How The Pros Use Decoys
by Fred Lutger

As the 2005 turkey seasons approach, my thoughts turn to hunting lore and tricks to bag an elusive gobbler. The NWTF Convention and Sports Show brings together the nations best turkey hunters and turkey equipment manufactures. 

I picked out a few to see what’s new and to pick the “PRO’S” collective brains for tips for my upcoming hunts. Knowing the two best tactics to trick a spring Gobbler are calling and decoying, I’m going to concentrate my efforts there. 

It’s been years since I’ve updated my decoys (see picture of my 2 favorite decoys.)  I concentrated on finding what’s new and what the pros are doing. 

I asked each pro to describe their favorite decoy set up. Here is what they said. 

Doug Crabtree & Fred Lutger

Doug Crabtree is 10 times Ohio State Turkey calling Champion. Doug has taken 3 consecutive Grand Slams with his bow. I position a hen low to the ground and place a Jake behind her. Face both decoys towards the blind. Place this pair of decoys 5 to 6 yards from the blind. I add a second hen 7 yards to the side of the first pair. I do all my turkey hunting with a bow out of a Double Bull blind.

Steve Bailey	Steve Bailey is the general manager of Renzo’s Decoys, Milwaukee, WI Steve’s decoying tips: Large groups of decoys (4 or 6) work better than 2. Form a V with your decoys starting at 15 yards from your position and spread decoys along the V out to 25 yards. The approaching Toms will end up in the middle of the V or will approach your position moving down the outside of the V.  Position  Renzo’s 2-D decoys so as the gobbler passes one decoy it disappears and the next one appears. Use a full fan decoy in early or late season. Steve uses a coated wire hook on his belt for carrying multiple decoys.
Mark Drury	Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors Position 2 Jakes and one hen 10 yards past center in direction of your swing. If you’re right handed that would be to your left. Face all three decoys away from your gobblers expected approach. This gives the approaching gobbler the illusion the flock is leaving.
Terry Drury	And brother Terry Drury’s tip:  Put decoys in open field with a lot of visibility. A gobbler can spot the decoys from 300 yards. In timber also make sure your decoys are visible from a distance. I use 3 decoys most of season, 1 Jake and 2 hens.
Chris Kirby	Chris Kirby is President of Quaker Boy, Inc Use 3 to 5 decoys with one being a Jake. This has more effect than using 1 or 2 decoys. Place the Jake where you want to take the shot. Most times Toms head for the Jake first. Make sure for safety sake you can see beyond your decoys. Place the flock 10 to 25 yards beyond center to your swing side, on left for right-handed shooters.  This helps with hunter concealment if gobbler looks past the decoys

TO PART 2 & MORE TIPS ...