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My morning roost hunt was a bust. The flock’s bossiest girl took three toms with her when she yelled and cut her way up the canyon, away from my ground blind set. Since it would be nearly impossible to get back on those birds in open terrain, I made the decision to try a different approach.
I took a cloth decoy out of my pack and used Velcro straps to secure it to my bow, turning my vertical rig into a full strut tom decoy. Then I made my way to a large sage bush 150 yards away from the flock. In an open area of a pasture that had been grazed to the bone, the girls were pecking and scratching at dried cow pies, while the boys were puffed up. I moved my bow out from behind the bush and yelped loudly.
The response was instant. Two of the three toms dropped strut and came toward me at full tilt. When they were within 20 yards, I was so taken aback that I failed to notice the four additional Jakes that were standing 4 yards away from me. The jakes got behind me and spooked, taking the two toms away with them. But the third tom back at the flock was ready to fight, and he came charging.
When the hinge on my release went off, the bird was still running toward my bow-mounted decoy. He was so close that when the arrow hit him, he kicked dirt up on my pant legs.
What is Reaping in Turkey Hunting?
Reaping, also known as “fanning,” is a controversial tactic in turkey hunting that involves approaching a tom turkey from behind while using a full-strut decoy or a fan to mimic a rival tom. The goal is to provoke the tom into charging the decoy, putting him within close range for a shot. While effective, reaping raises concerns about hunter safety and ethics, as well as its potential impact on turkey populations.
Arguments Against Reaping:
- Safety Concerns: Reaping often involves moving through dense cover and getting close to a potentially aggressive turkey, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Ethical Concerns: Critics argue that reaping is an unfair tactic that takes advantage of a tom’s natural instincts to defend his territory, giving the hunter an unfair advantage.
- Impact on Turkey Populations: Some experts believe that reaping disproportionately targets dominant breeding toms, potentially harming long-term population health.
Arguments for Reaping:
- Effectiveness: Proponents of reaping highlight its effectiveness in harvesting mature toms, especially in areas with high hunting pressure.
- Thrilling Experience: The adrenaline rush of a close encounter with a charging tom is often cited as a reason for its popularity.
- Regulation, not Ban: Some argue that instead of banning reaping, regulations could be implemented to mitigate safety concerns and ensure sustainable harvest practices.
The Debate Continues:
The debate surrounding reaping continues to divide the turkey hunting community. While some states have banned the practice, others allow it with varying regulations. As the controversy persists, it’s crucial to consider the arguments on both sides and engage in responsible discussions about the future of turkey hunting.
Additional Considerations:
- Alternatives to Reaping: Traditional turkey hunting methods, such as calling and stalking, offer ethical and challenging alternatives to reaping.
- Hunter Education: Emphasizing hunter education and safety protocols is essential to minimize risks associated with reaping and other turkey hunting techniques.
- Sustainable Harvest Practices: Implementing science-based regulations and promoting responsible hunting practices are crucial for ensuring the long-term health of turkey populations.
Reaping in turkey hunting remains a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides. Understanding the concerns and potential consequences of this tactic is essential for making informed decisions about its future. By engaging in open dialogue, promoting responsible hunting practices, and prioritizing the sustainability of turkey populations, we can ensure a vibrant and ethical future for this beloved sport.
- Turkey hunting
- Reaping
- Fanning
- Safety
- Ethics
- Turkey populations
- Hunting regulations
- Hunter education
- Sustainable harvest practices
Additional Resources:
- National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
- Quality Deer Management Association: https://www.qdma.com/
- The Ruffed Grouse Society: https://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/
Disclaimer:
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult with qualified experts and adhere to local regulations and safety guidelines when engaging in turkey hunting or any outdoor activity.
How to Hunt With a Bow-Mounted Reaping Decoy
Reaping is nothing new, but most turkey reapers tote a shotgun. Taking birds outside a blind behind a bow-mounted fake is a tad more complicated. When hunting with a shotgun and a longbeard hangs up at 50 yards, you can shoot him. When a bow is in your hand, you’ll need to get the bird inside 20 yards. The beauty of bow-mounted reaping is that it can quickly become chaotic and isn’t always effective. There’s no better way to kill birds at absurdly close ranges with your stick and string if you’re ready to break free from blindness.
The Best Decoy Setup For Reaping Turkeys With a Bow
My bow-mounted reaping decoy of choice is Ultimate Predator Gear’s MerRio Turkey Decoy. (The company also makes an Eastern Turkey fake.) The decoy comes with Velcro straps for attaching it to your bow, but I highly recommend purchasing the Spider Straps, which are easier to use and much quieter. Wrap the straps around your bow’s riser at the top and bottom, where the riser and limbs join, and you’re set to go. When not in use, the decoy folds to fit perfectly in your pack or turkey vest.
I also recommend a Kwik Stand bow system from Pine Ridge Archery, or some kind of stabilizer system with screw-in or deployable legs to keep your bow propped up. Without a stand, your bow will always have to be in your hands which makes it hard to use optics or a hand-operated turkey call. And when you find yourself hunching behind a bit of cover and the birds are off in the distance, it sure is nice to be able to set the bow down.
I’d never practiced with this decoy or attached it to my bow before using it in the field. Don’t be me. If that tom hadn’t been so close, I’m not sure my arrow would have made contact. The decoy adds very little weight to your bow, but when the wind blows through it, it functions as a sail. I recommend practicing with it attached to your bow regularly. Additionally, you should practice quickly mounting it to your bow and make sure that your attachment points align your stabilizer and sight with the vertical shooting window.
