Turkey Decoys
A decoy is a valuable hunting tool used to draw a turkey out into the open, and the secret to the best turkey decoy is realism. Turkeys are not only smart, they have really good eyesight, so a shoddy turkey decoy setup will cause your game to turn tail and march off in the other direction. To attract a prized gobbler, go with the best turkey decoy you can afford that offers the most visibility and life-like characteristics. Choose one-piece full body turkey decoys with molded and painted features that include individual feather details, flocking, and a motion system that allows movement in the breeze for maximum realism. Include a mixture of jake and hen turkey decoys for the best advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many decoys work best for turkey?
One or two turkey decoys are usually enough to lure out a gobbler. Always add a hen or two to your decoy setup to attract male turkeys.
Should you hunt turkeys with a decoy or no decoy?
Whether or not you hunt turkeys with a decoy depends on the situation. A tom is less likely to come out to a turkey call if he can’t see the hen that’s making the noise, so decoys work best when you’re hunting in a big open field or in a clearing deep in the woods. When hunting around trees, shrubs, and thick brush that can obstruct the view, decoys are not always necessary; a turkey will hear the call and keep searching for the source even if he cannot see a bird.
What are the best turkey decoys to use?
For the best results, use a mixture of life-like turkey decoys in various configurations.
- Walking turkey decoys can create the illusion that toms and hens are leaving the area.
- Mating turkey decoys can lure a tom who is interested in challenging the jake for the hen.
- Feeding turkey decoys can draw in a hungry tom.
Does the quality of turkey decoys matter?
Yes, the quality of a turkey decoy is important. Surprisingly, turkeys can see very well, and the most life-like decoys will yield quality results in the hunt. Avoid decoys that can reflect UV light and scare turkeys away.