorial Award in 1994 and the Excellence in Craft Award in 2003. Though adept in nearly any climate and terrain, Dave and his lovely wife, Kay; herself a noted outdoor writer and editor; call Buckley, MI home. Visit Dave's web site and blog "Dave Richey Outdoors" and Dave's "Dave in the Outdoors" blog