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Post by jimstc on Mar 28, 2015 17:18:00 GMT -5
I will appreciate hearing your thoughts on this question.
As mentioned in another thread, I was drawn for a three day hunt at Mississinewa. Went up to scout today. Holy Cow! Hundreds of acres cut out of woodlands and then planted with beans and corn. DNR left the natural growth between the fields. The fields are large east - west cuts that look like wide alleys. They go on and on. It is incredible to see. Between each field is the natural growth as mentioned. Access is easy. You can walk back as far as your motivation takes you.
So, decoy(s) or not? Got some good advice regarding the funky chicken decoy and will appreciate more advice and strategies.
Thanks,
Jim
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Post by dbd870 on Mar 28, 2015 17:22:52 GMT -5
Can help on occasion can hurt. I still use them although I would say use good ones; DSD or Avian-X, real birds that were stuffed are great of course.
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Post by jimstc on Mar 28, 2015 18:13:53 GMT -5
Thanks dbd. Any specific models you like?
Jim
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Post by 76chevy on Mar 29, 2015 6:31:52 GMT -5
I use a dave smith han and jake decoy on most early morning setups. I have used lots of different ones and really prefer the dave smith decoys. When I go walking or "running and gunning" I will usually take only hen with me.
I also added the killer b Primos strutter decoy which I will ONLY use on private land this year.
I am very cautious using the DSD jake on public land also. I usually setup with it right in the middle of a wide open field so my blind is VERY visible to other hunters who may see the jake decoy.
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Post by dbd870 on Mar 29, 2015 8:51:14 GMT -5
I use the breeder hen and quarter strut jake from avian-x. (DSD is 76chevy's david smith deke's) We're I to use a different brand I'd use the same thing as he does.
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Post by jimstc on Mar 29, 2015 9:59:50 GMT -5
That DSD flock looks awesome as does Avian-X. May set them up on my lease. No one to shoot them than me. Been looking at the Primos injured Tom too.
Jim
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Post by ridgerunner on Mar 29, 2015 10:16:39 GMT -5
Decoys can work well on unpressured land...but on public land i never use them..I want a bird to come looking for me..many times when a tom sees a decoy they will hang up and strut from 70-80 yards away trying to lure " the hen" to himself..like nature intended..without a decoy and throwing the calls behind you , or away from you, a tom will coming looking/searching for " the hen"...putting himself in gun/bow range..decoys can work well...or not , depending on the situation and land being hunted.
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Post by Genesis 27:3 on Mar 29, 2015 11:12:18 GMT -5
I like my Primos Killer B with a real turkey fan attached. But I hunt private land only and try not to pressure them too much. Public land may be a different story. Those birds may have a "seen that before" attitude and may only do what nature intended for them to do and may not fall for the decoys. But then again, some public land sees little pressure due to hunters not wanting to make the trek to the remote areas. Decoys are a toss up on public and sometimes even private land. It all depends on the birds attitude that day. That's my $.02 simply based on my experiences with private land and my conversations with those who hunt public land. Good luck! Hope you bag a nice beard with a paint brush of a beard and long limb hangers!
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Post by jimstc on Mar 29, 2015 14:35:02 GMT -5
I'll be hunting in three places. My lease in Lawrence County, Missi for a three day reserved hunt and a remote area of Hoosier National.
I bought the Funky Chicken today as a compromise. I am inclined to use him at Missi because of the terrain. Flat cultivated fields with long sight ranges. At the other two locations I may just set up and call. I have a lot to learn and greatly appreciate all the advice. This forum is awesome.
Jim
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Post by Genesis 27:3 on Mar 29, 2015 14:48:40 GMT -5
Good luck Jim! And always, ALWAYS, be willing to learn something new! Whether it's taught by man or nature, there's always more to learn
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Post by jimstc on Mar 29, 2015 17:01:52 GMT -5
Genesis, very wise advice. In fact my life is focused on learning. At 62 I start thinking what is left? The answer is learning. That is why I started turkey hunting this year. I have read books, articles and blogs. I try to be a sponge and absorb all the good information.
Heck, what is next coyotes (learned to be a decent caller) western hunting for big cats, moose or elk? Don't know but I keep looking for that next lesson.
See you Thursday.
Jim
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Post by Genesis 27:3 on Mar 30, 2015 7:03:31 GMT -5
Looking forward to meeting you!
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Post by jimstc on Mar 30, 2015 9:35:53 GMT -5
Same here!
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