Jake Decoys

[FilledLimits]

Last year I bought a Jake decoy and well I've never used them before usually I just throw out a hen decoy or two, but I was wondering whats the best way to set up using a Jake decoy? I wanna try it out this year because I've only heard positive things from people that use them when they hunt.

[eckum54]

I like to put out a hen decoy as close to the ground as possible...almost like a submissive position then have the jake standing over her ( not directly but slightly off to the side) then another hen if you have it several feet away standing in a normal up right or a feeding positions...this way the standing hen gives an easily seen target for the big tom and the jake over hen setup challenges his manhood.

[FilledLimits]

ALright thanks for the help just one more question, do you make any Jake calls when you are calling?

[DonBo]

just one more question, do you make any Jake calls when you are calling?

You certainly can try that. You never know from day to day what calls will be the one to bring the longbeards in.

[Archerysniper]

Just listen to the gobbles he will tell you which sound and call he likes the best. You can really never set your decoys to close either I normally go around 8 yards.

[Borch]

I don't use decoys frequently but when I do I've gone to either a strutting jake alone or in combination with a hen in a breeding position.

[FishinFools]

I typically set two hens, at 90 degrees to each other so a distance Tom can get a profile view from most angles. Then I set a Jake outside of my hens, facing me and the hens. I like some motion, but I don't like them to spin on the stake. Sticks are good for this. I like the Jake facing me so the Tom comes between the Jake and the hens.

I've heard all kinds of ways to set up, but this one works for me if I have the jump on the Tom. Quick sets are a single hen if i don't have time. I would much rather spend 30 seconds getting comfortable than worry about a decoy.

[gurkster]

I am with FishingFool and my decoy sets. I don't always use decoys, but this setup has gotten me 2 birds for sure. One hammered my Jake decoy before I shot him and the other bird was well on his way, but I shot him first. Seems the Jake with a couple hens can really [PoorWordUsage] them off.

[Shane Simpson]

Just listen to the gobbles he will tell you which sound and call he likes the best. You can really never set your decoys to close either I normally go around 8 yards.

2 things to keep in mind here: 1) approaching Toms will be focused on the decoys and if you have them set too close then he/they will likely spot any movement you make and 2) any other hunters that try to sneak up on your decoys and take a shot may shoot you. I like to place my decoys at about half my effective kill range which means 20-25 yards and I like using a Jake and hen. I place the hen and I face them both in the same direction and usually towards me. Why? Because turkeys traveling together usually face the same direction.

[123fish]

I agree with Shane on how far to set your decoys out. If you have them at 8-10 yards and are shotgunning you better not flinch at all or you have a very good chance of missing as your pattern is pretty small at that range with any kind of turkey choke. I usually step off 22 yards and set the decoys. Just depends on how your gun patterns. Archery guys I would guess probably want them somewhat closer.

[Archerysniper]

Well I do all of my turkey hunting with the bow I haven't carried a gun for at least 12 years now. All my sets normally are with my blind in the middle of the field where the birds frequent through out the day so any hunter sneaking in is blind. I took my bird 2 years ago at 43 yards all the other birds have been 15 yards or closer three without the blind two at 8 yards and the other at 5 yards those were a rush. I should have clarified better,put your decoy at 8 yards but don't sit directly in line with them if you are not using a blind but keep them close.