There are still two weeks left of the spring turkey season

There are still two weeks left of the spring turkey season, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters of the safest ways to use decoys.

Decoys are effective tools for attracting turkeys as well as distracting them from you. However, other hunters may stalk your calls, see your decoy and shoot; putting you in potential danger.

Keeping safety in mind, follow these defensive hunting tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation:

• A decoy should never be visible while being transported. Never carry an uncovered (identifiable) decoy any distance; a blaze orange bag is a safe method for transporting decoys while afield.
• Whenever possible, set up by a “stand” tree that is greater in diameter than the width of your shoulders.
• From your seated position, identify the clearest line of vision to your front. Establish a “sight line” that allows you 100 yards visibility. Then set your decoy approximately 20 yards from your position on the line.
• Should you see another hunter, call out to them in a loud, clear voice. Their presence has already compromised your location and a “soft” call may only confuse them, rather than alerting them to your presence.
• If you are calling over decoys and then decide to move to a new location, check carefully to ensure that no one is stalking your decoys. Check before leaving your “stand” tree. You may also consider using one of the new decoys that incorporate some blaze orange color into the wing and tail feathers.

We also remind hunters to practice and utilize the four rules of Firearm Safety (TAB-K) :

• T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• B – Be certain of your target; what’s before and what’s beyond it.
• K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

The regular turkey hunting season ends June 1. More information on the 2021 spring turkey season is available on the DNR’s website.