I know that a lot of guys say to get as close as you can and I have hunted with guys that actually try to get super close 20-30 yards. That is too close IMO! Yes they kill birds but they also bump birds. I try to stay about 80-100 yards away from roosted birds. Now, the areas I hunt in IL and WI are usually smaller woodlots or draws - not big sections of timber. I have found that the best setup is to set up in an opening or field about 75-100 yards from the roost. I am setup 30-45 min. before shooting time. I put my decoys 15-20 yards between my blind and the birds and have them facing TOWARDS my blind. I have had this set up work for me the last 7 out of 8 times for me over the past 3 years. I am also not hunting the same spots so that has nothing to do with it. I've killed birds in IL, WI, and Mo doing this. My turkey seasons have been pretty short to say the least!
