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Decoy Safety

• Turkey hunters always have to be careful in the woods.  Obviously, using decoys - especially jakes - means you have to raise your safety precautions to a new level.

• Don't hide too well; sit against a tree or rock that's wider than your shoulders and tall enough to protect the back of your head in case someone comes up from behind and takes a shot at your decoy.

• The greatest danger in decoy hunting comes when another hunter stalks the decoy from the opposite side, putting you in his line of fire.  From your seated position identify the clearest line of vision to your front.  Establish a sight line that allows you 100 yards of visibility.  Then set your decoy(s) approximately 20 yards from your position on the line.

• If another hunter does stalk your decoys, don't wave your hand.  Don't move, just speak out in a loud, clear voice.

• If you are calling over decoys and elect to move to a new stand, check carefully that no one is stalking your decoys.  Check before leaving your stand tree.  Should you see someone in the area, the preceding rule applies.

• Wear gloves and face mask.  In the excitement of the hunt, white hands or sunburned face can look just like a turkey's head.

• When you walk through the woods, carry your decoys hidden in a back or in the gamebag of your vest.