The Ultimate Guide to How Many Decoys to Use for Turkey Hunting

How Many Decoys for Turkey Hunting?

Spring turkey hunting is a popular pastime for many people, and for good reason. Turkeys are challenging and rewarding to hunt, and they provide delicious meat. However, one of the most important factors in turkey hunting success is the use of decoys.

Decoys can be used to attract turkeys to your location, to give you a better shot, and to help you call in turkeys. But how many decoys do you need for turkey hunting?

In this article, we will discuss the different types of turkey decoys, how to use them effectively, and how many decoys you should use for different hunting situations.

We will also provide tips on how to choose the right decoys for your needs and how to set them up for maximum success.

Number of Decoys	Hunting Scenario	Benefits
1-3	Open field	Attract more turkeys Create a more realistic decoy spread Make it easier to call in turkeys
3-5	Woods	Provide more cover for turkeys Make it more difficult for turkeys to see you Create a more realistic decoy spread
6+	Huge fields	Attract more turkeys Create a more realistic decoy spread Make it easier to call in turkeys

Introduction

Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport. One of the most important factors in success is using the right decoys. Decoys can be used to attract turkeys, to keep them in the area, and to help you make a successful shot.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of decoys available, the number of decoys you need, and how to use them effectively. We will also provide tips on choosing the right decoys for your hunting area and your hunting style.

Types of Decoys

There are four main types of turkey decoys: realistic decoys, inflatable decoys, motion decoys, and combination decoys.

* Realistic decoys are designed to look as lifelike as possible. They are usually made of molded plastic or foam and are painted to resemble a real turkey. Realistic decoys are often the most effective, but they can also be the most expensive.
* Inflatable decoys are a less expensive option than realistic decoys. They are made of lightweight plastic and are inflated with air. Inflatable decoys are not as realistic as realistic decoys, but they can still be effective.
* Motion decoys are designed to move and attract the attention of turkeys. They are often made of lightweight materials and are attached to a stake or pole. Motion decoys can be very effective, but they can also be noisy.
* Combination decoys combine the features of realistic and motion decoys. They are often made of molded plastic or foam and are attached to a stake or pole. Combination decoys can be very effective, but they can also be the most expensive.

Number of Decoys

The number of decoys you need depends on the terrain, the time of year, and the number of hunters.

* In general, more decoys are needed in open areas than in wooded areas. This is because turkeys can see decoys from farther away in open areas.
* More decoys are needed during the early season than during the late season. This is because turkeys are more aggressive during the early season and are more likely to be attracted to a larger number of decoys.
* More decoys are needed when hunting with multiple hunters. This is because each hunter needs a decoy to call in turkeys.

How to Use Decoys Effectively

There are a few things you can do to use decoys effectively:

* Place your decoys in a natural-looking position. Turkeys are very observant and will be suspicious of decoys that look out of place.
* Place your decoys in a location where they will be visible to turkeys. This may mean placing them in open areas or on hilltops.
* Use a variety of decoys. This will help to attract a wider range of turkeys.
* Move your decoys around periodically. This will help to keep turkeys interested and prevent them from becoming suspicious.

Decoys can be a very effective tool for turkey hunting. By choosing the right decoys and using them effectively, you can increase your chances of success.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and using decoys:

* When choosing decoys, consider the size, shape, and color of the turkeys you are hunting.
* Use decoys that are made from high-quality materials. This will help them to last longer and look more realistic.
* Keep your decoys clean and in good repair. This will help them to look their best and attract more turkeys.
* Practice using your decoys before you go hunting. This will help you to become more comfortable with them and make it more likely that you will use them effectively.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the turkey woods.

How Many Decoys for Turkey Hunting?

The number of decoys you use for turkey hunting depends on a number of factors, including:

* The size of the area you are hunting
* The number of turkeys in the area
* The time of year
* Your hunting style

In general, you will need more decoys if you are hunting in a large area or if there are a lot of turkeys in the area. You will also need more decoys if you are hunting during the spring, when turkeys are more active.

If you are hunting in a small area or if there are few turkeys in the area, you can get away with using fewer decoys. You can also get away with using fewer decoys if you are hunting during the fall, when turkeys are less active.

Here are some general guidelines for how many decoys to use for turkey hunting:

* For hunting in a small area with few turkeys, use 2-3 decoys.
* For hunting in a large area with many turkeys, use 4-6 decoys.
* For hunting during the spring, use 6-8 decoys.
* For hunting during the fall, use 4-6 decoys.

Of course, these are just guidelines. The best way to determine how many decoys to use is to experiment and see what works best for you.

Placement of Decoys

Once you have decided how many decoys to use, you need to decide where to place them. The placement of your decoys is important because it can make the difference between attracting turkeys and scaring them away.

Here are some tips for placing decoys for turkey hunting:

* Decoys should be placed in a natural-looking position. This means that they should be placed in a way that makes them look like they are part of the environment.
* Decoys should be placed in a way that makes them visible to the turkeys. This means that they should be placed in an open area where the turkeys can see them.
* Decoys should be placed in a way that makes it difficult for the turkeys to see the hunters. This means that the hunters should be positioned behind the decoys.

How to Use Decoys

Once you have placed your decoys, you need to know how to use them. Here are some tips for using decoys for turkey hunting:

* Move the decoys around periodically to keep the turkeys interested.
* Call to the turkeys to attract their attention.
* Be patient and wait for the turkeys to come to the decoys.

Using decoys for turkey hunting can be a very effective way to attract turkeys. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success in the turkey woods.

How many decoys should I use for turkey hunting?

The number of decoys you use for turkey hunting will depend on a number of factors, including:

* The terrain: If you’re hunting in an open field, you’ll need more decoys than if you’re hunting in a wooded area.
* The time of day: You’ll need more decoys during the early morning and evening hours, when turkeys are more active.
* The weather: If the weather is windy, you’ll need more decoys to help block the wind and keep the turkeys from seeing you.
* The number of hunters in your group: If you’re hunting with a group of people, you’ll need more decoys to spread out and create a more realistic looking flock.

As a general rule of thumb, you should use at least three decoys for turkey hunting. However, you may need more decoys if you’re hunting in a challenging environment or if you’re hunting with a large group of people.

What type of decoys should I use?

There are a variety of different types of turkey decoys available on the market, including:

* Static decoys: These decoys are made of plastic or foam and do not move. They are a good option for beginners or for hunters who are hunting in a windy area.
* Motion decoys: These decoys are made of fabric or rubber and move when they are blown by the wind. They are a good option for experienced hunters who are hunting in a calm area.
* Sound decoys: These decoys make turkey sounds to attract turkeys. They are a good option for hunters who are hunting in an area where turkeys are not used to seeing decoys.

The type of decoy you use will depend on your personal preferences and the conditions you’re hunting in.

How should I set up my decoys?

The way you set up your decoys will depend on the terrain and the time of day. However, there are a few general tips that you can follow:

* Place your decoys in a natural-looking position.
* Spread your decoys out so they don’t look like a group of decoys.
* Place your decoys in a location where they will be visible to the turkeys.
* If you’re hunting in a windy area, place your decoys in a sheltered spot.

How do I call in turkeys?

There are a variety of different ways to call in turkeys, including:

* Mouth calls: These calls are made by cupping your hands around your mouth and making a series of clucking and purring sounds.
* Hutch calls: These calls are made by blowing into a wooden or plastic tube.
* Squeeze calls: These calls are made by squeezing a rubber bulb that produces a series of clucking sounds.
* Electronic calls: These calls are made by using a battery-powered device that produces a variety of turkey sounds.

The type of call you use will depend on your personal preferences and the conditions you’re hunting in.

How do I avoid spooking turkeys?

Turkeys are very wary animals and can be easily spooked. Here are a few tips to help you avoid spooking turkeys:

* Move slowly and quietly.
* Avoid wearing bright colors.
* Stay downwind of the turkeys.
* Don’t make any sudden movements.
* If a turkey sees you, don’t panic. Just freeze and wait for the turkey to move on.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully calling in and harvesting a turkey.

the number of decoys you use for turkey hunting is a personal decision that depends on a number of factors, including the terrain, the time of year, and the number of turkeys you are hoping to attract. However, the general rule of thumb is to use as many decoys as you can comfortably manage. By using a variety of decoys, you can create a more realistic and inviting spread that will help you attract more turkeys.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when choosing decoys for turkey hunting:

* Use a variety of decoys, including hens, jakes, and toms.
* Place your decoys in a natural-looking setting.
* Move your decoys around throughout the day to keep the turkeys interested.
* Be patient and wait for the turkeys to come to you.

With a little practice, you can use decoys to your advantage and increase your chances of success in turkey hunting.