John's Journal...
Entry
76, Day 3
What about Decoys
EDITOR'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.
Question:
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.
Question:
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
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