TURKEY REAPING USING A DECOY

Bored with the same old sit, call, and wait turkey hunting tactic? Frustrated with stubborn field gobblers that always seem to hang up? Then it’s time to change up what you’re doing. Turkey “reaping,” a somewhat controversial tactic, has spread like wildfire the past few years and might be the solution to your turkey hunting woes. Reaping can be very productive when practiced in a safe manner with the right decoy.

What is Turkey Reaping?

A relatively new term, “turkey reaping,” was coined by Jeremy McCarty and Chancy Walters. The technique, however, has been around for a very long time. “Fanning” was practiced by Native Americans in the same manner. Simply put, fanning and turkey reaping go hand in hand. The general idea involves sticking a dried turkey fan or decoy in front of your face, as you stalk and approach strutting toms. While we don’t recommend using it exclusively, this is a great tactic to use on henned-up field birds that sit way out and want nothing to do with your calls or decoys. Shooting distances tend to be much closer, as the more aggressive Toms will charge in on what they perceive as a challenging turkey.

Reaping can be very demanding for bowhunters, who are forced to draw with very little cover on turkeys that are often only a few yards out. Unlike sitting up against a tree with decoys positioned off to one side, you are the decoy in this situation. Toms will be fixated on your location, making it more challenging to draw and fire in a short amount of time.

Stalking turkeys can be very dangerous if not practiced in a safe manner and is even illegal in some states. Be sure to check your local laws before heading out.

Turkey Reaping Safety

This brings us to safety. As we just mentioned above, reaping and fanning can be very dangerous if not practiced responsibly. This strategy should only be used on private land you have surveyed and are sure no other unwanted hunters are present on. Most hunters talk about the more obvious danger of the reapers themselves getting shot, while not much focus is put on other hunters who could be behind the bird you are shooting. Stick to open fields and stay away from thick wooded areas that could hold additional turkey hunters.

Our turkey decoys are very realistic, as they are made from real images of the game they represent. Therefore, if you ever plan to use a Montana Decoy as a stalking shield, please do so in the safest manner possible.

Turkey Decoy or Fan?

So should you use a decoy or a fan? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A gobbler can get spooked by the absence of a body. You’ll often need a turkey decoy to ensure those last few yards are closed, especially if reaping with a bow. One argument for the use of tail fans is that they are light weight, whereas decoys tend to be heavier and bulky. With the FANATIC, you don’t have that problem. You get both benefits in one decoy. This 2D full strut turkey decoy can easily be used stalking cover. Furthermore, the FANATIC has a handle and a stake. Once the distance between you and the turkey closes in to about 50 yards, stake the decoy and prepare for the shot.

Self proclaimed “Turkey Freak”, Jeff Budz, has had incredible success utilizing this type of stalking tactic with our 2D turkey decoys. In a recent Bowhunting.com blog on early season turkey hunting, Budz mentions, “I have been able to stalk right in on many gobblers with a Montana Decoy. Every hunter should try them. They work great!”

Here’s what one of our customers had to say: "Wanted to let y'all know your fanatic decoy is the best reaping decoy on the market. The lightest and most affordable gobbler decoy on the market as well. THANKS FOR THE GREAT PRODUCT. Killed the largest bird of my life at 6 steps came running in at 150 yards..."

Just remember...Safety always comes first!