What Should You Avoid While Setting Up Strutting Tom Decoys?

Choosing the Right Decoy Placement

When setting up strutting tom decoys, it’s essential to consider the terrain and the natural movement patterns of wild turkeys. Place the decoys in a location where they will appear natural, such as along a fence line, near a feeding area, or in a clearing. Aim to create a believable scenario by positioning the decoys in a way that suggests a group of turkeys is foraging or strutting.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake hunters make when setting up decoys is placing them too close to potential escape routes, such as the edges of fields or woods. This can cause the birds to become spooked and leave the area before you even have a chance to get into position. Similarly, placing the decoys too close to your blind can also be a problem, as the birds may become wary of the human presence. To avoid this, keep the decoys at least 10 yards from your blind and use natural cover, such as trees or bushes, to conceal yourself.

Using the Right Number of Decoys

The number of decoys you use can also impact the effectiveness of your setup. For most hunting situations, two or three decoys are sufficient. However, if you’re hunting in a area with a high concentration of birds, you may want to use more decoys to create a more convincing scenario. In general, it’s better to err on the side of caution and use fewer decoys, as this will help to create a more natural and believable environment for the birds.