The TRUTH about TURKEY DECOYS! Should you use Them?

[@JBK_Outdoors]

I’m heading into my 25th turkey season and the more I’ve gotten better calling and knowledge of the woods, the less I’ve hunted with decoys. Most of the time I use one now is when I hunt fields on those drizzling rainy days. I’ve had lots of good luck doing that.

[@TheSandlapper]

Pure facts, you've been doing it a while as have I, agree 1000%

[@HighTimesTrader]

Thank you for that info

[@guyaltizer5549]

I swear if there was such a thing as a Turkey hunting Dean of learning it would be Matt Dale! He breaks things down and makes it simple and gives you nuggets of learning you’ve never thought about before! Best video of the year so far Matt! Awesome content !

[@bsalley76]

WELL,,YOUVE NEVER MET ME...

[@pipeninja1578]

I have hunted turkeys for 30 years (with and without decoys). I have shot WAY MORE gobblers without a decoy, while I was standing behind a tree, peeping around it. A tree as big around as you are is the best “blind” in the woods. Whether or not I use a decoy depends on the terrain I am hunting. In the Ozark hard woods I don’t use them. Out on the plains in Texas, I use decoys. Great video, Matt!

[@TheSandlapper]

Yep. Better to have them looking for you than to see "you" and you not some to them

[@bsalley76]

YEP,,I DONT HUNT IN BLINDS EITHER FOR TURKEY OR DEER..

[@joeyvanover9465]

Finely somebody speaking the truth about decoys

[@jeremyhayes5579]

Listen to this guy he knows what he is talking about. 🦃 Sometimes you use them and sometimes you don't

[@jamesauton7112]

I have harvested 90% of my long beards with a single hen decoy than not using one.

[@nelsonchandler1015]

totally agree !! getting ready for season opening here in north ga thank you for all you do for turkey and turkey hunters

[@silverfox4898]

100% accurate in my experience. Very very rarely do I use one.

[@Mohawk48]

Every experience is different but in my 36 years of turkey hunting I noticed when the old gobbler comes in he knows exactly where the calling is coming from and he doesn’t always come straight in and that’s where the decoy takes the attention off of you .I hunt public land birds and kill more with than without .I say this that nothing is for certain when it comes to turkey hunting!I do enjoy your videos and thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions .

[@ianharper1189]

my buddy and i hunt together every year. we always bring at least a hen, sometimes a strutting jake. we dont use them alot but its nice having them when you do. the strutter has a movable fan and sometimes just the movement of its fan is enough to make a big hung up gobbler come in.

[@realrussclarke]

Great points, if I use a decoy it’s a Jake. Gobblers always seem to want to kick its butt. That said, 90% of my turkeys are without decoys.

[@GlobalCorpIncorporated]

Youre the best! Im going back out this week and next. Wish me luck with these easterns😁

[@bayfilly1]

Always good videos ! You didn't mention using jake decoys. A few years ago I got a funky chicken decoy and placed it with a hen decoy. that totally enraged a big old gobbler. Like you, I mostly don't use decoys like I did many years ago, but in this case it was crazy fun. It seems there is a place for the jake/hen combo early in the season.

[@andylockhart3613]

I think you are spot on, especially when you encourage hunters not to get dependent on decoys. I am like you, carry 1 in my vest and seldom use it unless I feel that the situation calls for it because of the same explanations you gave. I appreciate the fact that even though you are not a huge fan of em, you recognize the times that they can help. They have probably hurt me more than they have helped me honestly. Just use them for certain situations and you will be better off, at least that is my opinion along will Matt. Great video

[@StephenZimmer-xl8ux]

ABSOLUTELY! Rarely do I hunt with a decoy - on the rare occasion I do it's in a field corner for grabbing their attention. I've had gobblers freak out at that sight of decoys...also had em ignore them complexly.

[@jimtesterman8976]

I also own 1 decoy bought it back somtime in the 90's it rarely and I mean rarely comes out of my vest. It makes a good addition for my back against the tree. Stay safe and thank the Lord!

[@Mark_Iveys_Feathers_N_Fur]

Another good one Matt, Keep up the good work.

[@JosephTodd-ms6rf]

I agree 100% with ya Matt! I’ve had quite a few hunts that were ruined by decoys! They seem to work for me when hunting in fields…. But most of my hunts are running and gunning in the woods! Keep up the great vids brother!!!

[@fireplusbirdfilms6517]

Got one last week that came into a jake decoy at 15 yards last week in just sort of scenario you talked about: big open field on a very small property with very few places to set up and the birds shut up after gobbling at first light. It was a cheapy, folding foam decoy, so nice to have in that situation and didn't break the bank. I first saw the tom when he was out at maybe 100 yards. He did seem to see the decoy at about 50 yards or so and start walking in more quickly and purposely than he had before.

[@wtfserpico]

I've found that decoys work if there is wind enough to make them move. If they are perfectly still then it's up in the air. I have a whole flock of AvianX deocys and over the years I've come to think that 1 hen is ideal.

[@stevenadams9236]

I've had hens lay submissive in front of a gobbler decoy that never moved.

[@wtfserpico]

​@@stevenadams9236 Still decoys can work, hence the "up in the air" comment, but I've noticed far better success if the wind is moving the decoys, at least for the toms.

[@stevenadams9236]

I have a gobbler with a tail that raises and lowers by string. Not much help from what I have seen. I think if they are still, they think they are afraid and that makes them bolder. Not that I know anything!!😂

[@wtfserpico]

@@stevenadams9236 I only hunt with hen decoys these days. Regardless, I hope you have great success this spring friend!

[@jerodminich8666]

I like to use decoys if I'm hunting a field first thing in the morning and I can set them up while it's still dark. However, last season I did have one go decoy shy, as soon as he saw the decoy he turned around and went straight back into the woods

[@mattvogel5712]

How about for bow hunting? I’m 60, recently retired, always hunted whitetail deer over turkey. My new goal is to bag my FIRST long beard ! I won’t use a blind. It’s going to be tough, my gut tells me a hen decoy might help me?

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

Beat KZbin video ever posted on the subject! Even better than mine. Thanks Matt!

[@markromano1458]

I used to use decoys but 25+ years later I usually don’t. I carry two Montana foldable that hardly leave my vest. Same with blinds. No thank you, would rather be face to face with the Tom. Well done Dale, thanks.

[@Blackbear2025]

We have a six week season in Wisconsin. Decoys seem to work good till the third week then it seems to change. After that Decoys aren't an asset. I'm my area anyway.

[@adamburge5988]

My on shot a tom during youth season that ran to the decoy. We had a Tom follow a hen that beat the tar out of our decoy last year. Mostly they drew in jakes.

[@jordanhonzik688]

Every application is different if I'm hunting a field edge im using decoys if I'm in the woods with low visibility I'm leaving em in the truck

[@richardkelly9342]

Always great advice!

[@randlerichardson5826]

I agree on the call shy turkey with you

[@JayN4GO]

I agree. I never take a decoy in timber. I keep a wimpy Jake for silent field birds. ESP mid day when calling is minimal.

[@Ken_Hardee]

Hunted a heavily pressured public bird last season and decided to try a decoy setup… he came within 100 yards, saw the set up, did an “about face” and went right back the way he came. Pecking order wasn’t in his favor I suppose.

[@mattgohlke8216]

4 days ago, beautiful Tom came charging in but it took me 2 hours. Finally some leaf rustling got him to commit. Safety came off and he spotted that damn decoy and was gone in a flash. Really is frustrating after hunting these mountain birds, its a ton of work getting up in the hills before they do day after day. I'm done with decoys.

[@brentjarmon9735]

I like hunting with a decoy i only have 30 acres joining my places is family farm with about 4000 acres

[@BD85Sky]

Like anything else there is a time and place for both ways. I have had a long beard come up the mountain open woods no decoy looked around seen nothing there and turned and slowly walked away soft called but he knew something wasn’t right. Smart bird idk but also had a hen with a Jake decoy same exact scenario open day last year and he popped his head over the ridge and blew up spitting and drumming and busted loose to within 18 steps and Kapow. Different scenarios sometimes call for different ways. Great video just found you. Well informed sir 💪

[@kurtwilhelm3823]

Totally agree with your take on Decoys.

[@frankspataro9714]

I got me one.of those copper over glass calls its real nice I like it Matt I like it alot

[@JamesDeTorre]

I agree, decoys should be used cautiously.

[@kurtwilhelm3823]

I e learned a lot of things from you over the years! Thank you!

[@yeshuaneitheristheresalvat8018]

Matt, It seems you changed from your video 12 years ago when you said, "a decoy makes all the difference in the workd?"

[@outdoorswithroostercurrie6984]

I learned A LOT from this video.

[@barrystricklin2230]

I have found in the 38 years l have turkey hunted one hen never hurts although l rarely use one but when l have its never hurt my hunts

[@marklang2050]

I agree , one hen decoy never hurts and never seems to spook any birds . The lone hen decoy will also sometimes lure in the dominant hen along with the rest of her flock . I quit using my struttin jake decoy because it does seem to spook the average 2 and 3 year old gobbler . The older the tom is the better a jake decoy works especially if you give him a few weak , defiant jake gobbles .

[@Gatortrader1999]

I only use mine if my kids are with me. Had a bad experience years ago with a tom locking up at 80-90yds on a hen decoy.

[@jesseknox9322]

Sir I love your channel. You just put the facts out there from experience. I have a question: I am trying bow for turkey. Its pretty limiting. I had 4 toms come in this AM and each one of them saw my hen decoys and just walked away. Im fine not using a decoy, but do i need to use a decoy to get them close to shoot? Im in Iowa and I chose to get a bow tag so I can hunt all 4 seasons. Spring gets busy so my time is limited so i chose bow so i can hunt when I can and not get restricted to one season. I can do season 4 with a gun so might sctually get a bird then

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey Matt Saturday morning it’s time for me to hit the Tn woods I’m ready got to finish lining my scope up on my shotgun it’s raining had to stop I’ll finish that tomorrow. I’m taking my 13 year old nephew with me we got 5 gobblers marked for the bbq grill now.

[@jameschancey251]

I live in Florida and hunt those Osceolas. I've seen lots of videos of people using decoys successfully, but I've never had any luck with them. You call in a hen and while they come to your call, they freeze when they see that decoy and sneak off as quietly as they can. It spooks them. I've never had a gobbler come in to a decoy. Here the woods are very thick usually (on public land) and it's sometimes hard to even find a place where you can even take a long shot. I would love to know somebody with an open pasture.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Matt, What's your opinion on use of blinds for hunting gobblers?

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Happy to save $ and have less stuff to lug in 😅 might miss some that decoys would bring in. But i'll go without for now

[@frankmccarthy2624]

They’re a mixed bag. They mostly work but less is better. A single hen is rarely threatening to a bird. Two or more can sometimes scare turkeys away. In open country like the west where I hunt they can bring a bird from a long distance. In the woods, they’re more apt to scare a bird than help. In an area of pressured birds they can hurt you too.

[@trevorjohnson5060]

What about just a hen decoy and not no gobbler with it would that still scare a gobbler off because then there wouldn’t be no gobbler there to scare off the one that you’re bringing in and I haven’t been hunting turkeys that long only this is only like my second year and I’ve only killed two so would a hen be better than just a gobbler I mean would a hen be better than a hen and a gobbler because if the gobbler come and seen that gobbler is bigger than it left, but what if there was no gobbler then there wouldn’t be anything to run from

[@brianclayton6305]

Always great advice, love your channel. I use decoys, but that’s just me. You ever want to try and hunt NJ, let me know, I got a spot for you!

[@kirkout7366]

Yes. If someone sees it before you realize they are there and shoots you, while shooting it.

[@davidcrump2348]

They can be you best friends or your worst enemies

[@awmlawoffice]

I gave up on decoys years ago. I also don't believe, personally, in just sitting in the edge of a field waiting on a turkey to walk by feeding or back to roost. I'll hunt in the afternoon, but if he isn't coming to me, drumming and strutting, it just ain't fun.

[@rogerbruenger1057]

I have hunted for 40 years for turkey. I have had more gobblers turn and walk away when they find my single decoy. Friends use 3 to four in timber and fields and they see the same thing. We quit hunting with dekoys.

[@randlerichardson5826]

I’ve killed gobblers with and without a decoy out. More without a decoy though

[@roypeavy3542]

I use one old hen decoy late season as the old gobbler thinks she's the hen i missed.

[@stevencochran4274]

I’ve done the Santa Claude with big butiful Deeks lol wore me out leave n truck 99.999% time pain n butt .. they do work when bow hunting tho get em close

[@danielernst3685]

My only question is how would think a Tom would know that a hen decoy isn't a hen ?? They so realistic, they move ? Been a turkey hunter since ky opened it up in 1980 but I Great info agree on decoy shy , people shy , but I've also seen em leave when you call too much .or too lould

[@jesselacross993]

I agree

[@jimcollier8111]

i have hunt it turkeys for years with 1 hen decoy . i have taged out every year . the only time i don't use a decoy is if iam hunting in the woods !!!!!!

[@JohnGreyman]

Didn't you make this same topic video a few days ago? Seems like I've seen it before.

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

My decoy all collect dust

[@wesleyford8389]

Decoys have never helped me, but have messed me up multiple times

[@robertjake9459]

Let me tell ya a quick story about a dummy turkey I carry with me folded up and hooked to my belt loop. The 2-toms circled up the hill & got behind me on an old login road in a horseshoe bend. I knew they had got behind & above me when I heard them gobble again. I crawled up to the bank of the login road & all I could see was a fan across the other side of the horseshoe bend. I ducked, unhooked the folded dummy turkey, puffed it out & set it up on the bank, with gun ready laying in a prone position I scratched the leaves. The gobblers were still approx. 75 yards away but when they saw my dummy hen here they come... I shot the biggest one (23 lbs, 11" paint brush, & 1-1/4" spurs). I was lying under the dummy turkey when I shot him at 6 steps. Damn near missed him but my 20 ga. Rem. full choke took enough of the neck to tumble the big tom, the one other flew off.

[@jeffwindham1328]

I hunt a lot on public never would feel safe using decoys anyway. Too dangerous !

[@Owl4909]

i havent watched yet but i know for certain a hen decoy has been responsible for birds i wouldnt have killed without one. NO DOUBT

[@stevegraves2968]

I have used with success but prefer not to use either. Less is more. Less to keep up with and less to carry around.

[@kwackrkwackr9497]

They and cameras should be illegal

[@wadebartelini2170]

my first year hunting turkey I used 2 hens one breeding hen and one alert hen in a field. a gobbler came walking in started pecking bugs and grasses when he looked up he turned and ran out of the field as he ran out I hit my box call and he stopped and gobbled then continued to walk up a ridge then I hit him on a copper pot call he gobbled again then walked out of site. then a hen came flying down behind him and Disappeared. I gave it about a half hour and started calling about every 15 min. changing my calling sequence with the box call and the pot call sounding like two different hens . well about 45 minutes later a gobbler came walking down the same ridge that one went up. but this time it started walking parallel of the field I was in with my decoys. I had 45 minutes left to hunt we have till noon to hunt in our state. he walked all the way to the other end of the field this time I changed up my calling to purrs and soft clucks and sure enough he slowly came out into the field and started to come to my decoys by this time I had 15 minutes left to hunt. he slowly approached and I harvested this gobbler at 5 minutes to 12, I definitely believe that this gobbler was a subordinate even though he had 1 Inch spurs. my conclusion is even though the decoys hurt me at the start but I definitely believe they helped bring that gobbler in with my calling and because of him being a turkey and wanting to breed those hens made it possible for me to walk out of the woods with that turkey over my shoulder!

[@HKUSP45]

Man great tips thank you. Also love that hoodie where is it from.@daleoutdoors