Bowhunting Wild Turkeys with Decoys

Bowhunting for wild turkeys can be one of the most challenging hunts a bowhunter can set him or herself upon. This challenge is exactly what is drawing so many hunters to chase the gobbler and try to harvest a healthy tom.

An effective tactic available to aid in this pursuit is the use of a wild turkey decoy. Decoys come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. More important than the material is the shape and size of the decoy you choose. Particularly if you are spring hunting for wild turkeys is it most advisable to include a decoy of a hen turkey. Since this is mating season the toms are going to be extremely active in their reproduction activities and a good-looking hen in the 'ready' position will draw their attention rather nicely.

When placing your decoys you need only set up a couple of hens along with a single jake decoy. This will help entice the local big boy to show up for an investigation into who exactly is in his territory. Your male decoy should be placed in a direction facing where you'll be setup hunting. By doing this you ensure that the real bird coming for a confrontation will have his back to you and enable you to make an undetected draw and shot.

Your decoys should be located anywhere from 20-30 yards from where you have setup. Having them at that distance puts you far enough away that the live wild turkeys will not see you when approaching the decoys and will leave you close enough for an accurate, killing shot.

Some beginning turkey hunters make the error of placing only one hen decoy and wondering why that big jake just circled and circled the area. Male wild turkeys know that the hen is supposed to approach them during the mating ritual. That is why it is important to have at least one hen and one jake decoy. Without that setup you'll most likely be watching your next turkey dinner gobbling and walking quite a distance from bow range.