How to Set Up Turkey Decoys for Maximum Success

How to Set Up Turkey Decoys

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about turkey hunting. One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of success is to set up your decoys correctly.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of turkey decoy setup, including how to choose the right decoys, where to place them, and how to use them effectively. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make your decoys more realistic and attract more turkeys.

So whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about setting up turkey decoys!

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Choose the right decoys for your hunting area.
2	Place the decoys in a natural-looking position.
3	Camouflage yourself and wait for the turkeys to arrive.

How to Set Up Turkey Decoys?

Choosing the Right Decoys

The first step to setting up turkey decoys is choosing the right ones. There are a few things to consider when making your selection, including the type of decoy, the size and coloration, and the number of decoys.

Types of Decoys

There are two main types of turkey decoys: hen decoys and jake decoys. Hen decoys are designed to attract male turkeys, while jake decoys are designed to attract younger, less experienced males.

Hen decoys are typically larger and more colorful than jake decoys. They often have a more pronounced breast and wattle, and they may be decorated with feathers or other materials. Jake decoys are smaller and less colorful than hen decoys. They may have a more slender build, and they may not have as pronounced a breast or wattle.

Size and Coloration

When choosing the size and coloration of your decoys, it is important to consider the type of turkeys you are hunting. If you are hunting turkeys in a wooded area, you may want to choose decoys that are a darker color, such as brown or black. If you are hunting turkeys in a more open area, you may want to choose decoys that are a lighter color, such as white or tan.

The size of your decoys is also important. If you are hunting turkeys in a large area, you may want to choose larger decoys. If you are hunting turkeys in a small area, you may want to choose smaller decoys.

Number of Decoys

The number of decoys you use will depend on the size of the area you are hunting. In general, you will want to use more decoys in a larger area and fewer decoys in a smaller area.

When setting up your decoys, it is important to create a realistic turkey flock. The decoys should be grouped together in a way that makes them look like they are feeding, roosting, or preening. You should also vary the height of the decoys so that they look more natural.

Setting Up the Decoys

Once you have chosen the right decoys, you need to set them up properly. The placement of your decoys is important because it can affect how turkeys respond to them.

Placement of Decoys

The most important thing to remember when placing your decoys is to make them look natural. The decoys should be placed in a location where turkeys would naturally congregate. They should also be placed in a way that makes them visible to turkeys.

When placing your decoys, it is important to consider the wind direction. The decoys should be placed so that the wind is blowing from the turkeys to the decoys. This will help to mask your scent and make the decoys more realistic.

Grouping of Decoys

The decoys should be grouped together in a way that makes them look like they are feeding, roosting, or preening. The decoys should not be placed too close together, as this will make them look unnatural. However, they should not be placed too far apart, as this will make them look like they are scattered.

Height of Decoys

The height of the decoys is also important. The decoys should be placed at a height that is realistic for turkeys. They should not be placed too high, as this will make them look unnatural. However, they should not be placed too low, as this will make them difficult for turkeys to see.

Setting up turkey decoys can be a fun and challenging experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of attracting and harvesting a turkey.

Additional Tips

* When setting up your decoys, it is important to be patient. Turkeys are wary creatures and they may not approach your decoys immediately. Give them time to get used to the decoys and they will eventually come in for a closer look.
* If you are hunting turkeys in an area with a lot of human activity, you may want to consider using scent blockers. Scent blockers can help to mask your scent and make the decoys more realistic.
* When hunting turkeys, it is important to be quiet and still. Turkeys have excellent hearing and vision and they will be spooked if they see or hear you.
* If you are hunting turkeys in a blind, it is important to make sure that the blind is camouflaged

3. Camouflage and Movement

Camouflage of the Hunter

When setting up turkey decoys, it is important to make sure that you are camouflaged as well. This means wearing clothing that blends in with the surrounding environment, and using natural materials to cover your scent.

If you are hunting in a wooded area, wear clothing that is made of a camouflage pattern that matches the leaves and branches of the trees. You can also use natural materials such as leaves and twigs to cover your scent.

If you are hunting in a field, wear clothing that is made of a camouflage pattern that matches the grass and dirt. You can also use natural materials such as straw and hay to cover your scent.

Movement of the Decoys

It is also important to make sure that the decoys are not moving too much. Turkeys are very wary of movement, and if they see a decoy moving, they will likely be spooked and fly away.

When setting up the decoys, try to position them so that they are not facing each other. This will help to prevent them from appearing to be talking to each other, which could also spook the turkeys.

You should also try to keep the decoys from moving too much in the wind. If the decoys are flapping their wings or swaying back and forth, it will be very obvious to the turkeys that they are not real.

4. Calling and Calling Techniques

Types of Calls

There are a variety of different types of turkey calls that you can use to attract turkeys. The most common types of calls include:

* Yelps
* Clucks
* Purrs
* Cutts
* Rattles

When to Call

The best time to call turkeys is during the spring and fall, when they are most active. However, you can also call turkeys during the summer and winter, if you know where they are roosting.

How to Call

When calling turkeys, it is important to be patient and persistent. You may not get a response right away, but if you keep calling, you will eventually attract a turkey’s attention.

When calling, try to vary the volume and pitch of your calls. This will help to make your calls more realistic and interesting to the turkeys.

You should also try to call in a variety of different locations. This will help you to cover more ground and increase your chances of finding a turkey.

Setting up turkey decoys and calling turkeys can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

How many turkey decoys should I use?

The number of turkey decoys you use will depend on the size of the area you are hunting and the number of turkeys you are trying to attract. In general, you will want to use more decoys in larger areas and fewer decoys in smaller areas. You will also want to use more decoys if you are trying to attract a large group of turkeys.

What type of turkey decoys should I use?

The type of turkey decoys you use will depend on the time of year you are hunting. In the spring, when turkeys are more aggressive, you will want to use realistic decoys that are life-like in appearance. In the fall, when turkeys are more wary, you will want to use more abstract decoys that are less likely to spook the birds.

How should I position my turkey decoys?

The positioning of your turkey decoys is important in attracting turkeys. You will want to position your decoys in a way that makes them look natural and inviting. In general, you will want to position your decoys in a V-shape with the head of the V facing the direction you expect the turkeys to come from. You will also want to make sure that your decoys are at least 20 yards apart.

How should I camouflage myself when setting up turkey decoys?

It is important to camouflage yourself when setting up turkey decoys so that you do not spook the birds. You will want to wear camouflage clothing that blends in with the surrounding vegetation. You will also want to avoid making any noise that could alert the turkeys to your presence.

How should I act when turkeys approach my decoys?

When turkeys approach your decoys, it is important to remain calm and still. You will want to avoid making any sudden movements or noises that could spook the birds. You will also want to avoid eye contact with the turkeys. If the turkeys start to get too close, you can slowly wave your arms or call to them in a low, raspy voice.

What if turkeys don’t come to my decoys?

If turkeys don’t come to your decoys, there are a few things you can do to try to attract them. First, you can try moving your decoys to a different location. You can also try using different types of decoys or changing the way you position them. Finally, you can try calling to the turkeys in a different way. If all else fails, you can try waiting until the next day and trying again.

setting up turkey decoys is a great way to increase your chances of success during turkey hunting season. By following the tips in this article, you can create a decoy spread that will attract turkeys and bring them within range. However, it is important to remember that decoys are just one part of the equation. You also need to have the right calling skills and be able to position yourself in a way that will make the turkeys comfortable approaching. By combining decoys with good calling and hunting skills, you can increase your chances of taking a turkey this season.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

* Turkeys are attracted to decoys that look realistic and are placed in areas where they would naturally congregate.
* The type of decoys you use will depend on the time of year and the terrain.
* When setting up your decoy spread, it is important to create a natural look and avoid placing the decoys too close together.
* You should also be aware of the wind direction and how it will affect the movement of your decoys.
* By following these tips, you can create a decoy spread that will help you bag a turkey this season.