I setup 150 yards from the roost with 2 hens and a Jake. At fly down there was a flock of about 12 hens and 8 long beards that hung around for a coupe of hours before wandering off. The closest I had them was about 60 yards down the field edge from me, they were strutting a lot, but wouldn't commit. Should I try the same spread or ditch the Jake?
I would attempt to set up where they were...
I am hunting a similar situation tomorrow... Multiple birds and all breeding in a flock formation... I am going to get as close to the roost as I can, and stay as far as I have to from it...
I can't say what I'd do without breaking the 40 yard rule but (hint) it involves tss.
Quote from: oakraidia on April 20, 2018, 09:57:37 PM
I setup 150 yards from the roost with 2 hens and a Jake. At fly down there was a flock of about 12 hens and 8 long beards that hung around for a coupe of hours before wandering off. The closest I had them was about 60 yards down the field edge from me, they were strutting a lot, but wouldn't commit. Should I try the same spread or ditch the Jake?
Patience grass hopper. They will mess up at some point. Hang with them and I guarantee your patience will pay off.
Any time you are dealing with 3or more long beards it's time to use a full strutted decoy..most times the toms will come running when thy see him
I would also try the strutter decoy if you have one. If you dont I also agree if you have them patterned try to be where they want to be. My reasoning for the strutter as first choice is I think dominance will take over and if your not right where they want to be they will come to you.
Ditch the decoys, setup in the woods thirty yards back from the field and use your callers as intended.
Thanks for the tips. I got in early and setup near where they had gathered. They started gobbling, I was feeling confident and then another hunter showed up right before sunrise, set off his car alarm and walked in while it was light. Needless to say I didn't get a bird. I'll try again Monday...