Quick Answer
Use turkey calls when you need to locate or reactivate a bird, and decoys when you want to draw in a bird or create a visual distraction to get it within shooting range.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
When hunting turkeys, it’s essential to know when to use a call or a decoy to increase your chances of success. For the 20-gauge shotgun, a good turkey call is often the first line of defense. Start by using a mouth call or a diaphragm call to locate a bird, as these types of calls can be heard from a distance. For example, the “yelp” call can be used to locate a hen, while a “gobbler” call can be used to reactivate a bird that’s already been seen.
Decoying In
Once you’ve located a bird and it’s within range, it’s time to bring it in. This is where a good decoy can come into play. For the 20-gauge, it’s best to use a pair of decoys, one hen and one jake, placed 10-15 yards apart to create a visual distraction. The hen decoy should be positioned in a way that the bird can see it, while the jake decoy should be placed in a way that the bird thinks it’s a rival. By using the right combination of calls and decoys, you can increase your chances of getting within shooting range.
Calling In a Close Shot
When the bird is within 20-25 yards, it’s time to switch to a box call or a slate call to get it to come in close. These types of calls are more effective at close range and can help to get the bird to commit to a shot. Use a series of short, sharp calls to get the bird to come in, and be prepared to take a shot as soon as it’s within range. Remember to keep your shotgun at the ready and your wits about you, as a turkey can be unpredictable at close range.
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