Those who plan to use turkey decoys should understand the ins and outs, advantages and disadvantages, do’s and don’ts, and other elements of using these turkey hunting tools. Of course, to deploy a real deal deke plan, you must understand the best turkey decoy tips and strategies for success. Here’s what to know.
Turkey Body Language and Decoy Postures you need to know
Part of a successful turkey decoy plan requires understanding turkey body language. After all, decoys mimic specific body postures, moods, etc. This directly impacts what decoys you use, when you use these, and how. Here are key decoy postures to consider.
Alert: An alert decoy is standing in an upright position and looking ahead. This mimics a turkey that is peering at something but is calm and relaxed.
Feeding: A feeding decoy, such as a feeding hen, is a comfort-based decoy that can put turkeys at ease. It can give them the confidence that all is well.
Breeding: The breeding pose is a jake and hen, or single hen, that’s in a breeding position. This creates the illusion that a hen is receptive, which can spark a nearby gobbler to commit to the decoy spread.
Preening: a preening decoy showcases a hen that is in the preening position. Like feeding, this can exhibit a relaxed state that boosts confidence for onlooking birds.
Quarter Strut: A quarter-strut jake decoy shows some aggressiveness without too much of it. This can provoke a turkey into challenging it without intimidating it (even subdominant satellite birds).
Half Strut: A half-strut jake decoy takes it a step further. Maybe a quarter-strut decoy didn’t show enough dominance to initiate a response, but a half-strut decoy might.
Three-Quarter Strut: A three-quarter strut jake decoy adds yet another layer. This mimics a jake that really feels it’s in control, or could be. That can be just what’s needed to bring a gobbler running.
Full Strut: A full-strut tom or jake decoy delivers the utmost provocation. In some cases, this can be too much of a dominance display, but in others, delivers just enough.
2D Turkey Decoys vs. 3D Turkey Decoys
Some turkey decoys are two-dimensional, and others are three-dimensional. Some are collapsible, and others aren’t. Each of these options have pros and cons.
2D Turkey Decoys: These are usually lightweight and easier to carry. However, these tend to offer less realism than three-dimensional options.
Fixed 3D Turkey Decoys: In contrast, a fixed three-dimensional turkey decoy is slightly heavier and more difficult to carry and deploy, but the increased realism is certainly worth it.
Collapsible 3D Turkey Decoys: A collapsible three-dimensional decoy offers realism and ease of carry. Compared to fixed three-dimensional turkey decoys, it can shave off a bit of realism, though.
Single Turkey Decoys vs. Big Spreads
Hunters must decide whether to use single turkey decoys, or larger spreads. The specific situation impacts which route to go. That said, single decoys are best for public land hunts, long hikes, or other situations where a single is best. For example, a single hen is optimal for late in the breeding cycle when turkeys won’t be as likely to approach a male decoy. Similarly, a single strutter or jake decoy might provoke a response early in the breeding cycle.
Multiple decoys, or bigger spreads, are better suited early in the breeding cycle. Think a strutter or jake decoy paired with a few hens. These are great for short walks to and from setups, in situations where single or a pair of decoys hasn’t worked, etc. Sometimes, deploying an entire flock of decoys can throw off a turkey just enough to bring it in on a string.
Top Decoy Singles and Combos to Display
Those who plan to implement singles, or combinations of decoys, should consider the following options. Each of these are proven to work.
Single Hen: A single hen decoy is great throughout the season. That said, is works especially well from mid- to late-season when male decoys might present too much aggression.
Single Jake: A single jake decoy can work throughout the season, but it tends to work best from the early season to mid-season. This is when turkeys tend to be more aggressive.
Single Tom: Likewise, a single strutting tom can provoke a response throughout turkey season. That said, it’s usually best from early to mid-season before gobblers become too beaten and bruised.
The Jake and Hen: A jake and hen combo is a timeless pairing that works all season long. That said, this tends to have the best effect the first two-thirds to three-quarters of turkey season. It can work down the home stretch, but tends to be riskier toward the end of the season.
The Strutter and Hen: A strutter and hen decoy spread is a solid pick the first half of turkey season. Beyond that, turkeys become less confrontational, and its effectiveness tends to decline by the day.
Multiple Hens: A group of hens works all season long. This paints a picture for onlooking turkeys, and provides incentive for gobblers to approach, but doesn’t pose a male confrontation.
A Full Flock: Most turkey hunters won’t use more than two decoys. However, four, five, or even more turkey decoys can produce a visual that turkeys won’t expect. They’ll likely never see it from other hunters, which is a plus. It can work all season long.
Turkey Decoying Tips, Tactics, and Strategies
Want additional details on deploying turkey decoys? Implement the following decoying tips, tactics, and strategies to bag more birds this season.
- Sometimes, you’re better off hunting without turkey decoys.
- The decoys you deploy should change throughout turkey season.
- Set up decoys in open areas that offer visibility.
- Pay attention which direction you face decoys.
- 15-20 yards is the best distance to set up decoys.
- Place decoys 10-12 yards if bowhunting.
- Add a jerk string to make your decoy move.
- Don’t let decoys go spin-crazy on windy days.
- Use quality decoy stakes.
- When calling, use vocalizations that help paint the picture your decoys are depicting.
- When walking in the field, always keep turkey decoys safely tucked away in a decoy bag.
- Be patient, and give your decoy spread time to work.
- Always put safety before all else, and be aware of other hunters nearby
Parting Shots
Decoying wild turkeys is no simple task. It takes time to learn the skill. But with quality decoys, and the necessary know-how, it’s possible to see real results with your decoying efforts. Remember that this spring as you begin turkey hunting with decoys. Success is but effort away.
Best Turkey Decoys
(Avian-X LCD Lookout Hen – Shop Now): This LCD Lookout Hen by Avian-X is fixed in an alert position. It’s the ideal do-all turkey hen decoy that works in most hunting situations. Plus, it comes with raised height, incredible details, and comes somewhat collapsible.
(DSD ¾ Strut Jake Decoy-Shop Now): A jake decoy with some bossy body language can provoke even the most stubborn of gobblers. That’s what the DSD ¾ Strut Jake Decoy targets. However, it comes with small stature so as not to intimidate turkeys. It’s great for running and gunning.
(Flextone Thunder Jake-Shop Now): The Thunder Jake by Flextone offers a realistic turkey decoy at an affordable price. This bird is in the alert position, has a raised textured feather design, and more.
(Higdon Outdoors Apex Strutter Hard Body Turkey – Shop Now): The Apex Strutter Hard Body Turkey by Higdon Outdoors gets the job done. It features a lightweight body, stake design for movement in wind, XHD hyper feathering (with iridescence), and an ultra-realistic look.
(Primos Lil GobbStopper Hen and Jake-Shop Now): The Lil Gobbstopper Hen and Jake by Primos is a solid selection. This one-two punch offers a jake and hen presence. The body postures are sure to trigger nearby gobblers. MSRP is $81.89.
ReadHead Reality Series Remote Crazy Jake and Mating Hen: The Reality Series Remote Crazy Jake and Mating Hen by ReadHead is a very affordable strutter and hen combo. These are lightweight and offer incredible realism.
(H.S. Strut Strut-Lite The Flock Decoys-Shop Now): The Strut-Lite The Flock Decoys by H.S. Strut offers a three-pack of decoys for a reasonable price. Get a Jake, Upright Hen, and Feeding Hen for just $169.99. That’s three proven decoys with great detail and solid durability.
(Montana Decoy The Turkey Flock-Shop Now): The Turkey Flock by Montana Decoy is a great full flock purchase for those who want highly collapsible decoys. These are some of the lightest turkey decoys on the market.
Game Winner Turkey Flock Decoys (Three-Pack): The Turkey Flock Decoys by Game Winner offers a pack of three 3D decoys at less than $30. While they don’t have the realism of other turkey decoys, they don’t have the price tags, either. These foam throw-back decoys sure do spark some memories. MSRP is $29.99.
https://www.academy.com/p/game-winner-turkey-flock-decoys-3-pack
Mojo Scoot-N-Shoot MAX: The Mojo Scoot-N-Shoot MAX is a solid selection for those wanting a stake-able decoy that also works for fanning and reaping. It’s very lightweight, produces moderate realism, and certainly gets the job done. MSRP is $79.99.
https://mojooutdoors.com/products/mojo-scoot-n-shoot-max
Top 10 Turkey Decoy Companies
Are you in the hunt for a new turkey decoy spread? Need to find a set that looks great, lures turkeys, and doesn’t empty the bank? Here are 10 turkey decoy companies that check all the right boxes.
Avian-X (https://www.avian-x.com/turkey-decoys/)
Dave Smith Decoys (https://www.davesmithdecoys.com/decoys/turkey-decoys/)
Flextone (https://www.flextonegamecalls.com/turkey/decoys/)
Game Winner (https://www.academy.com/c/outdoors/hunting/decoys–bags/turkey-decoys)
Higdon Outdoors (https://higdonoutdoors.com/collections/turkey-decoys-1)
H.S. Strut (https://www.hsstrut.com/product-category/turkey-decoys/)
Mojo (https://mojooutdoors.com/products/turkey)
Montana Decoy (https://montanadecoy.com/turkey/)
Primos (https://www.primos.com/accessories-and-gear/turkey-decoys/)
Redhead (https://www.cabelas.com/l/turkey-decoys)
