I've seen them strut at all times of the year. Of course it's more common in the Spring...The other thing is, and I know you're aware, but holding a decoy in the fall up's the danger factor exponentially. There are people who are more than willing to trespass and making yourself a target when any bird is legal seems like a HUGE risk. My advice is get some string and get that decoy away from you. Make it move with the string. I for one don't want to be reading about you. That would be tragic...I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding this issue but take it as an offering. It's just friendly advice...