For you guys with more experience than I , do you find that there's an optimum time in the season to use a jake and hen combo? Early? Late season ? Really doesn't matter? Thanks in advance guys.
I'll hunt a Jake Decoy any time of the season, with some of the "rules" I have.
For spring hunts I never run more than 1 Jake decoy, reason being is that "gangs" of jakes will run off gobblers, even those old long spurred birds.
In years of high jake numbers I've had gobblers shy from any jake decoy. From that I won't even set one.
In most cases I'll carry an upright hen (Yes talking DSD) with that jake early seasons as I can run that hen Upright or short stake her to a "Breeding Hen". By the time I am running late season I'll pair him with a feeding hen, reason being as those hens nest they are not interested the breeding game and are just off the nest to eat, drink and well you know...
Most of how I set decoys is by what I am seeing my flocks doing, from winter breakup to nested hens. Match the stage of breeding season. Scout, Scout, Scout
MK M GOBL