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John's Journal... Entry 76, Day 3

What about Decoys

click to enlargeEDITOR'S NOTE: Eddie Salter of Evergreen, Alabama, makes his living as a professional hunter, caller and seminar speaker. He's a longtime, personal friend and has helped me learn how to hunt turkeys more effectively. Salter works with Hunter's Specialties.

Question: Many people in the seminars you do ask you about decoys. What's your opinion about decoys?
Answer: Of course in Alabama we can't use decoys, and so, I grew up not using them. But I've had the opportunity to hunt in various parts of the country and have learned that when you're around field areas -- especially a guy who's just getting started turkey hunting -- then decoys really help. I think decoys are almost a must. I always like to suggest a setup with two hens and a gobbler -- preferably a jake. If my budget was really close and I could only buy one decoy, I'd buy a jake decoy. I think a lot of times the gobbler can actually see the red on the jake and that mature gobbler will come in to put that jake out of his territory. If you're hunting in big woods with open territory, decoys will work okay. If you're in a pretty thick area, then decoys won't be that helpful.

click to enlargeQuestion: How far do you put the decoys out in front of the hunter?
Answer: I try to put them within the boundaries of the distance where I will shoot the turkey -- generally about 30-40 yards. I don't want the decoys any further away from me than 40 yards, and I want to try to put them out where I can make sure that nobody can crawl up and shoot the decoys and shoot me. I want to be able to watch to see if anybody comes toward me.

click to enlargeQuestion: How tight do you group your decoys if you're using three?
Answer: I put them in an 8-yard circle -- not too far apart from each other. Normally turkeys in a group won't be too far apart from each other.

Tomorrow: Using Multiple Calls at One Time

 

 

 

Check back each day this week for more about Eddie Salter -- Expert Turkey Caller And Hunter ...

Day 1 -The Biggest Mistake Turkey Hunters Make
Day 2 -How Many Calls Do You Need for Turkey Hunting
Day 3 -What about Decoys
Day 4 -Using Multiple Calls at One Time
Day 5 -How To Get A Hung-Up Gobbler Unhung

John's Journal