Jake or Strutter

[spencerhoosier]

Here's the scenario. I've been watching this tom about every day come out in the field in the relative same spot. He has two hens with him and he has been hanging around them and strutting the entire time. As far as decoy choice, do you think a Jake or a strutter would be the best bet? I plan on using my Avian X feeder and breeder(in breeding position on the ground) as the hens of choice. I also have an Avian X Jake and a Cabela's brand strutter (real fan). Not sure if the Jake would fire him up or the strutter. I am inclined to use the strutter as it appears he is the only turkey using this field and has established himself as the dominant bird there. However, if he is the only one, maybe the Jake would be a good choice as he may not be as dominant as I think he is. Any thoughts? I may be over analyzing this (I usually do), but still curious. BTW, this is in Indiana and the season starts Wednesday, so it is still early as far as the season goes.

[KYFrid]

I think I would try the jake first. With the strutter he may not be the dominant bird and could run the risk of spooking him. I think with the jake and maybe a hen in breeding position, he would have to come in and check it out.


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[Dr^ke]

I have always used a jake in years past but last year I started using a Primos Killer B with a small jake fan that is really ratty and beat up over a breeding hen. It went 7 for 7 last year and I have been extremely impressed. I too was worried about non dominant birds in the area but I think the jake fan gives it a runt, beat up look that drives toms wild. You can't go wrong with your standard jake decoy but I feel the added movement of the fan has helped me with many birds who were hung up and needed that extra bit of realism for a few more steps.

[rock54]

did the killer B and submissive hen still bring in the jakes or did it scare them off, thanks russ

[bigredneck61088]

I also use a killer b and a beat up jake fan, seems to get them longbeards to come on a string!! 3 for 3 here, try a jake fan on your strutter??

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[Tom Dooley]

I would recommend the strutter. I have had a lot of success using the original Pretty Boy strutter the last few years. I have seen 3 kills and another miss over it this year.

[learn2hide]

strutter with a jake fan if you have one...but I've had good luck shooting 2 year olds and older turkeys that come check out a full size fan strutter...also had luck with a standing single jake decoy and a hen....maybe the answer is do what you like, but get in early and don't get busted walking in!  Good luck

[Tom Dooley]

I watched my wife take another one down over my strutting decoy this morning. This tom was a small 2 year old. I didn't weigh him but I would guess 18 lbs. He had about 3/4 in spurs. I tell the size and age to say that he attacked the strutting decoy. No only will older more dominant toms work to the strutting decoy. Also, as I always do I was using a full fan.

[jblackburn]

I also use a killer b and a beat up jake fan, seems to get them longbeards to come on a string!! 3 for 3 here, try a jake fan on your strutter??

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[Dr^ke]

did the killer B and submissive hen still bring in the jakes or did it scare them off, thanks russ

It brings them all in. I trimmed the beard down to maybe 3" and the fan is from a pretty small jake. I leave the fan attached and it just gets tossed in the back of the truck. The beat up ruffled look just looks like he had his butt kicked. I used to use a pretty boy with a full size fan and I did notice that some birds would keep their distance and skirt around. I then switched to a carry-lite jake which I had good success with and would even pull in jakes. I decided to try the killer b because I wanted something with motion to get their attention and add to the realism. I'm really happy I did because it really does pull them in on a rope. I don't know if it's the moving fan or what but I've never had birds run into my setup until I started using this.