Looking at upgrading my decoys. They have been through it over years. B Mobile and She mobile if that gives you an idea on the age lol. What's everyone's opinion on the best? Not looking to spend a fortune but also not trying to get something cheap that won't last.
Decoys
- Thread starter kornbread
- Start date
deerhunter10
Well-Known Member
Or save money and learn how to kill them without decoys.
For some, it is more about the killing than the hunting.
Turkey's respond extremely well to decoys, there's basically zero challenge in that type of hunting. In my opinion, it's the equivalent of a Texas trophy whitetail hunt under a feeder that goes off at daylight. I would rather just take a call and play a good game of chess. You might win, you might lose but if you win, it's much more satisfying knowing you outsmarted a wise old tom. That being said, it's perfectly legal and to each their own. I just don't see the challenge in it.
Nevermind lol I was asking for the fact I have a 6 year old and 4 year old that I'm trying to get in the sport. I figured they would enjoy putting decoys out and seeing the birds reaction. The fact that hunt the side of the mountain 99% of the time how much do you really think I drag decoys around with me but whatever.
Plateau Hunter
Well-Known Member
I don't use them any more, too lazy to carry them around plus they seemed to scare off more birds than they attracted…plus you have to deal with the self righteous crowd…good luck to you and your kids…
I know right. Lol. I guess I crossed the line. To bad I know how to use a call…I can't imagine the response I would get looking for a call and a decoy.Lol geeez Bread you got jumped on with both feet son, why don't you learn how to hunt from the sounds of it.
Some of these key board warriors probably hunt out of a blind on the edge of a field. Not chasing them up and down the sides of a mountain but like he said to each their own.
Man. While I don't like using decoys or the culture behind that hunting style, the gentleman asked a question in a hunting forum looking for options. Telling him to "learn to hunt" was s a bit out of line. If you don't have a response or have something to help him just leave it alone. Man this once was a community where we helped one another or at least gave comments that said the other side a different way
Probably would have been good info if you would have mentioned the kiddos to start with. That kinda changes it up. Do what you can to get those kids in the woods! I used decoys when my boys were young to increase the chances of being successful. I just don't use them anymore hunting alone because as I said, I like to play the game. I'm still of no help as to what kind of decoys are best nowadays, I'm out of the loop on that. No need to delete the thread. Get those kids in the woods, make memories and good luck!
But when they get older, teach them chess...
Apostolic Outdoors
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2021
- Messages
- 3,469
No better way to get them kids fired up, also a good way to teach them range. Don't listen to all the holier than thous who are giving you grief. I don't hunt over decoys, but I own a Montana Decoy hen and jake for the reason I mentioned. Gives the kids something to hold their attention and teaches them to judge ranges. I like the Montana Decoy turkeys because the collapse totally and fit in my vest. Hope you are able to get them kids involved.
Setterman
Well-Known Member
Look I could be snarky as my disdain for decoys is extremely well known.
I'll choose to not be my normal self. I will however question trying to have a 4 year old kill a bird or heck even a 6 year old. Seems fishy, like dad wants a jump on the season so let's drag the new born out so I can hunt. We've seen it on here before.
Next, why is there this mentality that for kids to get into something these days it's got to be super duper easy? Most of us grew up earning things not having them gifted to us. Such a weird instant gratification culture now. I'm glad I was taught to hunt not kill. I'm also glad I learned range estimating tactics without a crutch.
As far as decoys, it's like kissing other dudes. Just don't start and don't cross that line or forever more you know what you'll be labeled
I'll choose to not be my normal self. I will however question trying to have a 4 year old kill a bird or heck even a 6 year old. Seems fishy, like dad wants a jump on the season so let's drag the new born out so I can hunt. We've seen it on here before.
Next, why is there this mentality that for kids to get into something these days it's got to be super duper easy? Most of us grew up earning things not having them gifted to us. Such a weird instant gratification culture now. I'm glad I was taught to hunt not kill. I'm also glad I learned range estimating tactics without a crutch.
As far as decoys, it's like kissing other dudes. Just don't start and don't cross that line or forever more you know what you'll be labeled
But to answer your question. Learn to hunt without them :)
Since you are quoting what I said, I reckon you're talking about me? I ain't no "keyboard warrior" and I ain't no expert turkey hunter either (I've proved that to myself time and time again! Lol). I simply said that killing a bird over decoys is easy and that's just a fact. He never mentioned the kids in the first post. Even if kids weren't involved, if someone wants to use decoys, have at it!
TO EACH THEIR OWN
You know , yall sound ridiculous saying killing a turkey with a decoy is easy. Like oh im gonna take the decoy today so i can kill one for sure today . A decoy probably helps on field birds , but its still hunting. I dont use decoys , dad didnt teach me that way . But if the decoys bring excitement and fun for kids whats the big deal . Hunting with a decoy is in fact , still hunting.
If you take offense to my comment then I guess you were one of the ones I was referring to. People wanna jump on a guy cause he's trying to figure out an easier way to kill a mountain bird, kids or not is tough. We're supposed to have each others back when it comes to the outdoors. There is enough ppl trying to fight us over our rights without us kicking each other.Since you are quoting what I said, I reckon you're talking about me? I ain't no "keyboard warrior" and I ain't no expert turkey hunter either (I've proved that to myself time and time again! Lol). I simply said that killing a bird over decoys is easy and that's just a fact. He never mentioned the kids in the first post. Even if kids weren't involved, if someone wants to use decoys, have at it!
TO EACH THEIR OWN
30-06 type of guy
Well-Known Member
To answer your question the flextone hardbody brand at Walmart $40-50 each or higdon jake and hen combo $100.
Nah, ain't nothing been said to offend me, it's all good. Just voiced my opinion. And I'll always have a fellow outdoorsman's back even if we don't agree on every aspect, we are still on the same team. And for the record, I am VERY knowledgeable on how challenging (not difficult) mountain birds can be!
Have a great evening!
Setterman
Well-Known Member
Killing turkeys with decoys is easy when compared to killing one with out the decoy the majority of the time. That's an absolute fact.
I say let kids learn the heartache of moving and not getting a bird, having a bird hang up because he doesn't see another Turkey, have a bird leave with his hens, and walk out of the woods learning lessons not just killing. The lessons are great teaching moments about the birds, the woods, and the chase.
It really bothers me the mentality of making sure everything is easy as possible for kids these days. No one wants their kids to earn stuff these days. Its so weird to me, and totally different than how myself and pretty much everyone I know was raised
Last edited:
deerhunter10
Well-Known Member
What nonsense? People can disagree and it be ok. Just because I don't agree with decoys doesn't mean we aren't on the same team. It baffles me more that hunters think they have to agree on everything for you to be on the same team. I don't agree with twra on things. It's OK to have opinions and have your way of doing things. But when you ask questions be ok with those differences that can arise. It's ridiculous that people get butt hurt over opinions actually one of the biggest issues of our country right now. Just because I don't like he uses decoys regardless of kids not doesn't mean we don't agree on 99 percent of other thing or that we aren't on the same team.
Nonsense? What if everyone in this discussion was sittin round a campfire the night before opener having the same talk? I'd bet we'd all agree to disagree on how we do things and I'd bet we'd all get along just fine. It's hard to hear peoples tone and see expressions when you're reading words on a screen.
Haha, posted at the same time, beat me to it!
Setterman
Well-Known Member
Are you really that sensitive??
Look I have a different view on decoys than some, and that's totally okay. If that person sent me a PM and needed help hauling something or digging a hole I'd be more than happy to help. Just because I disagree with a tactic doesn't mean I have a problem with a person.
In addition, what kind of fantasy world do you envision? One where everyone holds hands and does things the exact same way? It's no different than crossbow versus compound, or live bait versus artificial. Just different views of the same sport.
My suggestion is don't be like every other snowflake these days and get your feelings hurt because someone doesn't do things the same way as you.
I guarantee you may think I am a giant a$$ and maybe I am lol. But even with my strong opinions the people on here who know me personally would probably tell you I'm a pretty jovial easy to get along with person in real life. Don't take my strong opinions as hateful or that I'm a giant prick. I just feel strongly about certain things and the negative impact they are having to this sport
megalomaniac
Well-Known Member
Once you learn how to master your setup on a bird, you no longer need decoys.
The only way to master you set up is to screw up 1000 set ups before it clicks. Failure is the BEST teacher when it comes to turkey hunting. Been there done that, and yes, I've screwed up WELL over 1000 set ups.
Every time a bird doesn't commit to your calling there IS a reason. Figure out what you did wrong and don't do it again. And even if you did nothing wrong, they still sometimes don't commit. Tip your hat to the better man that day and do battle with him another day.
I just wish I could get in the game this season!
The only way to master you set up is to screw up 1000 set ups before it clicks. Failure is the BEST teacher when it comes to turkey hunting. Been there done that, and yes, I've screwed up WELL over 1000 set ups.
Every time a bird doesn't commit to your calling there IS a reason. Figure out what you did wrong and don't do it again. And even if you did nothing wrong, they still sometimes don't commit. Tip your hat to the better man that day and do battle with him another day.
I just wish I could get in the game this season!
Setterman
Well-Known Member
You will, just as you always do. Nothing better than the game and the chess match. Once the game becomes more important than the kill, the true magic of Turkey hunting becomes clear.
I don't use decoys but screw the self righteous crowd. If you think it will be more fun for you and your kids use them anywhere it is legal.
megalomaniac
Well-Known Member
It's not really an issue of 'self righteous' as it is sadness. Sadness that folks using decoys will never get the near religious experience of what pure turkey hunting is.
Using decoys is like doing 3rd grade math.... sure it gets the job done, but wouldn't you rather be proficient at calculus? And it's NOT the fact that those who enjoy calculus look down on those at a 3rd grade math level... but rather that those doing calculus know how much more those on the 3rd grade level would enjoy doing calculus if they just tried it!
I'm not holier than thou... I used decoys for my flydown setup for a couple decades. What I found is that what you paid for the decoy or how good it looks means NOTHING to a turkey. Just what mood he is in. You will have just as much success (or failure) with an inflated black trash bag as a $200 decoy. And I'm being serious. If you are taking you kid hunting with decoys, buy the cheapest ones you can find, then spend the difference on something that is really important (like calculus textbooks
)
