A desirable turkey hunt, in part, depends on knowing how to strategically place decoys so they mimic natural behaviors, such as eating or gathering. Proper placement includes knowledge of seasons, behaviors, wind direction and terrain.

Placement:

• A typical spring turkey decoy setup often includes a single hen decoy in a feeding position with a gobbler decoy slightly behind her to mimic a breeding scenario. This “receptive hen” illusion aids in luring a dominant gobbler into a challenging encounter with its competitor.

• Approximately 15 yards in front of your blind face the hen slightly away from you and the jake slightly behind, giving the impression of a relaxed flock.

• For bowhunting try using two hen decoys positioned close together with a jake decoy further out to create a triangle.

Early Season:

• Consider adding a few more hen decoys to simulate a larger flock

Adapting:

• Observe how turkeys react to your setup. If gobblers seem wary of the jake decoy, remove it and try a single hen decoy instead.

Movement:

• Decoy stakes allow for slight movement to mimic natural feeding behavior

• The general guideline is to avoid using decoys that move excessively or appear unnatural. On heavily hunted public land this can be considered unsportsmanlike and may attract other hunters to your location. Consult your local Department of Conservation for regulations on decoy use.

Camouflage:

• Ensure your decoys are well-camouflaged and positioned in a natural habitat.