Decoys?

[TheDeerHunter]

This is my first year turkey hunting, so I was wanting some advice. What does everyone think about decoys? Should I add one or two in my turkey vest? And what is the best step to use them in?

[billkay]

Start here. Should give you some basic ideas.
Next Sting Operation

[maddhunter]

I usually use 2 hens at the first of our season followed by a hen and a jake later. Sometimes trial and eror is the best way to see what works best at certain times.

[Strut10]

Personally, I don't have much time for them. Just something else to lug around.

[buckbuster11]

I'd get them without a doubt. I'd get a jake and a hen for starters. Get some light weight ones that weigh next to nothing, throw them in the back of your vest and off you go. As far as using them, I probably only use them 50% of the time. If I'm back in the woods where visibility is low, I wont even bother. But, if I'm out on the edge of the field, on a gasline etc... I'll throw them out there.

[AdvantageTimberLou]

I would get some. I have a feeding hen, attentive hen, and a jake in my vest. I will sometimes position the attentive hen in the breading position and put the jake up behind her. That tends to get the old toms attention and plus it takes the attention off from you the hunter.

Sometimes they work other times they might send the birds the other way but they are something to have in your vest.

Lou

[Rhino]

[ QUOTE ]
Personally, I don't have much time for them. Just something else to lug around.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here but on occasion I'll carry one but it's a pretty rare occasion that I actually use it.

[13littleones]

If i had someone to carry the decoys around all day for me... sure i would use them all the time.

[muggs]

I've always had good luck with just a single hen, but I'm thinking about adding a jake to it this year.

[Covehnter]

I've used a single hen, a hen and jake, 2 hens and a jake, hens and half strut jake. . . they all have their times. Not sure what tempts me to set out a jake and hen or just a hen. . . i just do sometimes. I've probably had the most success with a single hen but i carry a hen and jake w/ me all the time. Just make sure if your using a half strut jake that you are dealing w/ the dominant birds b/c they'll spook a subordinate tom and jakes alot of times.

[Missed160]

I always carry them and use them, I have a upright hen, Feeding Hen & Jake.. I don't always put them all out.
I am kind of shocked to see that the people who answered don't use them a lot. We always try and get them set up.

[VtBowhunter]

About the only time I use one is when a gobbler has hung up on me more then 2 days in a row, then I'll put it out way behind me so he'll come in closer then normal before hanging up, which usually puts him in bow range.

[borch]

Over the yers they've cost me more toms than they've brought in. They work well early season and for younger birds throoughoout the season. After that it seems mature toms are much more likely to hang up, strut gobble out of range until the real hens show up and go to him. Then off they all go.

But do I carry them? I usually have 1 or two in my vest.

Borch

[Chrud]

I would purchase a flock (2 hens and a jake). That way you have them. I like Feather Flex. The don't weigh a thing!

[va_strutstopper]

i use a hen and a jake all season and they work
great