I know it's a bit early for turkey talk, but it'll be here before you know it. I've been mulling over the idea of spot & stalk tactics with the use of a gobbler decoy. For safety reasons, this tactic should never be used on public lands, however, it would be an exciting way to hunt gobblers on private land under the right circumstances. Although it would be difficult to work the decoy, such as the Mojo Scoot & Shoot, while trying to draw & shoot a bow, I think it would be a thrill to try. Perhaps having a buddy could work the decoy while the archer attempts to shoot is the way to go.
Youtube has videos of hunters using this tactic and although most videos are shotgun hunters, I think it would be fun to try this tactic with archery tackle. Some of my concerns are the hunter safety of the decoying hunter(s) & wounding a turkey who's fleeing as the archer attempts to shoot the bird.
Have any of you tried this tactic? What are your thoughts?
If our schedules line up I'll be your huckleberry. I trust you to shoot over my shoulder!
-Jeremy :coffee:
Spot and stalk is completely doable; I have done it several times.
I'm guessing that you are looking at using a tail fan as your decoy? It might be hard to manage the fan, an alert bird, and getting drawn if you are solo. Working with a partner could be fun, but a second person in the mix is doubling the chance of a gobbler seeing something he doesn't like.
Given terrain or cover that conceals your movement, it is definitely possible to get within bow range of turkeys.
Centaur,
Yes, this is the decoy I was thinking of or using a tail fan. I think if you had a second hunter, each hunter could have their own tail fan. Then, when the archer is ready to draw, the other hunter could hold the archers decoy for him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShiBNVtKltI
Too funny, Jeremy!
Scoot and Shoot decoy is the way to go!!!
Shot a longbeard at 4 yards last year with one. Just hid behind it until he was about 6 feet from the decoy and raised up and shot him in the back while he was walking away. Even though he knew something was up he didn't panic.
It's a hoot!!!
That's what I was hoping to hear, Trap. Thx! I will be trying this tactic in the spring.
Warning shameless plug! Here at Montana Decoy we are releasing a new, larger decoy for just this reason. It can be used with the ground stake or the included Turkey Foot Base.
Here's the link to check it out.
https://www.montanadecoy.com/hunting-decoys/turkey/fanatic-xl
And sorry for the shameless plug. Feel free to PM or email me (cj@montanadecoy.com) if you have any questions
Best of luck no matter which decoy you choose.
Don't be sorry for a shameless plug. I love Montana decoys. In fact, I purchased the Moo Cow for antelope hunting. I will certainly check it out. Thank you!
Thanks for buying the Moo Cow and best of luck with the turkeys!